Spending time on the coast and beaches is a favorite pastime for many travelers. The Outer Banks (OBX) and Myrtle Beach are two of the most popular beach destinations in the Carolinas. Both offer beautiful scenery, sandy beaches, and outdoor recreation. However, each location provides a unique experience. If you’re deciding between Myrtle Beach and OBX, or planning a trip that includes both, it’s important to understand the distance between them, their differences, and what each destination offers.
Distance Between Myrtle Beach and Outer Banks
If you’re planning to travel from Myrtle Beach to the Outer Banks, you should be prepared for a bit of a drive. The distance between Myrtle Beach and Nags Head, a popular starting point for visitors to OBX, is approximately 314 miles, which translates to about a six-hour drive under normal conditions. The most common route involves traveling north from Myrtle Beach on U.S. Highway 17 and then east toward Nags Head via U.S. Highway 64. The trip is straightforward, but there are plenty of interesting stops along the way if you want to explore more. You can detour through scenic towns like Wilmington, North Carolina, or visit charming Outer Banks towns like Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills. Whether you make a few stops or drive straight through, the road trip offers many opportunities for sightseeing.
Myrtle Beach vs. Outer Banks
While both Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks boast beautiful beaches, they each offer distinct experiences. Myrtle Beach stretches along 60 miles of coastline, whereas the Outer Banks spans over 100 miles. If you’re seeking more space to spread out on the sand, OBX offers more options for exploring different beaches. Myrtle Beach has a more commercialized and urban feel, with towering hotels and resort-style accommodations lining the beach. The area is well-known for its bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, and family-friendly attractions. In contrast, the Outer Banks has a more rustic and laid-back atmosphere. Hotels here are typically set further back from the beach to preserve the natural landscape, and public access to beaches can be more limited. Some areas are private and exclusive to specific resorts or communities, but there are still plenty of public beaches to enjoy. Myrtle Beach offers public parking all along its coastline, making it easy for visitors to park and access the beach. In contrast, the Outer Banks has limited public parking and beach access in some areas. Visitors to OBX might need to check access points in advance, especially if staying at a private resort or community.
How Far is the Outer Banks from Myrtle Beach?
There are a few things to remember to get from Myrtle Beach to Outer Banks. If you want to travel by car, start at Nags Head and drive southwest, following US-64 for 314 miles. It is about a 6 hour drive non-stop. Because there is so much to see, many options exist to stop and enjoy. Take a look at some of the best routes depending on where you are coming from or going to and what you want to see along the way.
Attractions in Outer Banks vs. Myrtle Beach
Nature and wildlife are major attractions in the Outer Banks. The region is known for its stunning beauty and offers a range of activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and birdwatching. OBX draws visitors for its wild horses in Corolla, with many taking 4WD tours to see them up close. It’s also an excellent spot for fishing, whether from the shore at Cape Hatteras National Seashore or from one of the many fishing piers. Golfers can enjoy scenic courses set in peaceful, nature-filled surroundings. OBX is also home to historical sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Roanoke Island, where visitors can delve into the area’s past, including the mystery of the Lost Colony.
Myrtle Beach, in contrast, is known for its vibrant urban atmosphere. The destination is home to Broadway at the Beach, a massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that caters to visitors of all ages. Myrtle Beach also boasts many amusement parks and attractions such as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, mini-golf courses, and arcades, making it a fantastic choice for families. Other popular attractions include Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, which offers a quirky museum experience, and the Hollywood Wax Museum, where visitors can see life-sized figures of their favorite stars. For those looking for water sports, Myrtle Beach offers parasailing, jet skiing, and boat rentals. The area is also home to a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live entertainment venues.
Best Times to Visit
When it comes to timing your trip, both Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks experience peak tourist seasons during the summer, especially around July and August. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the spring or fall months. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the beach and attractions at a more relaxed pace. While Myrtle Beach is a year-round destination, the Outer Banks tends to be quieter and more peaceful in the off-season, which might appeal to those seeking a more serene getaway.
Choosing Between Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks
Whether you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks, or both, each location offers something unique. Myrtle Beach is perfect for those who enjoy a lively, commercialized environment with plenty of attractions for families and tourists. The Outer Banks, however, is ideal for those seeking a more rustic, nature-focused vacation with wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures. The 314-mile journey between the two destinations takes about six hours, offering a great opportunity to explore more of the Carolinas. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling boardwalks and theme parks of Myrtle Beach or the stunning landscapes and historical charm of the Outer Banks, both destinations promise unforgettable coastal experiences.
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