Destinations › Myrtle Beach vs Hilton Head
Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island sit about 150 miles apart in a straight line. Here they are side by side on getting there, parking, beach dog rules, free things to do and events, each from the towns' own pages.
Plan It in Three Lines
Pick Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach was incorporated on March 12, 1938, and became a city in 1957, when its permanent population first passed 5,000. The city is at the heart of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of coastline on South Carolina's northeastern coast.
12 things to doPick Hilton Head Island
The Hilton Head Island visitor site calls the island "America's Favorite Island" and lists beaches, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, family activities, golf, water activities, shopping, biking and guided tours among things to do. The island has 12 miles of white-sand coastline, and all beaches are public from the ocean to the high-water mark.
16 things to do
Side by Side
| Myrtle Beach | Hilton Head Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Horry County, Grand Strand | Beaufort County, Lowcountry |
| Population (2024 est.) | 40,535 | 38,158 |
| Getting there | Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is at 1100 Jetport Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. | Hilton Head Island Airport (code HHH) is about 5 miles from all island resorts; American, Delta and United offer year-round and seasonal nonstop flights from eight destinations. |
| Parking | A. Beach accesses and street ends (citywide): $3.00 per hour or $15.00 all day | Town beach parks with paid parking (Alder Lane, Burkes Beach, Driessen, Fish Haul, Folly Field, Islanders): $3 per hour Monday-Friday; $5 per hour Saturday and Sunday (per vehicle) |
| Things to do on our list | 12 (1 free) | 16 (4 free) |
| Dogs on the beach | May 1 through Labor Day: dogs allowed on the beach only before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Day after Labor Day through April 30: any time of day. Leash seven feet or shorter at all times (service dogs excluded); owners must pick up waste. Violations: fine up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail. | Official beach season is April 1 through September 30. October through March: animals any time, leashed or under voice control. April through the Thursday before Memorial Day: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. leash required; 5 p.m.-10 a.m. leashed or under voice control. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. animals not allowed on the beach; 5 p.m.-10 a.m. leashed or under voice control. Tuesday after Labor Day through September: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. leash required; 5 p.m.-10 a.m. leashed or under voice control. Owners must remove animal waste. Fish Haul Creek restricted area (about two football fields, roughly 600 feet from the Fish Haul access) takes effect once Town Council adopts the code change. |
More beaches: which South Carolina beach to pick.
FAQ
Is Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Island better for a weekend?
It depends on what you want. Compare parking, dog rules, free things to do and events in the table, then open each guide.
How far is Myrtle Beach from Hilton Head Island?
About 150 miles in a straight line between the town centres (Census points); driving is farther.
Sources
- City of Myrtle Beach – About Myrtle Beach
- City of Myrtle Beach – Beach Conditions & Laws
- City of Myrtle Beach – Parking Meters
- City of Myrtle Beach – Facilities, Parks & Playgrounds
- City of Myrtle Beach – Wall of Service
- City of Myrtle Beach – Boardwalk anniversary
- Town of Hilton Head Island – Parking for Beach Parks
- Town of Hilton Head Island – Animals on the Beach
- Town of Hilton Head Island – Public Beach Parks & Access
- Town of Hilton Head Island – Beach Regulations
- Town of Hilton Head Island – Beach parking fee changes news
- Town of Hilton Head Island – Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Read on October 26, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Myrtle Beach vs Hilton Head”, itssouthcarolina.com/destinations/myrtle-beach-vs-hilton-head-island/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.