If you’re lookin’ for a good time and a sweet spot to catch some waves, you can’t go wrong with either Cocoa Beach or Myrtle Beach.
But if you’re like me, a beach bum at heart, you wanna know which one is the real deal, the crème de la crème, the beach that’ll make your heart skip a beat and leave you with a tan that’ll last you all year round.
Now, I’ve been to both Cocoa Beach and Myrtle Beach, and I gotta say, it’s a tough call.
Cocoa Beach has got that classic Florida vibe, with its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. And let me tell you, the waves are gnarly, dude!
I remember catching some sick barrels there and feeling like a total surfer.
But then there’s Myrtle Beach, and oh boy, does that place have some serious charm. The sand is a bit coarser, but the water is warmer, and the beach is way more spacious.
And the boardwalk, oh the boardwalk! It’s a whole different level of fun, with all sorts of crazy rides and carnival games.
I remember stuffing my face with some killer fried dough and playing some skee-ball with my buddies.
But here’s the thing, folks.
As much as I loved both beaches, if I had to choose one, I’d go with Cocoa Beach. Why? ‘
Cause it’s got that laid-back surfer vibe that just screams “beach life,” you know what I’m sayin’?
Plus, it’s less crowded than Myrtle Beach, which means more waves for me to catch and more space for me to soak up the sun.
And let’s not forget about the killer seafood joints and tiki bars. Man, I could go for some coconut shrimp and a margarita right about now.
Speaking of which, I remember one time I was at Cocoa Beach and I stumbled upon this little beachside bar that had the best mojitos I’ve ever had in my life.
I ended up chatting with the bartender, who was a total surfer dude himself, and we talked about catching waves and living the beach life. It was one of those moments that just felt perfect, you know?
And that’s why I gotta give it to Cocoa Beach. It’s got that special something that just can’t be beat.
Cocoa Beach vs Myrtle Beach
Aspect | Cocoa Beach | Myrtle Beach |
---|---|---|
Location | Located on the east coast of Florida | Located on the east coast of South Carolina |
Beach Quality | Soft, sandy beaches with clear blue water | Wide, sandy beaches with moderate waves |
Weather | Tropical climate with warm temperatures | Subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers |
Tourist Attractions | Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach Pier | Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk |
Activities | Surfing, fishing, boating, kayaking | Golfing, water sports, amusement parks |
Dining Options | Seafood restaurants, beachfront cafes | Wide variety of restaurants and cuisines |
Nightlife | Laid-back beach bars and live music | Large selection of clubs, bars, and shows |
Myrtle Beach
One of the most amazing things that Myrtle Beach is known for is the largest water park in South Carolina, which is known as Myrtle Waves.
Myrtle Waves has over one million gallons of water flowing through over 20 acres of slides, rides, rafts and chutes.
Some of the larger and more frightening slides are:
- Turbo twister
- The king cobra shoot in snake mountain
- Night flight
These are mostly recommended for older children, there are other options, which are more suitable for younger children. In the city, FlowRider’s endless surf machine is only available in Myrtle Waves.
The 20 feet-long enclosed Super Chute Slide is among one of the many amazing water slides and is for the strongest and most courageous ones. There are other beachfront water parks, which include:
- Splashes Water Park and
- Wild & Water Wheels
Wild and Water Wheels consists of:
- Large water slides and tube slides,
- Pools,
- A go-kart track,
- Kiddie and family rides, and
- Mini-golf.
Once it’s a tourist town, there’s definitely a need for a wax museum.
The Hollywood House of Wax in Myrtle Beach is located off Highway 17.
If you’re having troubles getting the location, just look for King Kong swinging off the Empire State Building.
There are eerily lifelike wax figures of some of the most popular Hollywood actors in the wax museum. Some famous actors are Clint Eastwood and Duane Johnson (aka The Rock).
Not only will you be able to view these cool wax figures, you can also get onstage with some of the most notable musicians and hold a trophy with NASCAR heroes.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is renowned for being the home to champion surfers.
Many surfing competitions are held in Cocoa Beach and the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop and Florida Surf Museum are located in this same place.
If you want to learn how to surf or get better at surfing, then this is the best place to learn how to do so. Ron Jon Surf School is one of the best schools teaching amateur people how to surf.
If you’re bold enough, you can also engage in more daring activities like kite surfing and parasailing with professional trainers.
Kelly Slater, the 11-time ASP World Tour Champion and considerably one of the greatest surfers ever is from Cocoa Beach.
His bronze statue is erected just where the State Road A1A splits into one-way north and one-way south in Downtown Cocoa Beach.
Top Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
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Hang Ten with the Atlantic
Get your surfboard ready and hit the waves at Myrtle Beach! With its consistent swells and sandy breaks, this coastal gem is a haven for surfers of all skill levels.
Catch a wave and feel the rush as you carve through the crystal-clear waters, just like a pro.
Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, there are plenty of surf schools offering lessons to help you ride those gnarly waves like a champ!
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Tee Off with a View
Calling all golf enthusiasts! Myrtle Beach boasts over 100 golf courses, offering golfers a breathtaking backdrop of ocean vistas and lush greens.
Imagine teeing off with the ocean breeze caressing your face and palm trees swaying in the distance.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of courses, including renowned designs by golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
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Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
Are you ready for an action-packed adventure? Myrtle Beach has you covered! Jump on a jet ski and zip across the shimmering waters, feeling the wind in your hair and the thrill of speed.
Take it up a notch with parasailing, where you’ll soar high above the ocean, enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.
For a wild and wet experience, hop on a banana boat and hold on tight as it bounces and glides over the waves. Prepare for non-stop fun and heart-pounding excitement!
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Dive into Marine Magic
Discover the wonders of the deep sea at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. Immerse yourself in an enchanting underwater world as you come face-to-face with mesmerizing marine creatures.
Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks as they gracefully swim above you. Marvel at colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
Don’t miss the chance to interact with friendly stingrays or witness a playful dolphin show. It’s an educational and awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers of all ages.
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Stroll the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Take a leisurely walk along the iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a bustling hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping.
Indulge in delicious coastal cuisine at beachfront restaurants, serving fresh seafood and mouthwatering specialties.
Browse through unique boutiques and souvenir shops, where you can find beach-themed treasures and locally crafted goods.
Enjoy live music performances, street entertainers, and amusement rides that bring the boardwalk to life. It’s the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
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The Magic of a Sunset Bird Tour
As the sun starts its descent, join a captivating sunset bird tour where you’ll witness nature’s symphony in full swing.
Picture yourself standing amidst lush surroundings, listening to the melodic chorus of birds as they bid farewell to the day.
The vibrant colors of the sunset provide a breathtaking backdrop for this harmonic performance, creating a truly magical ambiance.
Dolphin and Manatee Tours
Through group and private tours in Cocoa Beach, you can view the manatees and dolphins of the Indian River up close on this wildlife and sightseeing tour
In addition, there are many companies, which provide guided kayak and paddle board tours that enlighten people on native animals such as migratory birds, manatees and dolphins.
For people who are more comfortable with a less active approach, you can book a charter on a guided boat tour and take many pictures while you’re at it.
Best Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
Lori Wilson Park
Lori Wilson Park is a lovely walking area, which permits you to come along with your dog.
Here you have beach access, pavilions, grills, dunes, a boardwalk, and bird watching.
Lori Wilson Park is a 32.43-acre regional beach park, which opens from sunrise till dusk and allows free parking and admission.
Thousand Islands Conservation Area
Located in the Indian River Lagoon on the south side of Minuteman Causeway, Thousand Island Conservation area is a 338-acre site consisting of a series of Islands.
Except the short nature trail along Fourth Street South, you can only access the islands using a boat
Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
Operated by Brevard County, the Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park is a 2-acre ocean-front park which provides parking, picnic, bathrooms and shower facilities.
In Cocoa Beach, you have numerous places to visit. For example, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail.
This site was founded in 1963 as an overlay of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center, and it consists of 140,000 acres which houses over 1,500 species of plants and animals.
The Alan Shepard Beachfront Park is a lovely beach, which has a variety of hard and soft sand. It is located just between the Cocoa Beach Pier and Ron Jon’s Surf Shop.
If you are visiting Myrtle Beach, you have your hands full.
Just north of Cocoa Beach, around the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, you can explore the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence.
This nighttime kayak tour is an awesome experience for anyone.
FAQs
Why is Myrtle Beach so dirty?
Most of the pathogenic or harmful bacteria are as a result of water runoff, mostly from a storm.
These stormwater outfalls are very common on the Grand Strand and on other beaches surrounding the area.
They carry the storm water from the city to the beach and the ocean.
Can you walk on Myrtle Beach at night?
Yes. Taking a walk at night in Myrtle Beach is a very relaxing and therapeutic exercise. You can stroll along the boardwalk at night although this can be a little bit crowded.
Which beach is better than Myrtle Beach?
Asides the Myrtle Beach, the Surfside Beach which is located 10 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach is known to be the most family-friendly and affordable beach in the state.
This beach has 2 miles of coastline with 36 beach access points.
Which beach is better for surfing Cocoa Beach or Myrtle Beach?
If you’re a seasoned surfer looking for some killer waves, Cocoa Beach is the place to be.
Its consistent surf breaks and laid-back surfer vibe make it a top destination for surfers of all levels.
Which beach is better for families Cocoa Beach or Myrtle Beach?
Both beaches offer plenty of family-friendly activities, but Myrtle Beach is known for its extensive boardwalk and amusement park rides, which make it a hit with kids.
However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed family vacation, Cocoa Beach’s quieter atmosphere may be more your speed.
Cocoa Beach or Myrtle Beach, Which beach is more crowded?
Myrtle Beach is generally more crowded than Cocoa Beach, especially during peak season.
However, both beaches can get pretty busy on weekends and holidays.
Which beach has better restaurants Cocoa Beach or Myrtle Beach?
Both beaches offer a variety of restaurants serving fresh seafood and other local specialties. However, Cocoa Beach’s beachside tiki bars and seafood joints are a must-visit for any foodie.
Cocoa Beach or Myrtle Beach, Which beach has better weather?
Both beaches have warm weather year-round, but Myrtle Beach tends to be a bit warmer in the summer months, while Cocoa Beach has more mild temperatures due to ocean breezes.
Both beaches are susceptible to hurricane season, so be sure to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
Which beach is more affordable Cocoa Beach or Myrtle Beach?
In terms of accommodations and dining, both beaches offer options for all budgets.
However, Cocoa Beach tends to be a bit more affordable overall, with cheaper beachfront hotels and more affordable dining options.