A Travel Price Comparison for Georgia Atlanta vs. Cumberland Island National Seashore for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a untouched, pristine, and secluded island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Atlanta and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium. Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Atlanta different from Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a few options for museum-goers. There aren't any museums on the island, but on the mainland there's a visitor center as well as the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Most people don't head to Cumberland Island National Seashore for a culinary experience, but it does have restaurants to choose from. There are no restaurants on the island, so you need to pack any food that you might need before you arrive.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a great city for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

People don't go to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the nightlife. Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore are among the best in the world. There are 17 miles of pristine beaches along the island. You'll also find wild horses and miles of hiking trails. Swimming is popular, but do take note that there are no lifeguards on the island.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cumberland Island National Seashore draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find more than 50 miles of hiking trails on the island. They pass through a number of ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and beaches. Most visitors come for the day and spend most of their time on the Southend of the island. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of hiking trails. Some of the most popular trails are Dungeness Roadways, River Trail, and Nightingale Trail.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Cumberland Island National Seashore has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There aren't any shops or stores on the island so plan accordingly.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Atlanta is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly destination. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will appreciate the pristine coastline, beautiful wildlife, and secluded hiking trails. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but it's also possible to stay at one of the island's campgrounds. For a truly romantic experience you could also stay at the Greyfield Inn.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cumberland Island National Seashore. Backpackers appreciate the secluded and pristine atmosphere. There are miles of hiking trails as well as campgrounds on the island for those who want to stay overnight.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Students?

Atlanta is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and Cumberland Island National Seashore both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The only way to the island is by ferry. It leaves from the town of St. Marys and advanced reservations are recommended.

Is Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

Atlanta and Cumberland Island National Seashore are notable when it comes to walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is somewhat walkable. There are many hikes on the island, but the whole island is 18 miles long, making it difficult to walk in one day. Many visitors spend their time near the campgrounds where there's the highest concentration of hiking trails. This area is known as Sea Camp.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Cumberland Island National Seashore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Families should spend more time in Atlanta than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Atlanta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cumberland Island National Seashore that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Atlanta if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

One day in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Atlanta for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cumberland Island National Seashore has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Atlanta is a popular place to visit. The sprawling city of Atlanta offers shopping and museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many people enjoy the when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Cumberland Island National Seashore, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Cumberland Island National Seashore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cumberland Island National Seashore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cumberland Island National Seashore and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta than you might in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Summer?

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Autumn?

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atlanta is generally cooler than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 214 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Cumberland Island National Seashore. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlanta is much colder than Cumberland Island National Seashore in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 285 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Atlanta