A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Boise for Couples and Families

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

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

Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Boise: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Boise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cumberland Island National Seashore is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Boise is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more touristy than Boise and is known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for the Dungeness Ruins. Boise is well known for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Boise is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Boise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Boise is adequate for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Boise is a popular place for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Boise has a few options to choose from. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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.

Boise is not a beach destination.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Boise is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Boise is not a hiking destination.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Boise is a popular place for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Boise. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Cumberland Island National Seashore makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options 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.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

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

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.


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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Boise

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable island. 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.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Boise 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.


  • How many days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 1-3 
    Boise 1-2

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise?

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, many people enjoy the that this pristine destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Boise, you'll find nightlife and shopping. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people visit Boise 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.


Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise?

You'll find around the untouched destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Boise. 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Boise or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cumberland Island National Seashore is $148, while the average daily cost in Boise is $146. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Boise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $75
    Boise $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $150
    Boise $150
Compare Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore and Boise

Looking for a hotel in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore


Hotels in Boise


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $59
    Boise $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Cumberland Island National Seashore or Boise?

Prices for flights to both Boise and Cumberland Island National Seashore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $38
    Boise $45

Typical Food Prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $23
    Boise $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

For Boise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho: $218
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $25
    Boise $24


When comparing the travel costs between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Boise, we can see that Cumberland Island National Seashore is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


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