A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Chapel Hill for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill? 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 undeveloped, untouched, and pristine island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cumberland Island National Seashore is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for the Dungeness Ruins. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill is a great town for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

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 Chapel Hill? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

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 Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill is a great town for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Chapel Hill has something for everybody. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for the beach. However, Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

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 Chapel Hill Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers lots of family activities. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Chapel Hill is a family-friendly place to visit. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Cumberland Island National Seashore frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Chapel Hill is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its public transit.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

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

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.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable place. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Chapel Hill. In our opinion, Chapel Hill has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chapel Hill than Cumberland Island National Seashore. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Chapel Hill. 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.

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the untouched island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Chapel Hill, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the untouched destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

The secluded island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Chapel Hill is a popular place to visit. The southern town of Chapel Hill offers shopping and museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Chapel Hill?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chapel Hill. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Chapel Hill, we can see that Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill Expensive?.

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Chapel Hill. The summer months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year.

In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally around the same temperature as Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Chapel Hill. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chapel Hill. Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chapel Hill. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Chapel Hill and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Chapel Hill in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chapel Hill during autumn. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chapel Hill. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Chapel Hill and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chapel Hill can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Chapel Hill averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Chapel Hill. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Chapel Hill. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Chapel Hill. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally a little warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during spring. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Chapel Hill. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and Cumberland Island National Seashore