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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Cleveland: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cleveland. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Cleveland are both popular with visitors, Cleveland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cleveland is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. It is also home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cleveland is a great city for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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 Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

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

Cleveland offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

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 Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland has a few options to choose from. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

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 Cleveland Better for Music?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cleveland is a great city for live music. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a live music destination.

Cleveland has a thriving music scene. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a live music destination.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

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 Cleveland Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

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

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.

Cleveland is a family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.


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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Cleveland both offer decent 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 Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cleveland

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of 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.

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Cleveland. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 1-3 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland?

You'll find around the island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cumberland Island National Seashore has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cleveland, you'll find nightlife and live music. 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 Cleveland?

You'll find around the untouched destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the secluded island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cleveland is a popular place to visit. The diverse city of Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. 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, Cleveland 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 Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland? 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 Cleveland


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: Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $59
    Cleveland $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $179
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64

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

Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

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


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $23
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $28
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $471
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $240
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Enchanted Cleveland Holiday Walking Tour: $294

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $25
    Cleveland $45

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


When comparing the travel costs between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland Expensive?.



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

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Cleveland. Many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 82°F (28°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Cleveland. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 70°F (21°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

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

Both Cleveland and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 53°F (12°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

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

Both Cleveland and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cleveland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 68°F (20°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)


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