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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango? 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.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Durango: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Durango. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Durango are both popular with visitors, Durango has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. It is also home to The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife 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 Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Durango offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

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 Durango Better for Nightlife?

Neither Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cumberland Island National Seashore Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.

People don't go to Durango for the nightlife. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

Durango is a good destination for visiting its old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

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

Durango is adequate for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Durango is a good destination for shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

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 Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Durango. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Cumberland Island National Seashore does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango Better for Families?

Durango is a great small town 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.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango 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 Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango 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.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Durango. In our opinion, Durango has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Durango than Cumberland Island National Seashore. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Durango. 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 Durango 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango?

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.

Durango is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A weekend in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango?

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.

Many people visit Durango for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Durango?

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.

Durango is a popular place to visit. Because Durango is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Durango?

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.

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Durango, we can see that Durango 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 Durango Expensive?.