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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hershey? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hershey: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Cumberland Island National Seashore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. It is also home to the Dungeness Ruins.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car 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 Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Hershey offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Hershey is adequate for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

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 Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Hershey is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey 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.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hershey Better for Hiking?

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

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

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

Hershey 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 Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

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 Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is an amazing town to visit 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hershey is a very family-friendly destination. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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 Hershey Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hershey make for a high quality place to visit.

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.

Hershey is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hershey 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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal 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.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable island. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hershey. In our opinion, Hershey has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hershey 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 Hershey.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hershey than Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hershey 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 Hershey 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 Hershey?

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.

In Hershey, you'll find shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

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 Hershey for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Hershey?

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.

Hershey is a popular place to visit. The playful town of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hershey?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hershey, we can see that Hershey 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.

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

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 Hershey in the Summer?

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. 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 less sunshine than Hershey. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Hershey 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 Hershey for the shopping scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey 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 Hershey during spring. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Hershey. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Cumberland Island National Seashore