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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Milwaukee? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Milwaukee

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Milwaukee: 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Cumberland Island National Seashore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. It is also well known for the Dungeness Ruins. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

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

Milwaukee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

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 Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

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

Milwaukee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

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 Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

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 Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Around Cumberland Island National Seashore visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

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 Milwaukee Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

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

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.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

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

Many 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.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.


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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Milwaukee both offer reasonable 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 Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Milwaukee

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Milwaukee are nice 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.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 1-3 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Milwaukee?

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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?

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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the pristine 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.

Milwaukee is a popular place to visit. The undiscovered city of Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting Milwaukee. 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, Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee is $176. 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 Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $75
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $150
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore and Milwaukee

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


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $59
    Milwaukee $38

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

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

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

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Local Food Tour: $97
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $23
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • 2 Hour Sailing Adventure in Lake Michigan (up to 6 people): $128
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $248
  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $53
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $67
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $12
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $650
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $483
  • Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $25
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee Expensive?.



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

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 Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee 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 less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun 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 Milwaukee. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 82°F (28°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 70°F (21°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°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 Milwaukee. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 70°F (21°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

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

Both Milwaukee and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 53°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

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

Both Milwaukee and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year.

In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 68°F (20°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)


Related Articles for Cumberland Island National Seashore