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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach? 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.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

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 Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

Myrtle Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular vacation 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking. 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach?

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

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

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 Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable island. 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.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable island. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach?

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach?

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, many people enjoy the that this pristine island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Myrtle Beach?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Myrtle Beach?

You'll find around the pristine destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Myrtle Beach is a popular place to visit. In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Myrtle Beach?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

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 Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Myrtle Beach. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in July than Myrtle Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Myrtle Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach during autumn. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Myrtle Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in January than Myrtle Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Myrtle Beach. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach during spring. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore