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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Mystic?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Mystic? 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Mystic: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mystic. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Mystic are both popular with visitors, Mystic has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mystic is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mystic is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its New England charm and local character. It is also home to the Mystic Seaport Museum. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

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 Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Mystic 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 Mystic has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

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.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Mystic Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

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.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

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

Mystic is a great town for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic Better for Families?

Mystic is a great 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.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

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

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Mystic 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, Mystic is lacking in 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Mystic?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Mystic, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Mystic?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Mystic 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic is a popular place to visit. The quaint town of Mystic offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the pristine destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Mystic, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive?.

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

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 Mystic in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Mystic. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Mystic in the summer. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic 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 Mystic during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 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 Mystic. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Mystic. The autumn months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Mystic averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in October than Mystic. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Mystic and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mystic. In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mystic. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Mystic and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the spring for the beaches.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Mystic in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Mystic, 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 Mystic. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in April than Mystic. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Cumberland Island National Seashore