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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern? 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Bern: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Bern 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 New Bern is known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. 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. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy 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 New Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Bern 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 New Bern. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

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 New Bern Better for Nightlife?

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

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

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 New Bern Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern?

New Bern 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 New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

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 New Bern Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern 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, New Bern is not particularly known 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 New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Bern are good 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.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern?

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

Families should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern?

The beautiful island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

New Bern is a small town with plenty to do. 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 New Bern?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cumberland Island National Seashore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit New Bern 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 New Bern?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

New Bern is a popular place to visit. Because New Bern is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Bern?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Since New Bern is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 New Bern, we can see that Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 New Bern Expensive?.

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

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 New Bern in the Summer?

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in July than New Bern. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both New Bern 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 New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than New Bern. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in January than New Bern. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Bern. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Bern. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Cumberland Island National Seashore