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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Orleans?

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

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

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Orleans are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

The French Quarter

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a good area for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking 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 New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is known as a music capital around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a live music destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great city for its historic old town. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

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

New Orleans is adequate for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain 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 New Orleans Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a island with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a family-friendly island. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Orleans Better for Students?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Orleans 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 Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Orleans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Orleans. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 2-3 days is enough time in New Orleans.

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

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In New Orleans, you'll find nightlife and live music. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the pristine destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit New Orleans for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Orleans?

The pristine island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

New Orleans is a popular place to visit. The energetic city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.

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

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 New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and New Orleans. 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 New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans 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 New Orleans during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain 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 less rain than New Orleans. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as New Orleans. 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 New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. 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 less sunshine than New Orleans. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New Orleans. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both New Orleans 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. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In New Orleans, 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 New Orleans. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Cumberland Island National Seashore