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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City? 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 York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and New York City: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and New York City are both popular with visitors, New York City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. 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 New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a theatre destination.

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

New York City 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 York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 York City Better for Nightlife?

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

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 York City Better for Music?

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

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a live music destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

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

New York City is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in New York City. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Cumberland Island National Seashore does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great city for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in New York City offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Cumberland Island National Seashore does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City Better for Families?

New York City is a great city 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.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its romantic activities.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

For backpackers, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and New York City are superb places to visit.

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 York City is a great island to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

New York City is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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.

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

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of walkability.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 New York City.

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the untouched destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 York City?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many people visit New York City for a weekend. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the pristine destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

New York City is a popular place to visit. Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or New York City?

You'll find around the beautiful island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This is a popular place to visit for one week. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 York City, we can see that New York City 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 York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 York City Expensive?.

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

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 York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and New York City. 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 New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City 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 more rain than New York City. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as New York City. The autumn months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New York City. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both New York City and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as New York City. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both New York City 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 New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Cumberland Island National Seashore