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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Phoenix? 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 untouched, pristine, and secluded island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

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

Both Phoenix and Cumberland Island National Seashore have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cumberland Island National Seashore is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science 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 Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

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

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

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 Phoenix Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Phoenix.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers lots of family activities. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island if you're traveling as 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Phoenix both offer respectable 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Phoenix. 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 Phoenix. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Phoenix, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Phoenix?

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cumberland Island National Seashore has to offer.

Many people visit Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix is a popular place to visit. The laid back city of Phoenix offers shopping and museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many people enjoy the when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Phoenix and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is cooler than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Phoenix. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Phoenix. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Cumberland Island National Seashore