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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Louis?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Louis? 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Louis are both popular with visitors, Saint Louis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Louis is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also home to the Gateway Arch.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

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 Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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 Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Louis Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis is a great city for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Saint Louis Better for Families?

Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly destination. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel 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 Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Louis. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Saint Louis than Cumberland Island National Seashore. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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 Saint Louis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the untouched 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 Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

The undeveloped 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.

Saint Louis is a popular place to visit. The fascinating city of Saint Louis offers shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Louis?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Saint Louis, we can see that Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis Expensive?.

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

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 Saint Louis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Saint Louis. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is around the same temperature as Saint Louis in the summer. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets less sunshine than Saint Louis. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in July than Saint Louis. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Saint Louis and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis during autumn. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Louis. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Saint Louis and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in January than Saint Louis. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis during spring. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Cumberland Island National Seashore