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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Santa Monica? 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 pristine, secluded, and undeveloped island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History 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 Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Santa Monica are first-rate choices.

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.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a great town for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Santa Monica make for a high quality place to visit.

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.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a moderate island for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great town for its walkability. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of walkability.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Monica, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, many people enjoy the that this undeveloped island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit Santa Monica for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Santa Monica?

You'll find around the undeveloped destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica is a popular place to visit. The active town of Santa Monica offers shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Santa Monica?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

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

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Santa Monica. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Santa Monica. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is cooler than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santa Monica and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Cumberland Island National Seashore