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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Williamsburg? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg is a great town for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg is adequate for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

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 Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

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

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

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

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Williamsburg Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Williamsburg make for a superb 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.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable island. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Williamsburg than Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg?

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, many people enjoy the that this untouched 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 Williamsburg, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg?

You'll find around the secluded 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.

Williamsburg is a popular place to visit. The historic town of Williamsburg offers museums and food. 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 Williamsburg?

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 food and shopping when visiting Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg, we can see that Cumberland Island National Seashore is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cumberland Island National Seashore than you might in Williamsburg.

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.

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

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

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

In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Williamsburg 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 and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg during autumn. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in January than Williamsburg. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during spring. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Cumberland Island National Seashore