A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Wilmington for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington? 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.

Where Should I go: Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington?

Cumberland Island National Seashore

The Cumberland Island National Seashore, located on the southern coastline of Georgia, preserves an island of beaches and dunes, marshes, and freshwater lakes. It is also home to many historic sites and structures, preserved and interpreted for visitors to explore.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a port city in southeastern North Carolina. It's a great city to visit for it's nearby beaches, large historic district, and quaint atmosphere. The city has a population of about 115,000 and it's the eighth largest city in the state.

Wilmington is also home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as well as the EUE Screen Gems Studios. This is the largest domestic television and movie production facility outside of California. The studio, which opened in 1984, helped grow Wilmington into a major base for film and television production. The city has been the backdrop for many movies and tv shows including Iron Man 3, Sleepy Hollow, One Tree Hill, and Revolution.

Which place is cheaper, Wilmington or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cumberland Island National Seashore is $148, while the average daily cost in Wilmington is $204. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $75
    Wilmington $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $150
    Wilmington $240
Compare Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington

Looking for a hotel in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore


Hotels in Wilmington


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Wilmington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $59
    Wilmington $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington?

Prices for flights to both Wilmington and Cumberland Island National Seashore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $38
    Wilmington $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $23
    Wilmington $17

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wilmington.

  • 1.5 Hour Wilmington E-Bike Night Tour: $40
  • 1.5 Hour Wilmington E-Bike Night Tour: $40
  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Day Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Day Tour: $45
  • 5-Hour River to Sea E-Bike Day Tour Adventure: $85
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $21
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill: $90
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: $50
  • Sunset Harbor Cruise Tour: $50
  • Sunset Sail Tour : $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $25
    Wilmington $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Wilmington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wilmington:

  • Private and Custom Brewery Tour in a '72 VW Bus : $90


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wilmington than you might in Cumberland Island National Seashore.


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

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

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

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. It's quite rainy in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 82°F (28°C) 
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C)

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

Both Wilmington and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Wilmington averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Wilmington, 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Wilmington. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 70°F (21°C) 
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 53°F (12°C) 
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Wilmington.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Wilmington in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Wilmington. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 68°F (20°C) 
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Wilmington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)


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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Wilmington Travel Comparison

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