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

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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a untouched, pristine, and secluded island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wilmington. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington are both popular with visitors, Wilmington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wilmington is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, 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. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also home to the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

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

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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 Wilmington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

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 Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Wilmington 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 Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beache.

The beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore are among the best in 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.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.


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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Wilmington is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

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

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cumberland Island National Seashore draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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 Wilmington Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

With fun activities for couples, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington make for a very good 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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Cumberland Island National Seashore is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington Better for Students?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Wilmington is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington both offer decent 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Wilmington

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.


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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington?

In either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington than Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

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


  • How many days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 1-3 
    Wilmington 2-5

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington?

With around the secluded island of Cumberland Island National Seashore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cumberland Island National Seashore, one day is sufficent for most.

In Wilmington, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Wilmington?

With around the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Many people visit Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

Cumberland Island National Seashore, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wilmington is a popular place to visit. In Wilmington, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Wilmington?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. Most people come for the beaches. 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.


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.

  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $50
  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $50
  • 5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $90
  • 5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $90
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Craft Beer and History Crawl Shared Experience in Wilmington: $30
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $21
  • Eco Kayak Tour in Wrightsville Beach: $75
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries: $85
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill: $85
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: $50

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:

  • 3-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55
  • 3-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55


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.

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 Wilmington Expensive?.



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. Many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months.

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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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. The spring months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

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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