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

Should you visit Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Cumberland Island National Seashore can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a pristine, secluded, and undeveloped island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Destin and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Although Destin and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both popular with visitors, Cumberland Island National Seashore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Destin is known for its food, resorts, and shopping. Destin is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. It is also home to the Dungeness Ruins.

How is Destin different from Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Destin. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Destin 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 Destin. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

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 Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Neither Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Destin for the nightlife. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

Cumberland Island National Seashore doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.

Is Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Destin is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for its beaches. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Destin. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

Is Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking. 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.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

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

Destin 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 Destin. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

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 Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Destin is a great beach town 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.

Destin is a very family-friendly destination. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

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 Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is notable for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Destin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is notable for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore 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, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very good for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of 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.

Destin is not a very walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

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

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

How long in Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Cumberland Island National Seashore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

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

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

In Destin, you'll find food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Destin for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Destin is a popular place to visit. In Destin, you'll find food and shopping. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for one week. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the untouched destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

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 Destin or Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Summer?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In the autumn, Destin is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In January, Destin is generally cooler than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Destin is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Destin