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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Cumberland Island National Seashore. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a secluded, undeveloped, and untouched island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Jacksonville and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a great city 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 Jacksonville. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a great city for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Jacksonville has something for everybody. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

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

Jacksonville is a great city for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Cumberland Island National Seashore are notable family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Is Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cumberland Island National Seashore makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Students?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its public transit.

While Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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.

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

Jacksonville and Cumberland Island National Seashore are notable when it comes to walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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.

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

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

How long in Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Cumberland Island National Seashore. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than Cumberland Island National Seashore. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Jacksonville. 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.

One day in Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In Jacksonville, 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.

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, many people enjoy the that this secluded 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.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Jacksonville 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.

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.

Five days in Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Jacksonville is a popular place to visit. The youthful city of Jacksonville offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

A week in Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. 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.

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.

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

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

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

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 Jacksonville or Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Cumberland Island National Seashore. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 214 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

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

In January, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 285 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Jacksonville