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

Should you visit Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

Should I visit Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore? 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.

Key West

Key West is a eclectic, bustling, and active town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a pristine, secluded, and undeveloped island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Key West and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and hiking. Key West is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also well known for Duval Street. Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

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

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Key West 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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West 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 Key West. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great town for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Key West has something for everybody. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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 Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Resorts?

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

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is renowned for the beache. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

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

Key West is a great town for its historic old town. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

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

Is Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Key West is adequate for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Key West is a good destination for shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

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 Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Key West is a great 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.

Key West is a very family-friendly destination. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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 Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Cumberland Island National Seashore make for a high quality place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Students?

Key West is a great town for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Is Key West 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, Key West is a mediocre 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 Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

Key West and Cumberland Island National Seashore both are nice when exploring on foot.

Key West is a somewhat walkable place. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Key West 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 Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In Key West, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

The beautiful island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Key West for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cumberland Island National Seashore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Key West is a popular place to visit. In Key West, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In Key West, you'll find nightlife 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

When is the best time to visit Key West 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 Key West or Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. The summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year.

In July, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 82°F (28°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 Key West this time of the year. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Key West is a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 191 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Key West is generally a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Key West