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

Should you visit Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and food.

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.

Orlando and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

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

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for theatre. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Orlando 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 Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is renowned for hiking. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Orlando. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Cumberland Island National Seashore does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Students?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Orlando and Cumberland Island National Seashore both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination 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.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

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

How long in Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In Orlando, 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.

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Orlando for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that a weekend is more than enough time to see everything. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cumberland Island National Seashore has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Orlando is a popular place to visit. The family-friendly city of Orlando offers shopping and theater. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many people enjoy the when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of 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.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orlando is a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Additionally, most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Orlando is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Orlando