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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

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

Saint Augustine and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine 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. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

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

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

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

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its beaches. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

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

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great city 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.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its walkability. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Cumberland Island National Seashore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

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

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

One day in Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In Saint Augustine, 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.

The secluded destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Saint Augustine 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.

The island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Saint Augustine is a popular place to visit. The notable city of Saint Augustine 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Cumberland Island National Seashore, we can see that Saint Augustine is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive?.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 286 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 191 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Augustine