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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg and Cumberland Island National Seashore can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

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.

Saint Petersburg and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both popular with visitors, Saint Petersburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

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

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

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

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a 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 Saint Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg and Cumberland Island National Seashore are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

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.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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 Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Cumberland Island National Seashore are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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.

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

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

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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 Saint Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

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

How long in Saint Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Cumberland Island National Seashore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

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

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

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

You'll find around the secluded destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Saint Petersburg 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.

You'll find around the pristine island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place to visit. The underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg 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.

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

It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 214 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Cumberland Island National Seashore. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

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

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 68°F (20°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 Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 285 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Petersburg