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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

West Palm Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in West Palm Beach. Although West Palm Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both popular with visitors, West Palm Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. West Palm Beach is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. It is also home to Rosemary Square. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

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

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is mediocre for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

West Palm Beach is adequate for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

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

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both West Palm Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore are first-rate choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

With world-famous beaches, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular vacation destination. 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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for hiking. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is mediocre for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Cumberland Island National Seashore can be found for those interested. There aren't any shops or stores on the island so plan accordingly.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area 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.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

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

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore are good when it comes to walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

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

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

In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The untouched 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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit West Palm Beach for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

West Palm Beach is a popular place to visit. In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 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 West Palm Beach or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 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 West Palm Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive?.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 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 West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°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 West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Cumberland Island National Seashore. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 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 West Palm Beach is June to November.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine.

In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°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 West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 285 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Cumberland Island National Seashore. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 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 West Palm Beach.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and West Palm Beach