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

Should you visit Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Cumberland Island National Seashore. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a adventure-filled, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Clearwater travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

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

Clearwater and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Clearwater is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Clearwater is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

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

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

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

Clearwater offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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

Clearwater 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 Clearwater. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater has a few options to choose from. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice 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 Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Clearwater is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

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

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

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

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

Is Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Clearwater and Cumberland Island National Seashore both offer amazing beaches.

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

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.

Is Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

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

Clearwater 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 Clearwater. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

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 Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The barrier island has 17 miles of pristine beaches. It offers a truly beautiful setting that feels undiscovered and untouched.

Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Clearwater 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.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly destination. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

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 Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Cumberland Island National Seashore both superb destinations for a couple.

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is notable for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city 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.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

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

Both Clearwater and Cumberland Island National Seashore offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

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 Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Cumberland Island National Seashore both are good when exploring on foot.

Clearwater is somewhat walkable. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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 Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

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

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

One day in Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In Clearwater, you'll find food 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.

With around the pristine island of Cumberland Island National Seashore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cumberland Island National Seashore, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Clearwater 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.

With around the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Clearwater is a popular place to visit. In Clearwater, you'll find shopping and museums. 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, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Clearwater. 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Clearwater gets 265 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. Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Clearwater is a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 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 Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 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 Clearwater is the hurricane season.

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

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 191 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, 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 Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 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 Clearwater is June to November.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Clearwater