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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria? 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a untouched, pristine, and secluded island. With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Cumberland Island National Seashore travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Alexandria travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alexandria than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alexandria is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Alexandria is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alexandria and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

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

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria 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 Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

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

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

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

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

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Alexandria 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.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

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

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Alexandria both are comparable with their superb scenery and 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.

The beauty of Alexandria is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers lots of family activities. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Alexandria make for a superb place to visit.

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.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Alexandria.

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria?

With around the untouched 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.

In Alexandria, you'll find nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A weekend in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria?

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.

Many people visit Alexandria for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria?

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.

Alexandria is a popular place to visit. The charming city of Alexandria offers shopping and museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Alexandria, we can see that Cumberland Island National Seashore is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cumberland Island National Seashore than you might in Alexandria.

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

When is the best time to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria?

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Alexandria and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Alexandria. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Cumberland Island National Seashore