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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore? 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 undeveloped, untouched, and pristine island. The beauty of Cumberland Island National Seashore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Cumberland Island National Seashore travel costs.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Baltimore travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Baltimore are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a great city for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Baltimore has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Cumberland Island National Seashore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The barrier island has 17 miles of pristine beaches. It offers a truly beautiful setting that feels undiscovered and untouched.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore Better for Families?

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly destination. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Cumberland Island National Seashore frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good island for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail 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 Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Baltimore. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Baltimore than Cumberland Island National Seashore. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore?

You'll find around the island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cumberland Island National Seashore has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Baltimore?

You'll find around the untouched destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Baltimore for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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 Baltimore?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the undeveloped island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Baltimore is a popular place to visit. The colorful city of Baltimore offers shopping and museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. 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 Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive? and Is Baltimore Expensive?.

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

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Baltimore in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. Cumberland Island National Seashore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in July than Baltimore. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 70°F (21°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baltimore. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Baltimore and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Baltimore can be very cold during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in January than Baltimore. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Cumberland Island National Seashore