A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Martha's Vineyard for Beaches, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard? 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Martha's Vineyard is adequate for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

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 Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island 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 Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard is adequate for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

Martha's Vineyard doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Martha's Vineyard both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Martha's Vineyard are notable when it comes to 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Martha's Vineyard. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Martha's Vineyard than Cumberland Island National Seashore. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Martha's Vineyard 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

With around the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

With around the pristine island of Cumberland Island National Seashore, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard 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.

Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the secluded destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place to visit. Because Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 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 Martha's Vineyard. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Martha's Vineyard. Also, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Martha's Vineyard. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Martha's Vineyard. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

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

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Cumberland Island National Seashore