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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains? 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 pristine, secluded, and undeveloped 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. Pocono Mountains is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for skiing. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a skiing destination.

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

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

Pocono Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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 Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains is adequate for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

Pocono Mountains doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Cumberland Island National Seashore visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

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 Pocono Mountains More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its scenery and 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.

Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains is a great region 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very family-friendly destination. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Pocono Mountains make for a excellent 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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

For backpackers, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Pocono Mountains are excellent places to visit.

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.

Pocono Mountains is a great island to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Pocono Mountains both offer reasonable 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a island with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable island. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains?

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cumberland Island National Seashore, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find around the undeveloped destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Pocono Mountains, you'll find skiing and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find around the undeveloped island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people visit Pocono Mountains for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pocono Mountains is a popular place to visit. In Pocono Mountains, you'll find shopping and museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Pocono Mountains?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Pocono Mountains, you'll find museums and skiing. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

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

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the summer, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 70°F (21°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Pocono Mountains. Additionally, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pocono Mountains. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Pocono Mountains and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains during spring. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Cumberland Island National Seashore