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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland? 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 secluded, undeveloped, and untouched island. Cumberland Island National Seashore is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking. See Cumberland Island National Seashore travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Portland travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Portland: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland. Although Cumberland Island National Seashore and Portland are both popular with visitors, Portland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portland is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and small town charm, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also home to Washington Park. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Portland 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 Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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 Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland is adequate for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Portland offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as 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 Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland 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 Portland has a few options to choose from. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for live music. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a live music destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its beaches. However, Portland 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.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

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

Portland 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 Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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 Portland More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland.

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.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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

For backpackers, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Portland 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.

Portland is a great island to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its public transit.

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Portland. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland 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 Portland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland?

The beautiful island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. 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 Portland?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cumberland Island National Seashore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Portland for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Portland?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland is a popular place to visit. The quirky city of Portland offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Portland?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

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

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Portland. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland 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 less sunshine than Portland during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cumberland Island National Seashore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Portland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Portland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Portland and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Portland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Portland and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Portland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Cumberland Island National Seashore