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

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke? 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Roanoke than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Roanoke is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cumberland Island National Seashore is well known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, Roanoke is famous for the Roanoke Star.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

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

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball 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 Roanoke? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

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

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

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 Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

Roanoke 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 Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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 Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

Cumberland Island National Seashore is renowned for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

Cumberland Island National Seashore is renowned for hiking. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

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 Roanoke More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. The barrier island has 17 miles of pristine beaches. It offers a truly beautiful setting that feels undiscovered and untouched.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke Better for Families?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

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

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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

With fun activities for couples, both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Roanoke make for a high quality 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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

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

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.


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

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore
Roanoke

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable island. 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke?

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

Couples should spend more time in Roanoke than Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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.


  • How many days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 1-3 
    Roanoke 1-3

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke?

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Roanoke?

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cumberland Island National Seashore has to offer.

Many people visit Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Roanoke is a popular place to visit. The outdoorsy town of Roanoke offers museums 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many people enjoy the when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Roanoke. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Roanoke or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cumberland Island National Seashore Prices
    USA Prices
    Roanoke Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $175
    Roanoke $199

The average daily cost (per person) in Cumberland Island National Seashore is $175, while the average daily cost in Roanoke is $199. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Roanoke in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $75
    Roanoke $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $150
    Roanoke $192
Compare Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore and Roanoke

Looking for a hotel in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore


Hotels in Roanoke


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Roanoke Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $59
    Roanoke $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Cumberland Island National Seashore or Roanoke?

Prices for flights to both Roanoke and Cumberland Island National Seashore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $65
    Roanoke $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roanoke

For Roanoke, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $23
    Roanoke $35

Tours and Activities in Roanoke

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.

  • 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $109
  • Blue Ridge Mountain E Bike Tour: $155
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $24
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Downtown Roanoke Food, History & Cultural Tour: $80
  • E-Bike Mural Tour of Roanoke: $88
  • Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $25
    Roanoke $30


When comparing the travel costs between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Roanoke, we can see that Roanoke is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Roanoke Expensive?.



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

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. 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 Roanoke during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. It's quite rainy in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 82°F (28°C) 
    Roanoke 79°F (26°C)

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

Both Roanoke and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Roanoke, 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 Roanoke. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in October than Roanoke. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 70°F (21°C) 
    Roanoke 60°F (16°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Roanoke. Also, many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 53°F (12°C) 
    Roanoke 38°F (3°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Roanoke. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 68°F (20°C) 
    Roanoke 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Roanoke
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 38°F (3°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 42°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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