A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Vernon for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Vernon? 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. With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Cumberland Island National Seashore travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Vernon: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vernon than Cumberland Island National Seashore, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vernon 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. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. Also, Vernon is famous for Davison Orchards Country Village.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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 Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vernon 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 Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

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 Vernon Better for Nightlife?

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

Vernon doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

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 Vernon Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore are among the best in 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Cumberland Island National Seashore draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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 Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

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 Vernon More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Vernon Better for Families?

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

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.

Vernon is a family-friendly place to visit. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Vernon Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable island. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

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

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Vernon. 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 Vernon. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Vernon 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Vernon, you'll find food 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 Vernon?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Vernon 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 Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a popular place to visit. The relaxing town of Vernon offers museums and food. 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 Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the untouched destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Vernon. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Vernon, we can see that Cumberland Island National Seashore is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cumberland Island National Seashore than you might in Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.

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

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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 Vernon. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Vernon. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Vernon. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Vernon. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vernon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Vernon and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Vernon. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Cumberland Island National Seashore