A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Cumberland Island National Seashore for Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. Panama City is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Panama City travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a undeveloped, untouched, and pristine 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.

Panama City and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and shopping, while Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is Panama City different from Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Panama City 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 Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

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 Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great beach town for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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 Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Resorts?

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

Panama City has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Is Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is an amazing island to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

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.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Panama City 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 Panama City. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the 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 Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Is Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Panama City is an amazing beach town to visit 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

Panama City and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great beach town 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.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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.

Is Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options 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.

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

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

How long in Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Panama City and Cumberland Island National Seashore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Cumberland Island National Seashore. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

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

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

In Panama City, you'll find nightlife and live music. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the pristine island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit Panama City for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the pristine destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Panama City is a popular place to visit. In Panama City, you'll find food and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The undeveloped island of Cumberland Island National Seashore offers . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Cumberland Island National Seashore, we can see that Panama City 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 Panama City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Panama City 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 Panama City Expensive? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive?.

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

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 Panama City or Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Summer?

Both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 286 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Panama City is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Cumberland Island National Seashore during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Cumberland Island National Seashore. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Panama City is around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 191 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Cumberland Island National Seashore. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In April, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Cumberland Island National Seashore fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cumberland Island National Seashore during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cumberland Island National Seashore. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Cumberland Island National Seashore receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Panama City