A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Atlanta for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Marathon or Atlanta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Atlanta, 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.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Marathon travel costs.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Atlanta travel costs.

Marathon and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Atlanta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlanta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Marathon different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlanta and Marathon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marathon or Atlanta?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Marathon or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is great for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Atlanta for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Marathon is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a great island for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Marathon. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Atlanta?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Atlanta More Beautiful?

Marathon is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Families?

Marathon and Atlanta are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Marathon is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

Atlanta is a very kid-friendly island. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Marathon is a great island for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Marathon is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Students?

Atlanta is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Marathon is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Marathon is not popular with students.

Is Marathon or Atlanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

For even more information, also check out Is Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Marathon or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marathon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Marathon 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 Atlanta.

One day in Marathon or Atlanta?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Atlanta?

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Atlanta?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Atlanta 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.

A week in Marathon or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Atlanta is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Marathon and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta 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 Marathon Expensive? and Is Atlanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Atlanta, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Marathon or Atlanta?

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 Marathon or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In July, Marathon is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Marathon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Marathon is a little warmer than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Atlanta. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Atlanta. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Atlanta. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Marathon