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

Should you visit Marathon or Blue Ridge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Blue Ridge, 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 beautiful, relaxing, and quaint island. Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Marathon travel costs.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Marathon and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Blue Ridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Marathon and Blue Ridge are both popular with visitors, Blue Ridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Blue Ridge is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Marathon is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Chattahoochee National Forest.

How is Marathon different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Blue Ridge is adequate for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Marathon and Blue Ridge.

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Marathon. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Blue Ridge?

Blue Ridge is great for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge More Beautiful?

Marathon is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Marathon and Blue Ridge are both great 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.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly island. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

Marathon and Blue Ridge are both great to visit as a couple.

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.

Blue Ridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Neither Marathon or Blue Ridge offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Marathon or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

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

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Blue Ridge?

In either Marathon or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than Blue Ridge because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Marathon or Blue Ridge?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Marathon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Blue Ridge?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Marathon, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Blue Ridge?

Marathon, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Blue Ridge?

Marathon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marathon Expensive? and Is Blue Ridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Blue Ridge?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Blue Ridge, 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 Blue Ridge?

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 Blue Ridge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Blue Ridge. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marathon is around the same temperature as Blue Ridge in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Blue Ridge. Many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun.

Marathon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Blue Ridge. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

Both Blue Ridge and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

Both Blue Ridge and Marathon during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

Marathon is much warmer than Blue Ridge in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 243 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Blue Ridge. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Marathon