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

Should you visit Marathon or Detroit?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Detroit, 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 relaxing, quaint, and beautiful island. The beauty of Marathon is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Marathon travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Detroit travel costs.

Marathon and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Marathon and Detroit are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Marathon attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Marathon different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Detroit is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Detroit offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Detroit. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Marathon or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Detroit for the nightlife scene. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Marathon is not a live music destination.

Detroit is known as a music capital around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Marathon is not a live music destination.

Is Marathon or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Detroit Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a very popular place for the beach. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Detroit?

Detroit is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Detroit More Beautiful?

Marathon is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Marathon is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Detroit Better for Families?

Marathon is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marathon is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Marathon or Detroit Better for Couples?

Marathon is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Marathon makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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

Is Marathon or Detroit a more walkable city?

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

Detroit is somewhat walkable. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Detroit?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Marathon than Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit.

One day in Marathon or Detroit?

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.

The city of Detroit offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Detroit?

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.

Detroit 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 Detroit, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Detroit?

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.

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Detroit?

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.

Detroit is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marathon and Detroit, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Detroit. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In the summer, Marathon is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Detroit during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marathon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Detroit. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Detroit. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Marathon is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Marathon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. Marathon is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Detroit. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Marathon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Marathon is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Marathon