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

Should you visit Marathon or El Paso?

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

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

El Paso

El Paso is a laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See El Paso travel costs.

Marathon and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or El Paso?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and El Paso are both popular with visitors, Marathon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while El Paso is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Marathon is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. It is also home to The Dolphin Research Center. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Marathon different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

El Paso is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and El Paso offer a number of good 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 El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Marathon or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Marathon and El Paso.

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 El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is Marathon or El Paso Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Marathon. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or El Paso Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a very popular place for its beaches. However, El Paso is not a beach destination.

Marathon is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or El Paso?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in El Paso. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or El Paso More Beautiful?

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

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or El Paso Better for Families?

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

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Marathon or El Paso Better for Couples?

Marathon is a very popular place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

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

El Paso 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 El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the 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 El Paso a more walkable city?

Marathon and El Paso are decent when it comes to walkability.

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

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marathon or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marathon than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than El Paso. 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 El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso.

One day in Marathon or El Paso?

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 El Paso offers food and shopping. 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 El Paso?

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.

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

Five days in Marathon or El Paso?

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.

El Paso 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 El Paso?

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.

El Paso 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 El Paso, we can see that El Paso 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 El Paso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and El Paso, 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.