A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marathon vs. Hope for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Marathon or Hope?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Hope, 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 beaches, nightlife, and food. See Marathon travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a small, friendly, and local town. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Marathon and Hope: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Hope?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Hope are both popular with visitors, Marathon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marathon is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hope is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Marathon is more touristy than Hope 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. Hope is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Marathon different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

While most people don't head to Hope specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marathon is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Marathon or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is very good for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Marathon or Hope Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Hope Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Hope Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a great island for its beaches. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Hope Better for Hiking?

Hope is great for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hope for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Hope?

Hope is adequate for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hope is a good destination for shopping. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Hope More Beautiful?

Marathon is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Hope Better for Families?

Marathon and Hope are both excellent 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.

Hope is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Is Marathon or Hope Better for Couples?

Marathon and Hope are both excellent 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.

Hope is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

Is Marathon or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hope is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Neither Marathon or Hope 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 Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Marathon or Hope a more walkable city?

Marathon and Hope 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.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

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

Should I spend more time in Hope or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Hope?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Hope. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Hope. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hope.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Hope. 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 Hope. 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 Hope 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 Hope.

One day in Marathon or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Hope offers . 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 Hope?

Marathon is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Marathon or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxing destination of Marathon. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hope 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 Hope?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the relaxing island of Marathon. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hope 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marathon and Hope, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Hope.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Hope?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Hope, 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 Hope?

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 Hope in the Summer?

Both Hope and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hope because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Marathon is much warmer than Hope in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Hope fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Marathon usually receives more rain than Hope. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Hope in the Autumn?

Both Hope and Marathon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hope this time of year.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Hope averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Hope gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets less rain in October than Hope. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Hope in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Hope. The cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hope for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hope. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Hope. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Hope in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Hope. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Marathon is much warmer than Hope in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Hope fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Hope. Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Hope. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hope and Marathon