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

Should you visit Marathon or Ketchikan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Ketchikan, 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Marathon travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Marathon and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Marathon and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Ketchikan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ketchikan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Marathon is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Ketchikan is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also home to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Marathon different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ketchikan is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ketchikan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Marathon or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Marathon is notable for its resorts. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Ketchikan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Ketchikan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Marathon is notable for its beaches. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Ketchikan?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Marathon and Ketchikan both are comparable with their excellent 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.

The beauty of Ketchikan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Is Marathon or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Marathon and Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is a very kid-friendly island. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Marathon or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Marathon and Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Marathon or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through 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 Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is great for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Ketchikan?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Marathon or Ketchikan?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Marathon. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful town of Ketchikan offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Marathon or Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint island of Marathon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marathon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Marathon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marathon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marathon 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan than you might in Marathon.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Ketchikan?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Marathon or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marathon is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Ketchikan. The autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Ketchikan. The cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Marathon is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Marathon