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

Should you visit Marathon or Minneapolis?

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

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

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Marathon and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Marathon and Minneapolis are popular destinations, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Marathon attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Marathon different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Minneapolis is great for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

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 Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Minneapolis for the nightlife scene. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

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

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Minneapolis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

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

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Minneapolis More Beautiful?

Marathon is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Marathon and Minneapolis are both superb 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.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly island. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Marathon or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Marathon is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Minneapolis is a good island for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Marathon or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Marathon is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Marathon is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around 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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

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

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Marathon or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marathon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

One day in Marathon or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing island of Marathon. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Minneapolis offers food and shopping. 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxing destination of Marathon. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Marathon or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the relaxing island of Marathon. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Marathon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping 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 Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Minneapolis?

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

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Marathon is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marathon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Minneapolis. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

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

In October, Marathon is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°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 Minneapolis. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Marathon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. Marathon is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marathon usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Marathon is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Minneapolis. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Marathon