A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Pocono Mountains for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Pocono Mountains, 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Marathon travel costs.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. Pocono Mountains is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, skiing, and food. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Marathon and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Marathon and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is famous for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls.

How is Marathon different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Marathon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is great for skiing. However, Marathon is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Marathon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

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

Pocono Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a island with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

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 Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Marathon is notable for its resorts. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Marathon, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pocono Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Marathon is notable for the beach. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Marathon attract visitors from all over. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is great for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains More Beautiful?

Marathon is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its scenery and 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.

Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Marathon and Pocono Mountains are both high quality 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly island. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Marathon and Pocono Mountains are both high quality 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pocono Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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

Is Marathon or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Marathon and Pocono Mountains are reasonable 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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

Both Marathon and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Pocono Mountains has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pocono Mountains than Marathon. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The region of Pocono Mountains offers food and shopping. 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful island of Marathon. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Pocono Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

Marathon is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pocono Mountains has to offer. This region 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 Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Pocono Mountains?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marathon is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Pocono Mountains. Many travelers come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marathon is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Marathon in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Pocono Mountains can be very cold during winter. Marathon is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marathon is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Marathon