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

Should you visit Marathon or Rapid City?

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

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

Rapid City

Rapid City is a fascinating, activity-filled, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Rapid City travel costs.

Marathon and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Rapid City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rapid City. Although Marathon and Rapid City are popular destinations, Rapid City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rapid City is very popular for its 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. Rapid City is famous for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. It is also well known for Mount Rushmore.

How is Marathon different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rapid City is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Rapid City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Rapid City 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 Rapid City. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Marathon or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Is Marathon or Rapid City Better for Resorts?

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

Rapid City is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Rapid City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Rapid City Better for Beaches?

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

Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is great for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Rapid City for the hiking trails. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Rapid City?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rapid City. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Rapid City More Beautiful?

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

Rapid City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Rapid City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

Marathon is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Marathon or Rapid City Better for Couples?

Marathon and Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

Is Marathon or Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rapid City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Rapid City 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 Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

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

Is Marathon or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Marathon and Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Marathon or Rapid City. 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 Rapid City.

Families should spend more time in Rapid City than Marathon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rapid City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rapid City 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 Rapid City.

One day in Marathon or Rapid City?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the quaint island of Marathon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Rapid City 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 Rapid City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Marathon, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rapid City 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rapid City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Rapid City?

Marathon, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rapid City is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Rapid City?

Marathon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rapid City is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 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 Rapid City, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. And not only is Rapid City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rapid City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rapid City 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 Rapid City.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Rapid City?

Rapid City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Rapid City, 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.