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

Should you visit Marathon or Roanoke?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Roanoke, 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 quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Marathon travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke travel costs.

Marathon and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Roanoke?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Roanoke than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Roanoke is better known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, Roanoke is famous for the Roanoke Star.

How is Marathon different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marathon is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Marathon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Marathon or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Marathon and Roanoke.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Marathon or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Marathon is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Roanoke Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a great island for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Marathon is considered a top beach destination. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Roanoke?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Roanoke More Beautiful?

Marathon is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Roanoke Better for Families?

Marathon is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marathon. 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Marathon or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Marathon and Roanoke are both very good 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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is Marathon or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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

Is Marathon or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Marathon and Roanoke are respectable 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Roanoke?

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

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Roanoke. 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.

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

One day in Marathon or Roanoke?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Roanoke offers nightlife 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 Roanoke?

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Marathon or Roanoke?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Roanoke 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 comparing the travel costs between Marathon and Roanoke, we can see that Roanoke 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 Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

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

In July, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and Marathon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Marathon is much warmer than Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Roanoke. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Roanoke. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Roanoke. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

In April, Marathon is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Marathon