A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Santa Cruz for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Marathon or Santa Cruz?

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

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

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a coastal, scenic, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Marathon and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Marathon and Santa Cruz are both popular with visitors, Santa Cruz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Cruz is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Santa Cruz is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf.

How is Marathon different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Cruz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Santa Cruz offer a number of good 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 Santa Cruz. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Marathon or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Santa Cruz for the nightlife scene. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Marathon is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Santa Cruz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Both Marathon and Santa Cruz have very good beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Santa Cruz attract visitors from all over. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Is Marathon or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Santa Cruz?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Santa Cruz More Beautiful?

Marathon is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its 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.

Santa Cruz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Marathon and Santa Cruz are both very good 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.

Santa Cruz is a very kid-friendly island. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Marathon or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Marathon and Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is Marathon or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel 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 Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Santa Cruz is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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 Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marathon or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marathon than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

One day in Marathon or Santa Cruz?

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 town of Santa Cruz offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Santa Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Santa Cruz, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. And not only is Santa Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz in the Summer?

Both Santa Cruz and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marathon is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Santa Cruz. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Santa Cruz. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Santa Cruz. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

Both Santa Cruz and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

Marathon is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Marathon