A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Marathon for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Boca Raton or Marathon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Marathon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Boca Raton travel costs.

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.

Boca Raton and Marathon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Marathon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boca Raton is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon is more popular for its impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Marathon?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton can be an interesting and educational experience. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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 Boca Raton or Marathon Better for Resorts?

There are great resorts to choose from in both Boca Raton and Marathon.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

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

Is Boca Raton or Marathon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Boca Raton and Marathon.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Marathon Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

The beaches in Boca Raton are among the best in the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Marathon Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Marathon?

Boca Raton is great for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Boca Raton or Marathon More Beautiful?

Marathon is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boca Raton or Marathon Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Marathon are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Marathon is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Boca Raton or Marathon Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Marathon both great destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Marathon is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Marathon a more walkable city?

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

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Marathon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marathon or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Marathon?

Both Boca Raton and Marathon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Boca Raton. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marathon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Marathon?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful 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.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Marathon?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

Five days in Boca Raton or Marathon?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boca Raton, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

A week in Boca Raton or Marathon?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 coastal city offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Marathon, we can see that Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Marathon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Marathon?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Marathon, 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 Boca Raton or Marathon?

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 Boca Raton or Marathon in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Marathon averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Marathon. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Marathon in the Autumn?

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

In October, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Marathon fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun.

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Marathon. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Marathon in the Winter?

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

Boca Raton is cooler than Marathon in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Marathon. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Marathon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Marathon. The beaches are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Marathon averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Marathon. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Typical Weather for Marathon and Boca Raton