A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Marathon for Families, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Marathon, 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.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Marathon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Canaveral is better known for its museums and shopping, while Marathon is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cape Canaveral is well known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Also, Cape Canaveral is famous for The Kennedy Space Center. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

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

Travelers visit Cape Canaveral from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and Marathon can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Canaveral is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Marathon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Is Cape Canaveral or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Marathon Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Marathon is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Is Cape Canaveral or Marathon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Marathon Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a great island for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cape Canaveral. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Marathon Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Marathon is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Cape Canaveral or Marathon Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral and Marathon are both superb to visit as a couple.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

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

Neither Cape Canaveral or Marathon offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

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

Is Cape Canaveral or Marathon a more walkable city?

Marathon is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

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

Should I spend more time in Marathon or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

Both Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marathon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

The town of Cape Canaveral offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

Cape Canaveral 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Marathon is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

Cape Canaveral 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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.

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Marathon?

Cape Canaveral has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Marathon in the Summer?

Both Marathon and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Marathon averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Marathon. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Marathon in the Autumn?

Both Marathon and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally cooler than Marathon. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Marathon fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in October than Marathon. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Marathon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Marathon. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marathon in the winter for the cuisine.

Cape Canaveral is cooler than Marathon in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Marathon. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Marathon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Marathon. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is cooler than Marathon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Marathon averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in April than Marathon. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Typical Weather for Marathon and Cape Canaveral