A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Everglades National Park vs. Marathon for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Marathon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Marathon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a unique, natural, and wild national park. Everglades National Park is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park and Marathon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Marathon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marathon than Everglades National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marathon is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Everglades National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Everglades National Park is well known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Also, Marathon is famous for The Dolphin Research Center.

How is Everglades National Park different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Marathon?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Everglades National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Everglades National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Marathon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Marathon is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Marathon is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park 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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Marathon Better for Resorts?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Marathon is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Marathon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Marathon is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Marathon Better for Beaches?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Marathon is a great island for the beach. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Marathon Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Everglades National Park is great for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Marathon?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Everglades National Park is mediocre for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Everglades National Park can be found for those interested. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Marathon More Beautiful?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Marathon is a great island for its scenery and beauty. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its scenery and beauty.

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

Everglades National Park is a gorgeous place to visit. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Is Everglades National Park or Marathon Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Marathon is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.


Is Everglades National Park or Marathon Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Marathon is a great island for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

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.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Everglades National Park or Marathon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Everglades National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Everglades National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Neither Everglades National Park or Marathon offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

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


Is Everglades National Park or Marathon a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Marathon

Everglades National Park and Marathon are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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 Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Marathon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marathon or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Marathon?

Both Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marathon.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Everglades National Park. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Marathon than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park.


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Marathon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Marathon 3-7

One day in Everglades National Park or Marathon?

The national park of Everglades National Park offers . 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Marathon, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Marathon?

Everglades National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Everglades National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Marathon, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


Five days in Everglades National Park or Marathon?

Everglades National Park 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.

With nightlife and food around the beautiful island of Marathon, there's plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Everglades National Park or Marathon?

Everglades National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Marathon or Everglades National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Marathon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Everglades National Park $169
    Marathon $195

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $169, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Everglades National Park and Marathon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Marathon $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Marathon

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Marathon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Everglades National Park


Hotels in Marathon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Marathon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Marathon $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Marathon?

Prices for flights to both Marathon and Everglades National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Everglades National Park $54
    Marathon $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Marathon $27

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Tours and Activities in Marathon

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon.

  • Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
  • Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214
  • Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
  • Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Marathon $24


When comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Marathon, we can see that Marathon 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 Everglades National Park Expensive? and Is Marathon Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park or Marathon in the Summer?

Both Marathon and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon during summer. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Marathon. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Marathon 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Marathon in the Autumn?

Both Marathon and Everglades National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Everglades National Park is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 78°F (26°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 Everglades National Park. In the autumn, Everglades National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Marathon. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Marathon 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Marathon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Marathon. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months.

Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Marathon in the winter. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 67°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 Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon during winter. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Marathon. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Marathon 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Marathon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Marathon. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Everglades National Park in April average around 74°F (24°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 Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the spring, Everglades National Park often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Marathon. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Marathon 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Marathon and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Marathon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)