A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Islamorada vs. Marathon for Families, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Islamorada or Marathon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada 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.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Marathon

Marathon is a beautiful, relaxing, and quaint island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada and Marathon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Marathon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Marathon are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Marathon is known for its resorts. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel.

How is Islamorada different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Islamorada or Marathon?

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

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Islamorada and Marathon.

If you're looking for night time activities Islamorada has a few options to choose from. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

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 Islamorada or Marathon Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village 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.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Is Islamorada or Marathon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Islamorada and Marathon.

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Islamorada or Marathon Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and Marathon have superb beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

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 the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Marathon?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Islamorada or Marathon Better for Families?

Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Marathon is a very kid-friendly village. 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 Islamorada or Marathon Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its romantic activities.

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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

Neither Islamorada or Marathon offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

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

Is Islamorada or Marathon a more walkable city?

Marathon is adequate for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Marathon or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Marathon?

Both Islamorada and Marathon have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Islamorada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Islamorada than Marathon. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marathon.

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

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

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

One day in Islamorada or Marathon?

The beautiful village of Islamorada 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 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.

A weekend in Islamorada or Marathon?

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Islamorada or Marathon?

Islamorada is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Islamorada, 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 Islamorada or Marathon?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Islamorada has to offer. This village 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Islamorada 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 Islamorada Expensive? and Is Marathon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Marathon?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Marathon in the Summer?

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

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Marathon in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

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

In July, Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marathon. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or Marathon in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Marathon averages at about 80°F (27°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. Islamorada gets 258 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 Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Marathon. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Marathon in the Winter?

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

In January, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

In January, Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marathon. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or Marathon in the Spring?

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

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Marathon in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Marathon fluctuates around 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 Islamorada this time of the year. In the spring, Islamorada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marathon. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Marathon and Islamorada