A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Jacksonville vs. Marathon for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Jacksonville and Marathon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Marathon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Jacksonville for the nightlife scene. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Marathon Better for Resorts?

Marathon is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Marathon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jacksonville or Marathon Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Marathon both offer great beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Marathon is considered a top beach destination. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Marathon?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Jacksonville or Marathon Better for Families?

Marathon is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Marathon Better for Couples?

Marathon is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Marathon makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Marathon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Jacksonville or Marathon Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marathon is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Marathon is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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

Is Jacksonville or Marathon a more walkable city?

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Marathon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marathon or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Marathon?

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

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Jacksonville. 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.

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

One day in Jacksonville or Marathon?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. 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.

In Marathon, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this quaint island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Marathon?

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

Marathon is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Marathon?

Jacksonville 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.

In Marathon, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Marathon?

Jacksonville 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 city offers something for everyone.

Marathon is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Marathon?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Marathon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Marathon. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Marathon. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Marathon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Marathon. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Marathon. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Marathon fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Marathon. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Marathon in the Winter?

Both Marathon and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

Jacksonville is much colder than Marathon in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Marathon. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Marathon in the Spring?

Both Marathon and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jacksonville is cooler than Marathon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Marathon averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Marathon. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Marathon and Jacksonville