A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Acadia National Park for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Marathon or Acadia National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Acadia National Park, 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.

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.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Marathon and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

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


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

Both Acadia National Park and Marathon have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Marathon is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its museums, hiking, and shopping. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Marathon different from Acadia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marathon
Acadia National Park

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

While most people don't head to Acadia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Marathon is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Marathon or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Marathon is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Marathon or Acadia National Park Better for Resorts?

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Marathon is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


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

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Marathon is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Marathon is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Acadia National Park. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Is Marathon or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Marathon
Acadia National Park

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

Many visitors go to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Acadia National Park?

Marathon
Acadia National Park

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

Shopping in Acadia National Park can be found for those interested. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Marathon and Acadia National Park are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Marathon is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Acadia National Park is a very kid-friendly island. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Marathon or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Marathon is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.


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

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park 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 Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Marathon
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

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

Is Marathon or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Marathon
Acadia National Park

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

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

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Marathon or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acadia 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 Acadia National Park.


  • How many days in Marathon or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marathon 3-7 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Marathon or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Marathon. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful national park of Acadia National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Acadia National Park?

Marathon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Acadia 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 Acadia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Marathon for five days. Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beautiful island of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Acadia 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.


A week in Marathon or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Marathon. Many people spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marathon, one week is sufficent for most.

Acadia 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Marathon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Marathon is $158, while the average daily cost in Acadia National Park is $173. 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 Marathon and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marathon $76
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marathon $152
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Marathon and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Marathon or Acadia National Park? 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 Marathon


Hotels in Acadia National Park


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.
    Marathon $47
    Acadia National Park $46

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

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Marathon 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
    Marathon $51
    Acadia National Park $45

Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marathon $27
    Acadia National Park $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marathon $24
    Acadia National Park $11


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



When is the best time to visit Marathon or Acadia National Park?

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 Marathon or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Acadia National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

In July, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Marathon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Acadia National Park. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marathon 84°F (29°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Acadia National Park. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Marathon is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Marathon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Acadia National Park. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marathon 80°F (27°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marathon 70°F (21°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Marathon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Marathon is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Acadia National Park. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marathon 77°F (25°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Marathon

Marathon Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)