A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Adirondack Mountains for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Adirondack Mountains, 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 relaxing, quaint, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Marathon and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Marathon and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations, Adirondack Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adirondack Mountains is very popular for its skiing, museums, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Marathon is famous for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Adirondack Mountains is famous for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also well known for Whiteface Mountain.

How is Marathon different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Marathon is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Marathon is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

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

Adirondack Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Both Marathon and Adirondack Mountains offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

The vibe at night is nice in both Marathon and Adirondack Mountains.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

With a similar set of options, very good resorts can be found in both Marathon and Adirondack Mountains.

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

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Marathon is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Marathon is notable for the beache. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.


Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Adirondack Mountains. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Marathon and Adirondack Mountains are both very good 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.

Adirondack Mountains is a very kid-friendly island. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.


Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Marathon and Adirondack Mountains are both very good to visit as a couple.

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.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Adirondack Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Neither Marathon or Adirondack Mountains offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.


Is Marathon or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Marathon
Adirondack Mountains

Marathon is a moderate island for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable island. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Marathon and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Adirondack Mountains has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Adirondack Mountains than Marathon. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marathon 3-7 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

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 region of Adirondack Mountains offers museums and skiing. 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.

A weekend in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

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.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.


Five days in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

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.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adirondack Mountains, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

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.

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Adirondack Mountains has to offer. This region 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, Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains is $166. 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 Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marathon $76
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marathon $152
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Marathon and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Marathon or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Adirondack Mountains


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
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains 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
    Adirondack Mountains $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marathon $27
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marathon $24
    Adirondack Mountains $19


When comparing the travel costs between Marathon and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Marathon or Adirondack Mountains?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Marathon or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Marathon is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In Adirondack Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Adirondack Mountains. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marathon 84°F (29°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Marathon or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Adirondack Mountains. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marathon is generally much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marathon 80°F (27°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Marathon or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Adirondack Mountains. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Adirondack Mountains in the winter. Marathon is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Adirondack Mountains. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marathon 70°F (21°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Marathon or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marathon is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 46°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Adirondack Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Adirondack Mountains. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marathon 77°F (25°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Marathon

Marathon Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)