A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Asheville for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Marathon or Asheville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Asheville, 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Marathon and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Asheville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Marathon and Asheville are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Marathon attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Marathon different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Marathon and Asheville 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 Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Marathon or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is great for live music. However, Marathon is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Marathon is not a live music destination.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Marathon is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Asheville 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.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Marathon is well known for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town. However, Marathon does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Marathon does not have a historic old town.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is great for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Asheville?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Christmas?

Asheville is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Marathon does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is a very popular destination during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Marathon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is adequate for visiting Christmas markets. However, Marathon does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Marathon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Families?

Marathon and Asheville are both great 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.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly island. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Couples?

Marathon and Asheville are both great 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.

Asheville is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Asheville is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Marathon or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Marathon is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Marathon is not popular with students.

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

Asheville 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 Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

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

Is Marathon or Asheville a more walkable city?

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

Asheville is somewhat walkable. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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 Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Asheville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

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

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

One day in Marathon or Asheville?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Marathon. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. 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 Asheville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Marathon or Asheville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint island of Marathon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Asheville 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 Asheville?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marathon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Asheville 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 mountain town 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marathon and Asheville, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Marathon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marathon than you might in Asheville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marathon Expensive? and Is Asheville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Asheville?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Asheville, 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 Marathon or Asheville?

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 Asheville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Asheville. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Asheville. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Asheville. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Asheville in the Winter?

Both Asheville and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Marathon is much warmer than Asheville in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Asheville fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Asheville. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Asheville. The spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In the spring, Marathon is a little warmer than Asheville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Asheville averages at about 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun in the spring.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Asheville. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Marathon