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

Should you visit Marathon or Avon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Avon, 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 beautiful, relaxing, and quaint island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Avon

Avon is a outdoorsy, scenic, and active town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Marathon and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
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
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Marathon or Avon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avon. Although Marathon and Avon are both popular with visitors, Avon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avon is more popular for its skiing, museums, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Avon is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. It is also home to Avon Recreation Center.

How is Marathon different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Marathon or Avon Better for Skiing?

Marathon
Avon

Avon is great for skiing. However, Marathon is not a skiing destination.

Avon offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Marathon is not a skiing destination.


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

Marathon
Avon

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

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marathon
Avon

Both Marathon and Avon offer a number of good 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 Avon. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Marathon or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Marathon
Avon

The vibe at night is good in both Marathon and Avon.

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 Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Marathon or Avon Better for Resorts?

Marathon
Avon

Marathon is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Marathon or Avon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon
Avon

Marathon is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Avon 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.

Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Avon Better for Beaches?

Marathon
Avon

Marathon is notable for its beaches. However, Avon 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.

Avon is not a beach destination.


Is Marathon or Avon Better for Hiking?

Marathon
Avon

Avon is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Avon has hiking trails worth exploring. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Avon?

Marathon
Avon

Avon is adequate for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Avon is a good destination for shopping. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Avon Better for Families?

Marathon
Avon

Marathon is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Marathon is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Avon is a family-friendly island. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.


Is Marathon or Avon Better for Couples?

Marathon
Avon

Marathon is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Marathon
Avon

Avon 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 Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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

Is Marathon or Avon a more walkable city?

Marathon
Avon

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

Avon is somewhat walkable. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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 Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Marathon or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marathon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Avon. 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 Avon. 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 Avon 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 Avon.


  • How many days in Marathon or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marathon 3-7 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Marathon or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Avon offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Avon?

Marathon is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Avon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxing destination of Marathon. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Avon 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 Avon?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the relaxing island of Marathon. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Avon is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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.


Which place is cheaper, Avon 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 Avon is $277. 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 Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marathon $76
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marathon $152
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Marathon and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Marathon or Avon? 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 Avon


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 and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marathon $47
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Marathon or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon 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
    Avon $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marathon $27
    Avon $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marathon $24
    Avon $38


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


Which is Bigger, Marathon or Avon?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Avon, 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.