A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Marathon or Bar Harbor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Bar Harbor, 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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Marathon and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Marathon and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Bar Harbor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bar Harbor is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Marathon is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. It is also home to Acadia National Park.

How is Marathon different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Marathon or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a island with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Marathon or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Marathon, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Marathon or Bar Harbor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Marathon attract visitors from all over. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Marathon or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

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

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Bar Harbor?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Marathon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly island. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Marathon or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Marathon and Bar Harbor are both high quality 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.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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

Is Marathon or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is great for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Bar Harbor?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor.

One day in Marathon or Bar Harbor?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Marathon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Marathon, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Five days in Marathon or Bar Harbor?

Marathon, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

Marathon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor 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 coastal 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 Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Bar Harbor?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marathon is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Marathon usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bar Harbor. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Marathon in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Marathon is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Marathon