A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Big Sur for Couples, Beaches, Families, and Food

Should you visit Marathon or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Big Sur, 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 beaches, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Marathon and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Sur than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Sur is better known for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Marathon is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Also, Big Sur is famous for Bixby Bridge.

How is Marathon different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Big Sur 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 Big Sur?

Big Sur is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Big Sur. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Big Sur offer a number of notable 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 Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Marathon or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Marathon or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Marathon is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Marathon. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Big Sur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Big Sur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Both Marathon and Big Sur have excellent beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Is Marathon or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Big Sur?

Big Sur is mediocre for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Big Sur can be found for those interested. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Big Sur Better for Families?

Marathon is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marathon. 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Marathon or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its romantic activities.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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.

Is Marathon or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Neither Marathon or Big Sur 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 Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Marathon or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Marathon is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Big Sur is not a walkable island. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Big Sur?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Marathon or Big Sur?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. 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 Big Sur?

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Big Sur?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Big Sur 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 Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Big Sur 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 natural area 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 Big Sur, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

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

When is the best time to visit Marathon or Big Sur?

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 Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marathon is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Marathon usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Marathon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Marathon is much warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Big Sur. The cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Big Sur. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Marathon is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Big Sur. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Marathon