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

Should you visit Marathon or Cape Cod?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Cape Cod, 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a relaxing, laid-back, and wealthy beach destination. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Marathon and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Cod than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Cod is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, 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. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Also, Cape Cod is famous for The Cape Cod National Seashore.

How is Marathon different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Marathon or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Marathon is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its resorts.

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

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Is Marathon or Cape Cod Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Both Marathon and Cape Cod have great 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 Cape Cod attract visitors from all over. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Marathon or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

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

Cape Cod has hiking trails worth exploring. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Cape Cod?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Marathon and Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is a very kid-friendly island. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Marathon or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Marathon and Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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

Is Marathon or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Cape Cod?

Both Marathon and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cape Cod has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cape Cod than Marathon. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod.

One day in Marathon or Cape Cod?

The beautiful island of Marathon offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Cape Cod?

Marathon 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.

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Cape Cod?

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

Cape Cod is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Cod, 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 Cape Cod?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Cod has to offer. This beach destination 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 comparing the travel costs between Marathon and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Marathon or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and Marathon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Marathon is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Cape Cod. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Cape Cod. Most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Cape Cod. The spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In April, Marathon is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Marathon