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

Should you visit Marathon or Cherokee?

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

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

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Marathon and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Cherokee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cherokee. Although Marathon and Cherokee are both popular with visitors, Cherokee has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cherokee is more popular for its museums, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. It is also home to Oconaluftee Indian Village.

How is Marathon different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cherokee is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Marathon or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Marathon or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

Marathon is notable for its resorts. However, Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Marathon is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Cherokee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

Marathon is notable for its beaches. However, Cherokee is not a beach destination.

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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Cherokee for the hiking trails. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Cherokee?

Cherokee is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Cherokee Better for Families?

Marathon and Cherokee are both superb 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.

Cherokee is a very kid-friendly island. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Marathon or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Marathon and Cherokee are both superb 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.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Is Marathon or Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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

Is Marathon or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Marathon and Cherokee are decent when it comes to walkability.

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

Cherokee is generally not very walkable. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Marathon or Cherokee. 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 Cherokee.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Cherokee. 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.

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

One day in Marathon or Cherokee?

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.

The town of Cherokee offers food and shopping. 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 Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cherokee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee 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 Cherokee?

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.

Cherokee 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 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 comparing the travel costs between Marathon and Cherokee, we can see that Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Cherokee?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Cherokee, 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 Cherokee?

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 Cherokee in the Summer?

Both Cherokee and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year.

Marathon is around the same temperature as Cherokee in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Cherokee fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Cherokee. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun.

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Cherokee. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Cherokee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Cherokee. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Cherokee averages at about 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Cherokee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Cherokee. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cherokee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cherokee can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Cherokee fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Cherokee. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Cherokee. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Cherokee in the Spring?

Both Cherokee and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Marathon is a little warmer than Cherokee in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Cherokee fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Cherokee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Marathon