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

Should you visit Marathon or Dallas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Dallas, 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 relaxing, quaint, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Marathon and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Dallas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas. Although Marathon and Dallas are popular destinations, Dallas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dallas is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Marathon attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Marathon different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dallas is great for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dallas 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 Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Dallas is great for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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.

Is Marathon or Dallas Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Dallas Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a well-known place for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Marathon is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Dallas?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Dallas Better for Families?

Marathon and Dallas are both excellent 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.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly island. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Marathon or Dallas Better for Couples?

Marathon and Dallas are both excellent 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.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Dallas 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 Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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

Is Marathon or Dallas a more walkable city?

Marathon and Dallas are reasonable 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.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Dallas?

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

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

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

One day in Marathon or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Marathon. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Dallas offers food and shopping. 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 Dallas?

Marathon is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Marathon or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Marathon. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Dallas 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 city 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 Dallas, we can see that Marathon 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 Dallas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marathon is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Dallas. The autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In October, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 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 Dallas. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Dallas. The cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Marathon is much warmer than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°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 Dallas. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dallas. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Marathon is a little warmer than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Dallas. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Marathon