A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Duck for Beaches, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Marathon or Duck?

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

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

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Marathon and Duck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Duck?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Duck. Although Marathon and Duck are both popular with visitors, Duck has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Duck is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Marathon is known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Duck is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. It is also home to the wide sandy beach.

How is Marathon different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Duck 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 Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Duck 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 Duck. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Marathon or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach 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 Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Marathon or Duck Better for Resorts?

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

Marathon is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Is Marathon or Duck Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Duck Better for Beaches?

Duck is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beache.

The beaches in Duck are among the best in the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

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.

Is Marathon or Duck Better for Hiking?

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

Duck has hiking trails worth exploring. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Duck?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Duck Better for Families?

Marathon and Duck are both very good 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.

Duck is a very kid-friendly island. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Marathon or Duck Better for Couples?

Marathon and Duck are both very good 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.

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Duck 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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

Is Marathon or Duck a more walkable city?

Duck is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Duck or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Duck?

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

Families should spend more time in Duck than Marathon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Duck, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Marathon or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Duck 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 Duck?

Marathon is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Duck 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 Duck?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Marathon. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, 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 Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beautiful island of Marathon. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Duck is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Duck has to offer. This beach 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 Duck, we can see that Duck 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 Duck would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Duck 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 Duck Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Duck?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Duck, 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 Duck?

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 Duck in the Summer?

Both Duck and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marathon is a little warmer than Duck in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Duck. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Duck. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Duck. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Duck because of 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 Duck. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Duck averages at about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Duck during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 211 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 Duck. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Duck in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Duck. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

It's quite cold in Duck in the winter. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Duck fluctuates around 41°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 Duck. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Duck. Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Duck. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Marathon is much warmer than Duck in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Duck during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Duck. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Duck and Marathon