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

Should you visit Marathon or Gatlinburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Gatlinburg, 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. Other reasons to visit include museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Marathon and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Marathon and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon is known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Marathon and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to the Gatlinburg Strip. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel.

How is Marathon different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Marathon or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Marathon is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Marathon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Marathon or Gatlinburg?

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

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marathon is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Marathon or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a world class party destination. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

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 Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, excellent resorts can be found in both Marathon and Gatlinburg.

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

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Is Marathon or Gatlinburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Marathon is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Gatlinburg?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Marathon is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Marathon or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Marathon and Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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

Is Marathon or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

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 Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Gatlinburg?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?

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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

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

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg 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 shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

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

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Gatlinburg. The cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Gatlinburg. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Marathon