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

Should you visit Marathon or Memphis?

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

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

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Marathon and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Marathon different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Memphis offer a number of notable 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 Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Marathon or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Marathon is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Marathon is not a live music destination.

Is Marathon or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Memphis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a great island for the beach. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Memphis?

Memphis is adequate for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Memphis Better for Families?

Marathon is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marathon. 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Marathon or Memphis Better for Couples?

Marathon is a great island for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Marathon or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marathon is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Marathon is not popular with students.

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

Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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

Is Marathon or Memphis a more walkable city?

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

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Memphis. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

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

One day in Marathon or Memphis?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Memphis offers live music and food. 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 Memphis?

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Memphis 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 Memphis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Memphis?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Memphis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Memphis, we can see that Memphis 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 Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Memphis, 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 Memphis?

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 Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In July, Marathon is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marathon usually receives more rain than Memphis. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Marathon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Marathon is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the autumn, Marathon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Memphis. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Memphis. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Memphis. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Marathon