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

Should you visit Marathon or Nags Head?

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

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

Nags Head

Other reasons to visit include food.

Marathon and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Nags Head are both popular with visitors, Marathon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marathon is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. It is also home to The Dolphin Research Center. Nags Head is popular for

How is Marathon different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Marathon and Nags Head 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 Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Marathon or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a popular place for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Marathon or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Marathon is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

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

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Nags Head Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Marathon is great for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Marathon is considered a top beach destination. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Nags Head Better for Families?

Marathon and Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly island. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Is Marathon or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Marathon is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

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.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Marathon or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head 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 Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Marathon is mediocre for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Marathon or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Marathon is adequate for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Nags Head?

Both Marathon and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Marathon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Marathon than Nags Head. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. 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 Marathon than Nags Head 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 Marathon.

One day in Marathon or Nags Head?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Marathon. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The of Nags Head offers 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 Nags Head?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the quaint destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Nags Head?

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxing island of Marathon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marathon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. This 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 Nags Head, 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 Nags Head Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Nags Head?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?

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 Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Nags Head in the Autumn?

Both Nags Head and Marathon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Nags Head. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Nags Head. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Nags Head in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Nags Head. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Nags Head. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Marathon