A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Marathon vs. Naples for Beaches, Food, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Marathon or Naples?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Naples, 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Naples

Naples is a relaxing, peaceful, and nature-filled beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Marathon and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Naples?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Naples than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Naples is better known for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon is more popular for its impressive beauty. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Naples is well known for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. Also, Naples is famous for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach.

How is Marathon different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Naples 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 Naples. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Marathon and Naples.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Naples. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Is Marathon or Naples Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, high quality resorts can be found in both Marathon and Naples.

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

In Naples, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

Is Marathon or Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Marathon and Naples.

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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Naples. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Is Marathon or Naples Better for Beaches?

Naples 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 Naples are among the best in the world. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

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 Naples Better for Hiking?

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

Naples has hiking trails worth exploring. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Naples?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Naples. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Naples Better for Families?

Marathon and Naples are both high quality 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.

Naples is a very kid-friendly island. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

Is Marathon or Naples Better for Couples?

Marathon and Naples are both high quality 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.

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

Is Marathon or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Naples 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 Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

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

Is Marathon or Naples a more walkable city?

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

Naples is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own 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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Naples?

In either Marathon or Naples, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than Naples because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

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

One day in Marathon or Naples?

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 beach town of Naples offers museums and nightlife. 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 Naples?

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.

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

Five days in Marathon or Naples?

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.

Naples 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 Naples, 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 Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxing 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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 Naples, we can see that Naples 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples 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 Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Naples?

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