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

Should you visit Marathon or New Bern?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or New Bern, 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Marathon and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and New Bern are both popular with visitors, Marathon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marathon is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Marathon is more touristy than New Bern and is popular 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. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Marathon different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and New Bern 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 New Bern. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Marathon or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Marathon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Marathon or New Bern Better for Resorts?

Marathon is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or New Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Marathon is well known for its beaches. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or New Bern?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or New Bern Better for Families?

Marathon is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Marathon is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Marathon or New Bern Better for Couples?

Marathon is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Marathon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

Neither Marathon or New Bern offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Marathon or New Bern a more walkable city?

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

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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 New Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marathon or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marathon than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern.

One day in Marathon or New Bern?

The beautiful island of Marathon offers nightlife 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.

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or New Bern?

Marathon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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

Five days in Marathon or New Bern?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marathon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

New Bern is a popular choice for travelers. 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 New Bern?

Marathon is a great place to explore. 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 Marathon has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

New Bern is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 comparing the travel costs between Marathon and New Bern, 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 New Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or New Bern?

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

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 New Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as New Bern. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marathon is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than New Bern. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or New Bern in the Autumn?

Both New Bern and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New Bern because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Marathon is a little warmer than New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than New Bern. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marathon usually gets less rain in January than New Bern. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or New Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and New Bern. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm.

Marathon is much warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than New Bern. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Marathon