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

Should you visit Marathon or Norfolk?

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

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

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Marathon and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Norfolk are both popular with visitors, Marathon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is known for its museums and shopping. Marathon is more touristy than Norfolk 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. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Marathon different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Norfolk 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 Norfolk. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Marathon or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Marathon and Norfolk.

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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Marathon or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Norfolk Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Norfolk?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Norfolk Better for Families?

Marathon is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Marathon or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Marathon is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get 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 Norfolk a more walkable city?

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

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marathon or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marathon than Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

One day in Marathon or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk offers 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 Norfolk?

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.

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

Five days in Marathon or Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk 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 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 Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk 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 Norfolk Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Norfolk. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marathon is a little warmer than Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Norfolk. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk 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 Norfolk because of the shopping scene.

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

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Norfolk in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Norfolk. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Norfolk. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

Marathon is much warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Marathon