A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Marathon vs. Saint Augustine for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Marathon or Saint Augustine?

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

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

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Marathon and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Saint Augustine?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Marathon and Saint Augustine are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Marathon is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter.

How is Marathon different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Augustine is great for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Marathon and Saint Augustine.

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 Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Marathon or Saint Augustine Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great destination for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Augustine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

Both Marathon and Saint Augustine have superb beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Marathon or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Marathon does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Saint Augustine can be explored in its historical center. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Marathon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is great for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

Marathon and Saint Augustine are both superb 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.

Saint Augustine is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Marathon or Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Marathon and Saint Augustine are both superb 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.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Marathon or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is great for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Marathon or Saint Augustine. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marathon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Marathon or Saint Augustine?

The beautiful destination of Marathon offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Saint Augustine?

The island of Marathon offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Saint Augustine?

Marathon is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine?

The quaint island of Marathon offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Saint Augustine, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Saint Augustine, 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 Saint Augustine?

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 Saint Augustine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Saint Augustine. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

Marathon is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Saint Augustine. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

Both Saint Augustine and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marathon is a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Saint Augustine during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

Both Saint Augustine and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 191 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Saint Augustine. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Saint Augustine. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Marathon is a little warmer than Saint Augustine in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Saint Augustine during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Saint Augustine. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Marathon