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

Should you visit Marathon or Saint Louis?

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

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

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Marathon and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Saint Louis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Marathon and Saint Louis are both popular with visitors, Saint Louis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and shopping, while Marathon is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also home to the Gateway Arch.

How is Marathon different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Marathon or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Louis. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Marathon or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Marathon is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

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

Marathon is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Marathon. 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 Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Marathon is well known for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Saint Louis?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Marathon and Saint Louis are both great 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 Louis is a very kid-friendly island. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Is Marathon or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Marathon is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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

Saint Louis is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Saint Louis is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Louis a more walkable city?

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

Saint Louis is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Saint Louis. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis 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 Louis.

One day in Marathon or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing island of Marathon. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Marathon. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Marathon or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beautiful island of Marathon. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Marathon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marathon and Saint Louis, we can see that Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Saint Louis, 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 Louis?

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 Louis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Marathon is around the same temperature as Saint Louis in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the summer, Marathon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Saint Louis. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

Both Saint Louis and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Louis in the Winter?

Both Saint Louis and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Saint Louis. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Louis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Saint Louis. The spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Marathon is much warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Marathon