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

Should you visit Marathon or Saint Petersburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Saint Petersburg, 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Marathon and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Saint Petersburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Marathon and Saint Petersburg are both popular with visitors, Saint Petersburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, 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 Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach.

How is Marathon different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Marathon or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Marathon is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Marathon. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

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

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

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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 Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

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 the Shopping Better in Marathon or Saint Petersburg?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Marathon and Saint Petersburg are both excellent 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 Petersburg is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Marathon or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Marathon and Saint Petersburg are both excellent 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 Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own 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 Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Marathon and Saint Petersburg are decent when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Marathon or Saint Petersburg. 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 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

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

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

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

One day in Marathon or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers food and shopping. 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 Saint Petersburg?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful island of Marathon. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Petersburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Saint Petersburg?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Petersburg?

Marathon is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Petersburg 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 coastal 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 Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Saint Petersburg?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Marathon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Marathon is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Saint Petersburg. The cuisine are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Saint Petersburg. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches.

Marathon is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Marathon