A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Saint Simons for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Marathon or Saint Simons?

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

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

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Marathon and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Saint Simons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Marathon and Saint Simons are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Marathon is known for its nightlife, 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 Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach.

How is Marathon different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Simons 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 Simons. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Simons Better for Nightlife?

Marathon is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Marathon or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Marathon is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

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

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

Saint Simons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Both Marathon and Saint Simons have very good 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 Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Marathon or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Saint Simons?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Saint Simons Better for Families?

Marathon and Saint Simons are both very good 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 Simons is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Marathon or Saint Simons Better for Couples?

Marathon and Saint Simons are both very good 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 Simons is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

Neither Marathon or Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Marathon or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

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

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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 Simons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Marathon or Saint Simons. 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 Simons.

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

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

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

One day in Marathon or Saint Simons?

In Marathon, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping 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.

A weekend in Marathon or Saint Simons?

Marathon is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Saint Simons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island 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 Simons, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Saint Simons?

In Marathon, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint Simons 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 Simons?

Marathon is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. 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 island 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 Simons, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Simons Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Saint Simons, 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 Simons?

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 Simons in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. 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 Simons. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

Both Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

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

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Simons in the Winter?

Both Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons this time of year.

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

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

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

Should I visit Marathon or Saint Simons in the Spring?

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

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

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

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Saint Simons. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Marathon