A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Marathon or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Santa Monica, 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 relaxing, quaint, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Marathon and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Marathon and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Marathon attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Marathon and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Marathon is famous for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel.

How is Marathon different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is great for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Is Marathon or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Marathon is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Santa Monica Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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 Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is great for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Marathon is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Marathon or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Marathon and Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is Marathon or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Marathon is not a good place to visit for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Marathon or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Marathon or Santa Monica?

In Marathon, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this quaint 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.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

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.

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

Five days in Marathon or Santa Monica?

In Marathon, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing 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.

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Marathon is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

In October, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Santa Monica. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Marathon is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Marathon usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.

In the spring, Marathon is much warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, Marathon usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Marathon