Should I Visit Key Largo Or Marathon? Which Is Better For Resorts ...

Should you visit Key Largo or Marathon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Marathon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Marathon travel costs.

Key Largo and Marathon: Pros and Cons

Key Largo

Pros

• Good scuba and snorkeling destination
• Popular beach
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers

Things to Consider

• Less popular for nightlife

Marathon

Pros

• Active nightlife
• Good scuba and snorkeling destination
• Popular beach
• Known for its beauty
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Impressive beauty

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Marathon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marathon than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marathon is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is well known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Also, Marathon is famous for The Dolphin Research Center.

How is Key Largo different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marathon and Key Largo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Marathon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key Largo Marathon

Marathon is a island with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Marathon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo Marathon

Marathon is a island with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Marathon Better for Resorts?

Key Largo Marathon

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Marathon have high quality options.

In Key Largo, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

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

Is Key Largo or Marathon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo Marathon

Key Largo is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Key Largo or Marathon Better for Beaches?

Key Largo Marathon

Marathon is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

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.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is Key Largo or Marathon More Beautiful?

Key Largo Marathon

Marathon is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Marathon Better for Families?

Key Largo Marathon

Key Largo 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.

Key Largo is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

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 Key Largo or Marathon Better for Couples?

Key Largo Marathon

Marathon is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

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.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

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

Key Largo Marathon

Neither Key Largo or Marathon offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a 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 Key Largo or Marathon a more walkable city?

Key Largo Marathon

Marathon is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Key Largo is not a walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Marathon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marathon or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Marathon?

Both Key Largo and Marathon have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Marathon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Marathon than Key Largo. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marathon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key Largo 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 Key Largo.