Marina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fort Ord Dunes State Park featuring views and a beach
Fort Ord Dunes State Park showing tranquil scenes
Fort Ord Dunes State Park featuring wild flowers
Fort Ord Dunes State Park featuring general coastal views
Fort Ord Dunes State Park which includes a sandy beach

Wander along the beaches and learn about U.S. military history in this intriguing town known for its huge sand dunes.

Marina is a pleasant coastal town with a picturesque state park overlooking Monterey Bay. It contains part of California State University and an old military complex with exhibits relaying its history. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and scenic ocean views in this quiet town far from the noise of big cities.

Stroll along the 1,500-foot (460-metre) trail meandering through the Fort Ord Dunes State ParkOpens in a new window. Appreciate the seclusion and tranquility in this 4-mile (6-kilometre) stretch of sand dunes covered by native vegetation. Snap photos of the birds, such as snowy plovers and red-tailed hawks, that nest in the dunes.

At the back of the beach is a boardwalk leading to a viewing platform atop a cliff. Climb to the summit and gaze at the ocean in the hope of spotting whales, visible year-round and more frequent from April to December.

Encounter the old buildings that were part of the Fort Ord complex from which the park takes its name. Today, exhibits chronicle the use of this site as a military base of the United States Army. Explore the exhibit with a downloadable guide on your cell phone.

North of the park is the Marina State Beach, which offers excellent views of the Monterey Bay coastline. Sunbathe and swim in the ocean to take advantage of the year-round pleasant weather. Watch hang gliders taking off from the highest of the sand dunes. Stay for the spectacular sunset, when the silhouettes of the cliffs darken against the red sky.

A little inland from the beach is Locke-Paddon Park. Explore its stunning wetland terrain and enjoy a picnic on one of the provided tables.

The town is in the northwestern corner of Monterey County in Central California. Find it 8 miles (13 kilometres) north of MontereyOpens in a new window and 30 miles (48 kilometres) south of Santa CruzOpens in a new window. Get around the town on foot or by bus. Visit Marina and its sand dune park for a scenic and serene holiday.

Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
2 out of 5
100 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £65 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£65
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Marina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,246 reviews)
Comfortable and budget friendly
"The room was clean, spacious, and comfortable, with all the basic necessities. Overall, it was a good experience and budget-friendly."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Monterey Beachfront-Marina, CA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Monterey Beachfront-Marina, CA
2.5 out of 5
3280 Dunes Drive, Marina, CA
The price is £75 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£75
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marina. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms in their ...
5/10 (1,851 reviews)
"I travel to the area every month for business and find that staying at the country Suites allows me the opportunity to for early morning walks on the beach before I start work Very Accommodating staff to ensure that I get the room that I like."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Monterey Beachfront-Marina, CA
Monarch Valley Inn Marina at Monterey Bay
Monarch Valley Inn Marina at Monterey Bay
2.5 out of 5
416 Reservation Rd, Hwy 1 To Rservation Road, Marina, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £83 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£83
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marina. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,027 reviews)
"Amazing amazing experience with family! Will come back!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Monarch Valley Inn Marina at Monterey Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Room For Rent
Room For Rent
Marina, CA
Stay at this property in Marina. Enjoy a fitness centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Marina Dunes Preserve and Marina State Beach are located ...
Room For Rent
Little European Lodge
Little European Lodge
3.5 out of 5
45 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Carmel Valley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (50 reviews)
Excellent
"Great hotel. Very clean, comfortable. Friendly. Would highly recommend and would definitely stay again should we ever be in the srea again"

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

Little European Lodge
One Bedroom Suite Cottage
One Bedroom Suite Cottage
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stay at this cottage in Carmel. Enjoy private pools, cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions 17-Mile Drive and Monterey Bay ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (18 reviews)
BrucecFamily
"Thank you for such a nice, clean place to rest."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

One Bedroom Suite Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Marina

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 29%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 14%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing

Cities near Marina