Title: Marina Travel Guide: Best of Marina, California Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Marina](https://expedia.co.uk/Marina-Hotels.d8709.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Marina](https://expedia.co.uk/Marina-Holiday-Rentals.d8709.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Marina Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Marina.d8709.Car-Hire-Guide)[Marina Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Marina.d8709.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Marina Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Fort Ord Dunes State Park featuring views and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151264/0760313b-85a0-4091-b90d-7694383283ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fort Ord Dunes State Park featuring views and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151264/0760313b-85a0-4091-b90d-7694383283ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fort Ord Dunes State Park showing tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151264/4709c665-3aad-4aea-b472-3fdbb9ca4763.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fort Ord Dunes State Park featuring wildflowers](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151264/f0f4460a-a212-434d-a140-f4c475922b25.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fort Ord Dunes State Park featuring general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151264/8ba0e4a0-37ef-46fc-8952-aeb24b8529ea.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Marina Things to do Reviews #### 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 Park](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Fort-Ord-Dunes-State-Park-Seaside.d6151264.Attraction). 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 [Monterey](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Monterey.d180045.Holidays-City-Breaks) and 30 miles (48 kilometres) south of [Santa Cruz](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz.d6666.Holidays-City-Breaks). Get around the town on foot or by bus. Visit Marina and its sand dune park for a scenic and serene holiday. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-uk-fr-de.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Holiday Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.co.uk/cheap-deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_8709) - Top hotels in Marina - Top Holiday Rentals in Marina ![Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/60000/57500/57432/0863bd05_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey 100 Reservation Rd Marina CA Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay £48 10 Mar - 11 Mar 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. ... 8/10 Very Good! (1,675 reviews) Everything was good. The only issue was that late at night the noise from other guests was disturbing, as they were talking loudly without respecting the sleeping hours. Overall, considering the price we paid, our stay was good. The hotel was clean and the staff were very polite. 😊 Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=10%2F03%2F2026&endDate=11%2F03%2F2026&selected=57432&PinnedHotelID=57432&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=8709) ![Sanctuary Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/530000/527100/527074/7e2b2d03_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Sanctuary Beach Resort 3295 Dunes Rd Marina CA £290 22 Mar - 23 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this luxury resort in Marina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ... 9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews) The property was beautiful and we enjoyed every minute of our stay. Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=22%2F03%2F2026&endDate=23%2F03%2F2026&selected=527074&PinnedHotelID=527074&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=8709) ![SpringHill Suites by Marriott The Dunes On Monterey Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15280000/15273600/15273531/3a2ec56b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### SpringHill Suites by Marriott The Dunes On Monterey Bay 215 10th Street Marina CA £161 12 Mar - 13 Mar 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 ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews) The location is very good with shops right across the street. Nice breakfast service in the morning, and the hotel is new. Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F03%2F2026&endDate=13%2F03%2F2026&selected=15273531&PinnedHotelID=15273531&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=8709) [See all 2,138 properties in Marina](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=08%2F03%2F2026&endDate=09%2F03%2F2026®ionId=8709) 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. ![Little European Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92440000/92430800/92430776/25f87e23_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Little European Lodge 45 W Carmel Valley Rd Carmel Valley CA Stay at this aparthotel in Carmel Valley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ... 9/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews) This motel was in a great and easy location to be able to walk to everything from. The room was clean, but very basic, and a shelf or small table to put our toiletries on in the bathroom (and soap in the shower) would have been helpful! Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Valley-Hotels-Little-European-Lodge.h92430776.Hotel-Information) ![Big Sur Lodge-Style House in Carmel with PANORAMIC Ocean, Bay & Valley VIEWS!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60620000/60617500/60617489/7aecfdaa_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Big Sur Lodge-Style House in Carmel with PANORAMIC Ocean, Bay & Valley VIEWS! Carmel-By-The-Sea CA Stay at this business-friendly holiday home in Carmel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ... 10/10 Exceptional! (133 reviews) Pictures don’t do this place justice. It has everything you would need and then some. The downstairs game room was so nice to have since I have multiple teenage boys. Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-Big-Sur-Lodge-Style-House-In-Carmel-With-PANORAMIC-Ocean.h60617489.Hotel-Information) ![Charming Romantic Yacht Harbor Beach Cottage ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33120000/33112100/33112057/54ad2e6f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Charming Romantic Yacht Harbor Beach Cottage Santa Cruz CA Stay at this cottage in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Beach are ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (312 reviews) Well appointed in a desirable location. We really enjoyed the hot tub and outdoor space. Inside was a bit cramped and some minor repairs are needed but overall a nice stay. Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Hotels-Charming-Romantic-Yacht-Harbor-Beach-Cottage.h33112057.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Marina](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=8709&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Marina hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=8709&startDate=2026-03-07&endDate=2026-03-08)[7 Mar - 8 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=8709&startDate=2026-03-07&endDate=2026-03-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=8709&startDate=2026-03-08&endDate=2026-03-09)[8 Mar - 9 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=8709&startDate=2026-03-08&endDate=2026-03-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=8709&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)[13 Mar - 15 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=8709&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Sunset waves at Marina Dunes Natural Preserves near Monterey California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621555875002/c5606f37-d9f9-4c6d-a41d-169510fd026f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Marina Dunes Preserve You can take time to visit Marina Dunes Preserve during your travels to Marina. Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Marina-Dunes-Preserve-Marina.d553248621555875002.Attraction) ![#waterlust ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8709/a4a0dba3-3bc4-4ced-9895-48247d9614be.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Marina State Beach Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Marina State Beach during your travels in Marina? Stroll along the marina in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Marina-State-Beach-Marina.d6151262.Attraction) #### Cinemark Century Marina You can take time to visit Cinemark Century Marina during your travels to Marina. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the golf courses. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cinemark-Century-Marina-Marina.d941654267650048000.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Step aboard our stable, USCG inspected, 27ft. pontoon boat, and embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure! ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46664379/11af1fe1-de05-44e1-83e7-9719cd2356af.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland £33 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-safari-boat-tour-in-scenic-monterey-bay-wetland.a46664379.activity-details) ![Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4583863/5b1ebb3c-e5d2-44c8-bdd2-b457f2bd52a2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour £55 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/monterey-bay-whale-watching-tour.a4583863.activity-details) ![Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48223089/194ea493-f85e-4071-9dcd-2aedb9f4336f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide £52 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/monterey-whale-watching-tour-with-a-marine-guide.a48223089.activity-details) ![Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4758083/6f35c3d7-4fcb-467a-9464-1825ae8a7c3f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise £70 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/monterey-bay-sunset-catamaran-sailing-cruise.a4758083.activity-details) ![Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47761192/5ba393f4-c4cf-45d7-9355-10a0229f2e8f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo £17 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/monterey-treasure-hunt-the-ride-ticket-power-up-combo.a47761192.activity-details) ![RadWagon tandem](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1385287/ccfaa45d-65fb-459c-b8a7-8b9cf4127440.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr £59 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/montereys-17-mile-drive-guided-electric-bike-tour.a1385287.activity-details) [See all activities in Marina](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Marina.d8709.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Reviews of Marina 3.7 Guest rating 5 - Excellent 2 4 - Good 2 3 - Okay 2 2 - Disappointing 1 1 - Terrible 0 ### 5/5 - Excellent Verified traveller Amazing ## Cities near Marina ![Panorama of the popular seaside holiday resort of Skegness on the east coast of england. Warm summer tones and sweeping vista views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6524/548591e9-2a39-4224-84c5-af8a8076d052.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Seaside ![Lettuce field in the Salinas Valley of Monterey County, California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9904/d175be19-3ba3-46cc-9730-68dc3b4bc689.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Salinas ![Castroville artichokes in the setting sun](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6337749/d6b08ed9-5d33-4da7-990f-9ec1cde591eb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Castroville - Cities near Marina - Places of interest [Seaside](https://expedia.co.uk/Seaside.dx6524)[Salinas](https://expedia.co.uk/Salinas.dx9904)[Castroville](https://expedia.co.uk/Castroville.dx6337749) - [Monterey Bay Aquarium ](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Bay-Aquarium-Retreat.d6063305.Attraction) - [Monterey Bay ](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Bay-California.d553248621532640233.Attraction) - [Cannery Row ](https://expedia.co.uk/Cannery-Row-New-Monterey.d6131067.Attraction) - [Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ](https://expedia.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Beach-Boardwalk-Westside-Santa-Cruz.d6065915.Attraction) - [Carmel Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Beach-Golden-Rectangle.d6134971.Attraction) - [WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca ](https://expedia.co.uk/WeatherTech-Raceway-Laguna-Seca-Monterey.d6065903.Attraction) - [Pebble Beach Golf Links ](https://expedia.co.uk/Pebble-Beach-Golf-Links-Pebble-Beach.d6065899.Attraction) - [Point Lobos State Natural Reserve ](https://expedia.co.uk/Point-Lobos-State-Natural-Reserve-California.d6089199.Attraction) - [Asilomar State Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/Asilomar-State-Beach-California.d6153470.Attraction) - [The Links at Spanish Bay ](https://expedia.co.uk/The-Links-At-Spanish-Bay-Pebble-Beach.d6328098.Attraction) - [Del Monte Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/Del-Monte-Beach-Monterey.d6327606.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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