Marina

Travel Guide
Fort Ord Dunes State Park which includes tranquil scenes
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-meter) trail meandering through the Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Appreciate the seclusion and tranquility in this 4-mile (6-kilometer) 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 kilometers) north of Monterey and 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Santa Cruz. Get around the town on foot or by bus. Visit Marina and its sand dune park for a scenic and serene vacation.

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 RM331 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
RM331
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marina. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
4.6/10 (1,037 reviews)
Freezing shower
"Water in shower would not turn hot."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

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
The price is RM398 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM398
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marina. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,016 reviews)
Between monterey/ santa cruz cant be beat!
"Great budget spot off the 101! Snax available evey morning, and varied! Would definitely come on back for some family R and R. Grovery Outlet and walmart on the way into and out of town."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Monarch Valley Inn Marina at Monterey Bay
Hampton Inn & Suites Marina
Hampton Inn & Suites Marina
2.5 out of 5
120 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA
The price is RM678 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM678
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marina. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (275 reviews)
"Newer property, great breakfast choices, nice room size, and convenient to nearby sites. Also issue is that it is listed as free parking and they charge $10/day."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Marina
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
Little European Lodge
2.5 out of 5
45 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Carmel Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Talbotts Vineyards and Chock Rock Vineyard ...
9/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"Last minute reservation when I couldn’t get in much more expensive places. But it was clean, right in the village and the service was better than any hotel I’ve ever stayed in."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2023

Little European Lodge
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 28.571428571428573%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 28.571428571428573%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 14.285714285714286%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Jul 2019

Amazing