Marina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Fort Ord Dunes State Park showing 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 ₹5,186 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹5,186
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews.
4.6/10 (1,067 reviews)
Great stay
"Despite all the bad reviews... our stay was awesome, clean and comfy, kids loved it. Check in was super fast and easy."

Reviewed on 7 May 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 ₹7,431 per night from 16 May to 17 May
₹7,431
per night
16 May - 17 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Perfect work trip room. Clean, comfortable bed, and plenty of room for one. The front desk team was exceptional!"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Monarch Valley Inn Marina at Monterey Bay
Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
2 out of 5
100 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA
The price is ₹5,844 per night from 14 May to 15 May
₹5,844
per night
14 May - 15 May
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.
7.4/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Fun visit with friends
"The room was very clean and roomy. Really enjoyed the place. The employees were very nice and polite. I have stayed there several times and enjoy it every time."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
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 Tasting ...
9/10 Wonderful! (13 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

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