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-meter) trail meandering through the Fort Ord Dunes State ParkOpens in a new window. 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 MontereyOpens in a new window and 30 miles (48 kilometers) 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 vacation.

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 ₹6,203 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹6,203
₹7,230 total
29 Jul - 30 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! (1,269 reviews)
"Sink was stopped up, hot water took forever to warm up. But only really slept and showered there. People at counter were very nice despite customers being not that. Overall it was ok. Pet friendly is important to me."

Reviewed on 17 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 ₹7,917 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹7,917
₹9,172 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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 (1,878 reviews)
"Good place, they texted to see if there was anything I needed, I replied with one request and got nothing back. Other then that they were very good"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Monterey Beachfront-Marina, CA
Ramada by Wyndham Marina

Ramada by Wyndham Marina

2 out of 5
323 Reservation Road, Marina, CA
The price is ₹12,407 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹12,407
₹14,290 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Very clean and quiet hotel. Staff have been some of the friendliest we've met so far on our 2 week road trip."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Ramada by Wyndham 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

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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (52 reviews)
"We loved this cute Inn! We definitely would stay here again."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing

Cities near Marina