Overview
Marina is a city in Monterey County in California along the coast of the Monterey Bay.
1 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Marina
Marina Dune Natural Preserve
These seaside sand dunes were purchased by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District in 1988 and have been restored after years of damage from sand mining and vehicle traffic. Today the dunes are returning to their n…
Fort Ord National Monument
From 1917 until 1994 this area was a military base that was used by as many as 1.5 million soldiers. After the base was closed it became a national monument via Presidential proclamation in 2012. The park is a 14,658 acr…
Locke-Paddon Wetland Community Park
Named after the town's founder, this 12-acre unit of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District protects one of the six vernal ("seaonsal") ponds located in the city limits. Activities at the park include hiking, bird…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Nov. Summer highs reach about 68°F; winter lows dip to about 43°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Monterey)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MRY Monterey Regional Airport, Monterey — 7 mi away. Directions
- SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose — 47 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $60–$60 a night (typical $68), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$230.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Marina Dune Natural Preserve, Locke-Paddon Wetland Community Park
- Lunch LOCAL. Eats. Merch. Vibes.
- Afternoon Fort Ord National Monument
- Dinner Keoki's Hawaiian Barbecue
- Evening English Ales Brewery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Marina is a coastal city on Monterey Bay in the Central Coast region of the Pacific Midwest. To the east of the city center is Marina Munical Airport, and State Road No. 1 passes. Major attractions include the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge and Salinas River State Beach. Every year, the Festival of the Winds, the Marina Air Fire, and the Marina Labor Day Parade are held.
See
See Marina Dune Natural Preserve
These seaside sand dunes were purchased by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District in 1988 and have been restored after years of damage from sand mining and vehicle traffic. Today the dunes are returning to their natural state and offer opportunities for recreation, including many hang gliders and kite flyers who take advantage of the ocean winds at Marina State Beach. Note that water activities can be hazardous due to rip currents, and dogs are not allowed.
Do
Do Fort Ord National Monument
From 1917 until 1994 this area was a military base that was used by as many as 1.5 million soldiers. After the base was closed it became a national monument via Presidential proclamation in 2012. The park is a 14,658 acre natural area with over 86 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The park does not include any coastal lands, but landscapes include grasslands, streams, maritime chaparral, oak woodlands and seasonal pools. Wildlife in the monument includes badgers, mountain lions, black-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, gopher snakes, red tailed hawks, Canada geese, coast horned lizards, California quail, golden eagles and turkeys.
Do Locke-Paddon Wetland Community Park
Named after the town's founder, this 12-acre unit of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District protects one of the six vernal ("seaonsal") ponds located in the city limits. Activities at the park include hiking, birdwatching (mostly ducks), a small playground, and picnic tables.
Eat
Drink
Drink English Ales Brewery
Serves traditional English-style ales. Happy hour 4-7PM.
Sleep
Stay safe
Though Fort Ord is available for public recreation nowadays, there are still a few sections that are fenced off due to unexploded ordnance that has not been cleared. These areas will be well marked with signage and fences, do not try to venture into them.
Go next
- Moss Landing - Ten miles north of Marina, this tiny town is often overlooked but offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities at Elkhorn Slough, one of the largest saltwater estuaries in California and a great place to spot sea otters. The harbor is also the departure point for several whale watching companies. Amenities for travelers are limited, although there are several restaurants in the harbor area.
- Seaside - Seven miles south of Marina, Seaside is most often visited by those looking for lodging or restaurants close to the town of Monterey. However, the town does have a few attractions of its own, including the Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses, part of the former Fort Ord military base, which hosted the 2012 PGA Professional National Championship. The town is also home to Sand City, an artist community located within the city limits that hosts an arts festival each August.
Nearby
Seaside
City / town · 8 listings · 6 mi away
Monterey
City / town · 66 listings · 8 mi away
Pacific Grove
City / town · 18 listings · 8 mi away
Salinas
City / town · 36 listings · 8 mi away
Moss Landing
City / town · 11 listings · 8 mi away
Carmel Point
City / town · 37 listings · 11 mi away
Carmel
City / town · 48 listings · 11 mi away
Carmel Valley
City / town · 3 listings · 15 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.