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Big Sur

Soulful.
Breathtaking.
Untamed.

Carmel Valley

Warm.
Rustic.
Relaxed.

Carmel-By-The-SEA

Artistic.
Whimsical.
Epicurean.

Marina

Diverse.
Coastal.
Evolving.

Monterey

Iconic.
Historic.
Trailblazing.
This is an image of Moss Landing

mOss Landing

Marine.
Wild.
Curious.
Pacific grove beach

Pacific Grove

Classic.
Coastal.
Connected.
This is an image of a golf course with a cypress tree and the ocean in the background at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach

Legendary.
Luxurious.
Pristine.

Salinas

Grounded.
Vibrant.
Visionary.
Salinas Valley

salinas Valley

Open.
Abundant.
Genuine.
This is an image of a person paragliding over a beach in Sand City, California

Sand City

Edgy.
Expressive.
Creative.
This is an image a couple of people running on a path in Laguna Grande Park in Seaside, California

Seaside

Bold.
Genuine.
Rising.

Take The Right Path

A little planning goes a long way. Help protect Monterey County by allowing extra travel time, carpooling when possible, parking responsibly, and respecting local communities.

Take the Art Lover's Path

From the mural-lined streets of Salinas to the world-class galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the arts are truly at home in Monterey County.
Classic cars on display outdoors in the plaza in front of Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf

Summer Annual Events

The days are longer, and the event calendar is fuller during summer, including Monterey Car Week! Discover popular events by season and things to do during your visit.
Group of people sat around an outdoor table at Carmel Valley Ranch with the Santa Lucia Highlands and vineyards in the background

Inspiration Pays Off – An Incentive Deal Worth $20,000*

For every night your group stays mid-week, you earn $20 back, up to $20,000*.

Take the Right Path

A little planning goes a long way. Help protect Monterey County by allowing extra travel time, carpooling when possible, parking responsibly, and respecting local communities.

Take The Right Path

A little planning goes a long way. Help protect Monterey County by allowing extra travel time, carpooling when possible, parking responsibly, and respecting local communities.

Meet Marina
Meet Marina

EVENTS
THINGS TO DO
PLACES TO STAY
PLACES TO EAT

WELCOME TO Marina, CA

Diverse. Coastal. Evolving.

Marina is Monterey County’s adrenaline playground. From paragliders soaring overhead to trails winding through historic Fort Ord National Monument and Fort Ord Dunes State Park, this is where you can push your boundaries while still feeling right at home. Just minutes from Monterey, this unpretentious town offers adventure sports, global dining, and uncrowded views that feel like your own slice of the bay.

Marina, California

Beaches

Marina State Beach is the city’s crown jewel, a haven for paragliders, kite flyers and sunset seekers alike. Watch colorful sails lift into the wind or stroll the shoreline to spot distant whales and shorebirds. Scenic trails and unforgettable experiences abound.

Discover Marina State Beach

EXPLORE Marina, CA

From vast sand dunes to Fort Ord’s miles of trails, Marina invites you to explore beyond the shoreline. Open spaces, protected state parks and accessible recreation make this city a gateway to the peninsula’s wild side.

PLACES TO STAY IN Marina

Stay right on the dunes at Sanctuary Beach Resort, where ocean views pair with seaside dining. For modern comfort, SpringHill Suites offers convenience near Highway 1. Hampton Inn offers a reliable and budget-friendly option, conveniently located near the beach and local dining establishments.

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Upcoming Events in Marina

Browse fresh produce and multicultural eats at the weekly Marina Certified Farmers Market or join in seasonal gatherings that highlight the city’s coastal heritage.

Marina, California
Marina, California
Marina, California
Marina, California
Marina, California
Marina, California
Marina, California
Marina, California
Marina, California
Marina, California

Controlled Chaos Improv at California's First Theatre!

8/21/2026

Controlled Chaos Improv is back at Monterey’s legendary historical landmark, California's First Theatre! These talented improvisers will create hilarious scenes on the spot based entirely on audience suggestions. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of improv--every show is different and the laughter is guaranteed.

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Afternoon with the Curator: Cynthia Wagner Weick and Joaquin Turner

8/22/2026

Join MMA in the galleries for an inspiring afternoon with guest curators Cynthia Wagner Weick and Joaquin Turner as they share their insights into A Visual History of Art and Architecture in Monterey.Advance purchase is required. Seating is limited, so we recommend reserving your tickets early.$5 MMA Members, Students, Military, Under 18, and SNAP Participants with EBT$20 General Admission. Includes...

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West End Celebration

8/22/2026 - 8/23/2026

Sand City's West End Celebration is a unique, family-friendly event that celebrates community and the diversity of artistic talent found within Monterey County. The streets of the West End District of Sand City come alive with the arts of every genre. Discover innovative art, listen to continuous live music from multiple stages and have the opportunity to purchase works from...

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The Music Never Stopped - A Celebration of the Grateful Dead with Nice Device

8/22/2026

Join in for a night of live music, with the Shearwater Tavern menu and full bar available for purchase as Nice Device celebrates the music of the Grateful Dead.

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Sunday Live Music feat. Along Came Betty

8/23/2026

The Big Sur River Inn 2026 Sunday Live Music line up features the band Along Came Betty. Music plays from noon to four. Enjoy lunch on the deck, BBQ on the lawn and delicious beverages outdoors in beautiful Big Sur! This Monterey based five-piece jazz combo is known for its classic hard bop sound. Formed in 1998 the group's sound features the...

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Monthly Wednesday Wine Down EAT. MINGLE. CREATE

8/26/2026 - 11/25/2026

Break up your week with a mid-month treat at Boete's Wednesday Wine Down, hosted at The Barrel Room. Join in on the last Wednesday of each month for an evening of wine, creativity, and connection.Each workshop includes savory bites, your choice of Boete wine, sparkling or beer, time to mingle with friends, and a guided art project you'll create and...

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Monthly Wednesday Wine Down EAT. MINGLE. CREATE

8/26/2026 - 11/25/2026

Break up your week with a mid-month treat at Boete's Wednesday Wine Down, hosted at The Barrel Room. Join in on the last Wednesday of each month for an evening of wine, creativity, and connection.Each workshop includes savory bites, your choice of Boete wine, sparkling or beer, time to mingle with friends, and a guided art project you'll create and...

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Sunset Center Launches "Century of Creativity"

8/26/2026 - 10/25/2026

Sunset Center Launches “Century of Creativity,” a Five-Year Journey to Its Theater’s Centennial in 2031Carmel-by-the-Sea landmark marks the 100th anniversary of its original 1926 building with an August 26 ribbon-cutting, followed by a free community celebration on October 25CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA — Sunset Center, a cornerstone of arts and culture on the Monterey Peninsula, will launch Century of Creativity — a...

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Grateful Dead "Touch of Grey" Talk at First Theater

8/26/2026

Grateful Dead “Touch of Grey” Talk at First Theater After two decades of being a countercultural music force, San Francisco’s the Grateful Dead reached a new level of fame with the release of their song “A Touch of Grey” in 1987. The band’s accompanying music video included live footage from a 1987 concert at Laguna Seca Raceway and received major...

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OSAT Artist Reception

8/28/2026

Join in for a special evening to meet the participating OSAT artists in person!This reception is your opportunity to chat directly with local creators and view their work all in one place. The event is held alongside our Special OSAT Exhibit (on display from August 3 to October 1). It is the perfect hub to see the art and plan...

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Things to do in Marina

Adventure comes easily here. Take to the skies with a paragliding or skydiving experience, or keep your feet on the ground and explore Fort Ord National Monument's miles of hiking and biking trails. Families love the local disc golf courses, while nature lovers can spot snowy plovers along the dunes at Fort Ord Dunes State Park.

Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:

Hidden Gems in Monterey
Beaches
Parks
Recreation
people picking out fruits and vegetables at the del monte farmers market
Farmers Market
Skydive Monterey Bay
Fort Ord National Monument
Skydive Monterey Bay Skydive Monterey Bay

Skydive Monterey Bay is known for the “World’s Highest Tandem Jumps” from 18,000ft. Jumping from 18k allows for a 90-second free fall before the parachute opens, then coasting gracefully, for approximately 6-8 minutes under the canopy, before coming to a soft landing on our designated landing area, here at the airport.

Skydive Monterey Bay
Fort Ord National Monument Fort Ord National Monument

A former military base, the Fort Ord National Monument offers 83 miles of trail on approximately 7,200 acres. The recreational area is open from dawn to dusk for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, wildlife/wildflower photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Fort Ord National Monument
Marina, California

The Right Path to Marina

Marina’s dunes and beaches are fragile environments. Stay on marked paths to protect nesting birds, pack out what you bring in, and enjoy fires only in designated fire receptacles.

About Responsible Travel

PLACES TO EAT
IN Marina

Marina’s dining reflects its diverse community. Savor seafood and oysters at Salt Wood Kitchen, dig into Mexican favorites at Michael’s Grill & Taqueria, or grab a sweet treat at Cheesecake Dreamations. From upscale to casual, flavors here are as open as the skies above.

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Pick Your Path

Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:

Marina, California

7 Hikes to Take Your Breath Away in Monterey County

Monterey County, California
Dennis the Menance Park Monterey Playground

Things To Do with Kids in Monterey County

Monterey County, California
Marina, California

Top Ocean View Restaurants in Monterey County

Monterey County, California
Marina, California

8 Best Sunset Spots in Monterey County

Monterey County, California
Marina, California

Car Lovers Guide to Monterey County

Monterey County, California

Marina: Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip? Start with these common questions.

Is Marina State Beach swimmable?

No. Marina State Beach has powerful rip currents and steep drop-offs. It’s best enjoyed for walks, kite flying, paragliding, and sunsets rather than swimming.

Where can I go skydiving?

Skydiving operators launch from Marina Municipal Airport, offering thrilling views of the bay as you descend.

How far is Marina from Monterey?

About 10 miles, or a 15-minute drive.

What is there to do at Fort Ord Dunes State Park?

Explore four miles of beach and bluff-top trails, bike or hike through rolling dunes, and learn about the area’s military history on interpretive panels. Viewing platforms also make it easy to spot wildlife and enjoy ocean vistas.

What is the best time of the year to visit?

Late summer to early fall, especially September, brings the warmest days, fewer crowds, and clear skies.

Marina Directory

Plan your visit with complete listings of lodging, dining, and attractions. Whether you want a sky-high adventure, a quiet walk among the dunes, or a global bite to eat, Marina makes it easy to map your path.

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Need some inspo?

Looking for travel inspiration? Our blog is packed with insider tips, destination guides and local stories to help you make the most of your Monterey adventure.

Just One More Adventure

Which path will you choose when there’s only time for one more? If Marina has captured your heart, explore nearby Seaside.

Explore Seaside
Seaside State Beach at Sunset