I visited the Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Marina, CA [Beach Range Road] on Tuesday, 9/30/25, around 2 PM. I decided to come here for a nice, chill beach day. What I enjoyed most about the beach was the tranquility, peacefulness, and calmness. The entire view of the area was gorgeous. I was able to soak up the ocean air and breeze. To top it off, the beach was not crowded at all. Overall, I spent about four hours there. On-site, parking was complimentary. There were portable restrooms available at everyone's convenience. There were signs to help navigate the walking trail or even heading towards the beach. I highly recommend visiting this place. I'd return in the future. read more

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This is a fairly new state park. It is a small section of coastline in the town of Marina, just a couple of small towns north of Monterey. It used to be owned by Fort Ord which was a US Army base from World War 2 to about 1994. They used this coastline which was mostly sand dunes to train soldiers mostly in rifle and artillery fare. There are a few remnants of structures from the past but most are gone. There are plaques now to tell you what used to be where. I found it to be a good educational read. Some of the trails are going under renovation so I had to improvise my hike here. The trails seem like they come close to the highway and a few entry points going to the beach. The beach I went to was very empty due to the rough coast. It is usually pretty windy, and the water very cold, rough and with rip tides. Not really a beach to lay a blanket and/or play in the water. It was very peaceful tho in that strong nature sense. Parking is free, low crowd density, good for shorter non-strenuous hikes, I think I can find a purpose for this place. read more

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Name That Dune Formerly part of the Fort Ord Army post, this 1k-acre oceanfront state park consists of four miles of beach lined with the eponymous sand dunes. It is also one of California's newest state parks, as it has only been officially open since 2009. The Good: * Private parking lot * Free to visit! * Dogs allowed on recreation trail but not the beach or spur trails that lead to the beach. * Great beaches with amazing views * Great place to ride your bike as there's a little over 4 miles of paved trails The Meh: * Port-o-potties in the parking lot * Local Outdoor Enthusiasts™ hanging out in the parking lot. The Ugly: * Part of the paved trail was closed during our visit (April 11th, '26) Conclusion: Great state beach with not many amenities. read more

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This state park is a great stop if you want to learn a little bit more about the area and enjoy the dunes for a few hours. It's also dog friendly, which I love. While in the actual Park, we learned a lot about the local wildlife and we saw lots of adorable lizards. We did venture onto the beach, but the sand here is incredibly fine and we found it in all sorts of places later so just beware. There was also plenty of parking available but we came on a weekday. There are also porta potties for use on the parking area. We visited the state park area once, but it was actually the bike trail that had us coming back for more. But I think this area is best suited to people who want to bike or chill on the beach, but hikers probably wouldn't have quite as enjoyable a time, as there's not much of a scenery or incline change unless you're going quite a distance. read more

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First time being here on the Labor Day long weekend. Easy sandy trail and beautiful view of the coastal plants in red and green and the ocean further beyond. A bit disappointed as we took the dune trail but it was blocked before we could even reach the trail head. There might be a detour into the sandy trail as we were on the pavement but we couldn't tell as the signs were missing. But I think we've been seeing those sand dunes all along from various angles. North of the park is the trail to the army base while south from parking lot is to the sand dunes. It's a nice small park with varied point of interests. read more

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Beautiful and serene! We were told about this park by an employee at Trader Joe's and I'm so happy we listened. It was a nice park with a walking/biking trail. If you're adventurous you can walk down to the beach. There's a free parking lot as well. read more

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Fort Ord State Dunes is an exceptional park renowned for its picturesque scenery and rich historical significance as the former Ford Ord Military Base. Remnants of the past can still be discovered amidst the dunes. For those with ample time, a hike to the beach is highly recommended. It is typically pretty empty and really is a hidden gem! From hikers to bikers, historians or families in general, this park caters to all! It is worth noting that the area frequently experiences foggy conditions, so bring something warm! read more

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I think it is a great place to bike through but I think one would be disappointed hiking here. Half the trials are closed and most of the paths are asphalt away from the dunes. I saw one trail that leads to the ocean. The fall hues against the manmade structures are juxtaposed in this landscape as it was a former military training camp. Adjacent to the bike trail. read more

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OMG, it's chilling here even in summer afternoon!  Quiet and calm. Parking? no issue. There are no public restrooms, only porta potties. Wonderful natural settings with a multitude of fantastic photo spots, including beach dunes and native wildflowers, as well as some rabbits and ground squirrels. Trashie trashie on the beach and walkway... Someone needs to clean up after themselves. read more

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Looking for a quiet alternative after the Carmel crowds, we set out to find Fort Ord Dunes State Beach. We drove north on Highway One to Sand City, and then followed our GPS on a convoluted Mister Toad route, past abandoned, crumbling Fort Ord buildings, then gingerly avoiding potholes on an old road, before finally finding the park entrance. Whew! The beach has a paved parking lot with a porta potty that was reasonably clean. We followed the fairly easy one quarter mile trail to the beach, taking us through gorgeous dunes on either side. Flowers on the dunes were in bloom and quite attractive, a high point of the visit. The surf was fairly wild this day, and minding the dangerous ocean warning signs, we kept our distance from the waves. But the beach itself is not superwide, so we didn't feel comfortable going for a long walk, as it looked like the waves had at some point come quite high on the sand. Obviously, not being able to explore the beach killed most of the attraction of this park. I was hoping for trails that would wind throughout the dunes. If they exist, we didn't find them. There is an old concrete trail that leads off the parking lot, but both ends are blocked after a short distance. Other reviews have mentioned long bike trails, perhaps these are off the access road coming in, but we didn't see them. Overall a bit disappointing, but on calmer surf days probably a gem. read more

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We enjoyed our first trip here. If you follow the GPS you'll probably pass by Fort Ord which is a little spooky. But the state park is quite far from there and offers some light excursion for the family. You can walk up to the cliff area to have a grand view of the ocean, or follow the trail to the beach. We mostly appreciated being able to have our daughter ride her tricycle without too much interruption. Recommend bringing a jacket after 4:30 pm. read more

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I specifically come here for the path way to jog, walk, run. The beach sure is pretty too but to me it's all about the great paved path to zone out. The only takeaway is for the beginning and most of the part it's parallel to the freeway. Other than that it's a great go-to place when you're wanting to get a good outdoor walk/jog/run in. read more

I came across this beach on the way back from Big Carmel beach and old fisherman's wharf over the previous Memorial Day weekend. Parking is moderate as it seems like there isn't too many visitors even on holiday weekends. There is a a sand path from the parking lot that leads you straight to a hill where you can look down and see the beach. There is also a straight path down towards the left of the parking lot which I believe is a bigger path to walk towards the water. read more

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We went here in a weekday morning after breakfast. The parking is free. The parking was actually a small. The beach was very clean and it was empty. I think during the weekend over the summer, good luck. read more

This beach is so damn beautiful! It's a bit off the beaten path but easy to get to either via the dedicated parking lot and a short walk, or by bicycle from one of the best paved bike paths in the nation! At the North end of the park, near Reindollar drive in Marina, the path turns to dirt and takes you to the beach which is a great example of California's beauty. The beach seems endless in both directions and it's not very crowded, ever! They don't allow dogs technically but I see them there all the time (mine included). Just be responsible people, clean up after your pets! As far a paved bike paths go, the path that takes you through this park is one of the best I've ever ridden. It's mostly straight with some turns but it goes up and down just enough for you to have to raise your heart rate a bit and actually get a decent workout. It rides along sand dunes and beautiful coastal vistas for miles. You can continue on South past the park all the way to Carmel if you have the time. You can even start further North near Castroville and the trail forms a long connected ride but the north section is less remarkable... It's really just an amazing resource for cyclists looking for an easy ride to do with the family. Bikes and Brews tip: The English Ales Brewery just a couple blocks away from the North entrance on Reindollar is a great place to park, have some lunch and a couple beers, and then head out to ride the path! ;) read more

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This is a great starting location for bike riders because it is paved with asphalt. There is plenty of parking, but if your worried about not getting back in time before sunset, then there is street parking before the bridge near the VA building. It has nice views, and my favorite park about this trail is there is a lot of space to share between bike riders, walkers, runners strollers. I also really like this trail for bike riding because I don't have to worry about cars. I have yet to ride to each side where the path turns into a narrow lane, mostly because one end has a bunch of deserted shopping carts and some encampments and the other end is unknown trek for me. Otherwise it's a great intro bike path and walking. read more

Love this beach, it's beautiful and secluded. It's off the beaten path so you won't run into crowds here. It is a bit of a walk (5-10 min depending how fast you walk in sand) to get down to the beach but it's worth it. I love catching the sunset here. You can walk your dog on the paved path, which is also for cyclists, but not down to the beach. read more

Fort Ord Dunes State Park - Beaches Near Me - Marina, California

So BEAUTIFUL! I was a bit nervous because there was tons of warning signs and we had 3 kids with us! The walk down to the beach was about 1/2 mile. Kinda rocky walk then once you reach the sand it gets a bit easier. The water is fierce if you have little ones keep them close the kids enjoyed sea shell hunting and playing in the sand! Beautiful quiet place loved it here! read more

Fort Ord Dunes State Park - Beaches Near Me - Marina, California

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Like many state parks, it's clearly posted as a no-dogs beach due to being a wildlife preserve, but people don't really give a shit about any animal other than their dogs and and bring them anyway. If you have a dog and do give a shit about things like nesting shorebirds, consider taking your dog to a park that does not have a NO DOGS sign. Other than that, dunes are neat to see, pretty okay beach but nothing to write home about, although not a lot of people come here so there is that. The old buildings and the history here are pretty interesting and the main reason to come here vs any other beach in the area. Since I didn't see this information elsewhere: the trail down to the beach is a quarter mile, sand/dirt, and a good chunk of it is at a pretty steep angle. Fine for kids, but people with mobility issues may have a rough time. read more

I am so excited to find this place. It is a little strange to get to as the road takes you through old abandonded army barracks. Sort of creepy, but, I followed my gps, and it was fine. Watch out for pot holes on the road. I loved it though because of the lack of people that were there. If you're looking for a quiet peaceful beach location this is it! Now this is my first time here, so I will have to see if this stays true. There is a self guided phone tour you can take which will give you history of the place. I didn't do that this time, but will when I come back. I did not go swimming this time but getting my feet wet next time. But carefully! As it is clearly stated that there is no lifeguards and the rip currents can be strong. Even if the ocean appears calm, there is a strong rip current here. One of the signs stated that soldiers who used to be here were not allowed to go swimming due to the rip currents. Also, by the numerous dead jelly fish I saw, the empty crab shells, and the crop off at the edge of the waves clearly visible due to the crystal blue water it is clearly necessary to be careful here. Be prepared to walk a little from your car to the beach. If you desire peace and quiet and only want to hear the sound of the waves, this is your place. There are porta potties in the parking lot, but nothing on the beach. Bring your chair, sunscreen, and umbrella. That is my plan next time! read more

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Is there anybody out there? No. Not here. And that's the beauty of it--solitude. If you are seeking your own private sanctuary, this is the perfect rugged, dune-filled beach. There's nothing like a fresh salt breeze and the roar of pounding waves to replenish your weary soul. Relatively new, this State Park is the perfect beach to watch hawks catch thermals and take off your shoes and feel the coarse sand between your toes. Pop the bladders in the tangled seaweed that is washed up on the shore, and wonder why seaweed tastes so good when it is wrapped around raw fish. It can be windy or foggy, so bring a jacket. This State Park is located about 9 miles north of Monterey. How to find it: Get off on 12th street, Right on 2nd Ave, and you'll see the sign for Fort Ord Dunes on the right in less than a mile. read more

Fort Ord Dunes State Park - There's nothing like a fresh salt breeze and the roar of pounding waves to replenish your weary soul. - Beaches Near Me - Marina, California

Hidden gem, for sure! This is the newest state park in Monterey County. I have heard a lot of stories of the Fort Ord Dunes State Park before was a state park because is the place where the dad of my boyfriend did his military service. It was my boyfriend's first time also visiting this park as he actually was not aware it was open to the public. You will see the military housing barracks now full of graffiti but it is not difficult to imagine yourself during the Korean and Vietnam wars and the soldiers departing from here many not to return alive. It is sad yet full of life place. Currently, other than the four miles of hiking and bicycling roads and four miles of shoreline is the habitat for endangered species. Interpretive signs are everywhere in the Fort Ord Dunes State Park mostly explaining the history as a training area for the United States Army. The beach is beautiful, semi empty, you can take plenty of solo pictures, perfect for photo shoot because is kind of secluded and you have to walk downhill from the parking lot to access it. Very worth a trip day! read more

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This was a nice find on a recent trip to Monterey. It's not straightforward to navigate to this park, and you pass through a neighborhood of abandoned military buildings and industrial areas that looks pretty sketch. But this probably contributes to the fact that this is a very lightly visited beach, even during the long holiday weekend. There are basically no services at this park, and thus also no entrance fee. Once you stumble across the parking lot, there's a few informational signs, much of them related to the former military activities in this area. After that it's a short walk down to the beach access trail. When we were there, the trail was partially washed out in areas due to the recent heavy rains, but still navigable. You descend into a ravine that then opens up to the beach that stretches for a couple miles in either direction. Along the way there are dunes that you and your kids can climb if you want a good workout. Be really carefully at the beach. The surf is rough and the risk of rip currents is high. I would imagine that under the right conditions sneaker waves would be a risk, so don't turn your back to the surf and I'm not sure if I'd want my kids wading out too far. FYI, about a year ago and just up the coast from here, I had to assist a lifeguard with the rescue of a fisherman on a kayak that had drifted too far down the coast and then got dumped by a large wave. Nearly drowned, probably cracked a rib and punctured a lung because he was coughing up a lot of blood. Anyways, this was a pleasant diversion with no crowds (though admittedly, this was in January and the temperature was about 50 degrees). But for a little bit of history and some nice dunes, it's a great place to be. read more

I've relaxed and kicked it here with a beach sun/sand tent. It can easily get very windy quickly so be prepared! A nice low-key, minimal people and easy parking. Didn't pay, climber up the little short hill and staked down our place to view sunset. A gorgeous simple pleasure, worthy of toe-wiggles and cheers! read more

RIDING WITH THE VIEWS OF THE DUNES AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN - AMAZING! It really makes you fall in love again with Monterey County! Wow, if you don't look up this place, it's pretty hard to find. Not much street signs directing you to the park. We figured we needed to cross this one bridge after Imjin to get to the park. So we just drove past the old roller skating park and saw a small sign to go right, and followed from there. A beautiful trail to safely ride your bike alongside Hwy 1 and the Pacific Ocean. The bike lanes are great. Many road bikers, and runners come here. I even saw a snake try to cross the bike lane. Good thing I didn't run it over by accident. Lots of wildlife around for sure. Rode the good ol bike all the way from Marina to Seaside. If you want, you can even ride it further to Pacific Grove! GREAT TRAIL! GREAT VIEWS along the way. NICE WORKOUT - a good mix of uphills and downhills. read more

Fort Ord Dunes State Park - Beaches Near Me - Marina, California

A beach. Sand to climb. Great weather. A recipe for a great time! We took a weekend drive up and down the coast. This was the first time we've been here. That baffles me since we're in the area often. A good sized parking lot and short walk to the beach. Perfect! There are portable bathrooms. Dogs allowed on the trail. The place is quite picturesque in the late afternoon, with waves crashing, lack of crowds. A beautiful place. Next time, we'll bring snacks! read more

Fort Ord Dunes State Park - Beaches Near Me - Marina, California

Hands down my most favorite place for beaches. I've never been to Mexico or the north coast though and I'm sure I'd love those places too, but Seaside/Ft. Ord stole my heart first. Excellent for bike riding or walking the miles and miles of beaches. I especially, like to pick out secluded spots shielded from the snapping winds and just chill for hours until the sun sets. read more

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The road to this beach is a little confusing and the asphalt is rough. The little trail to the beach front is about half mile downhill which means half mile uphill on the way back. The sand is a bit corse and the shoreline is really close, short and narrow. Signs are a bit confusing. There's dogs allowed in certain trails then there's no dogs or dogs on leashes only. This day was beautiful and the breaks had some debris in the wash. Lots of driftwood but a nice brisk walk for sure. read more

Fort Ord Dunes State Park is an interesting and quiet beach north of Monterey. To get to it, we drove through a maze of roads through a big, scary, abandoned fort. The fenced-off fort buildings were complete with broken windows, kicked-down doors, and breaks in the fences. Our navigation directed us to a random street and told us to get out and start walking. It was totally wrong. We stopped listening to it, and looked for the small brown signs at each intersection. We were also listening to "Welcome to Night Vale," which is the perfect mood setter. Once we crossed the last bridge, we left the abandoned fort area and entered the beautiful state park area. There was a nearly-empty parking lot, a few trails down to the coast, and those big placards that tell you about the nature. We ate lunch on a bench near the top of the dunes. Only a couple of people were around, which was really nice after the Monterey Bay Aquarium crowds. read more

Fort Ord Dunes State Park - Follow the small signs for Fort Ord Dunes State Park through the abandoned military area. - Beaches Near Me - Marina, California

Inspirational! Coastal beauty at it's finest. This new coastal dunes state park is very remote on the former Fort Ord in Marina, between Highway 1 and the coast. A parking area, porto toilets, picnic tables, walking paths and informational boards have been installed; but camping facilities are not yet available. The semi-arid landscape of the area is displayed well. Enjoy the Ambiance! Just Breath! read more

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I wasn't really impressed. You have to walk quite a way just to get to the beach. And once you get to the beach, there is a bunch of little bugs in the sand jumping around like fleas. Mating season? The water wasn't blue or clear, it was very murky. The thing that I did like was the sun shining through clouds. It looked absolutely amazing. I don't know if he has something to do with the geographical location, but I don't think I have ever seen the sun like that. This is a good place if your trying to get a quick beach fix, but be warned, it's hard to walk to and it is super windy! You will not be able to swim, because it is so cold! read more

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If you're looking for a secluded beach - this is the place! We went during the late morning, and walked to the beach after parking precariously by the closed gate. We ran into a few people, albeit distantly. However, once we got to the beach, not a sole to be found. Super serene, quiet and... sandy. read more

WOW! We Spent the whole day here and are ready to come back tomorrow. What a Beautiful place. Birds, Friendly Folks, Beautiful Views, and enough fresh ocean air to make me want to stay in the area for months... Very little trash washing up on this shoreline, which is a Great thing. read more

Great walking and cycling trail along the Monterey coast. Lots of ups and downs for fitness people. Lots of dunes and peeks of the ocean. read more

So the story is that Ford Ord used to be an old U.S. army post and it just opened three years ago to the public as a state beach. Since it is a new beach, the gps wasn't helpful at all in getting us there- a bunch of roads were closed and there's only one sign for the beach at the VERY end. yea, thanks a lot sign... (-1) For those who might feel discouraged... DON'T GIVE UP! it's one of the most beautiful beaches ever. It looks simply untouched and there were only a handful of people there, so it's like having your own private piece of sand. What's also cool is when you're driving to the beach, there is a road with debilitated army houses. Shattered windows. Plants encroaching on the the roof. The whole area is a fascinating salute to history. I'm surprised they haven't done any renovation as Cal State Monterey Bay is only blocks away. p.s. I envy those students... read more

As a local, born and raised, I've always looked out to this stretch of beach along Highway 1 and wanted to know what was out there. It's been great to be able to walk the trails, see the old firing ranges and buildings that are scattered around the park. This park stretches from the north end of Seaside to the southern end of Marina. On any given day the park will have walkers, joggers, bikes, para-gliders, and those just out to take in all of the coastal beauty. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash. Some of the trails do not allow dogs, as well, on leash or not. There are some access points to the beach itself, as well as an overlook a short distance from the parking lot. One of my favorite aspects of the park is that even though there are many people using its trails every day, all day, you still get a great deal of solitude. My wife and I usually walk our dogs and daughter along the main trail (what used to be the main road for this part of the old Fort Ord), but there are many smaller trails leading to the beach that are available. I'm not sure when the park opens (I'm not a morning person), but it is open for half an hour after sunset. It can be chilly at the park, especially for those not accustomed to Peninsula weather. Fort Ord Dunes is a treasure where you can really experience our unique slice of central coast coastline. read more

Amazing... If you've ever wanted to be alone on a beautiful beach, this is the place. I went here one day when we were looking to do a little hiking. It was myself, my ex and my daughter who was 7 at the time. Finding the beach is tricky as you've got to drive on some relatively unimproved roads to get thru the old Fort Ord, to a switchback to get across the Interstate, but once you get there, it's spectacular. It reminds me of some of the beaches on the west side of Oahu with some cliffs and trails, but the beach is wide and long and the day we were there, we didn't see another person the entire time. It made me wish we had brought our lunch. If you're looking for a quiet place to listen to the waves and be alone, this is the place. If you're looking to surf... and I was tempted, this ins't the beach. No matter how clean the sets are, there's a nasty rip current that will pull you out quickly and many GI's met their death there prior to Ord closing in '95. read more

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One of the newest and arguably best beach parks in the Monterey area. What makes this so is first of all it's how exclusive and elusive it is to find. I've lived here for a while now and it wasn't until just recently that I even found it even though I've ridden my bike past it many times before! See the thing is there is no easy access to this beach unlike most other beaches around here. Even if you do happen to find the main parking lot with the portable restrooms it's still a pretty far walk from the actual beach which is pretty well hidden from the main highway nearby and even hidden from the popular bike trail which I ride and lots of other people ride, run, and walk all the time. You can see in my pictures that if you find the bridge cross the highway, train tracks and bike trails you'll see the main entrance. Then you'll still only see sand dunes and beautiful scenery but if you look to the south you'll see a crack sort of like a valley that is the trail you take to get down to the hidden beach. Anyways, I think the signs are pretty self explanatory of why this beach is as exclusive and pristine as it is because it was off limits to the soldiers because it was so dangerous when it was still part of the Fort Ord Army base. If you get there at the right time around sunset and time of year the sun sets right between that large crack between the dunes and it's just a magical sight to behold. I was blown away when I saw it and hope some of that shows in the pictures I took. You ever see the ending to the original Planet of the Apes deserted beach scene? well that's how this beach made me feel when I first found it! read more

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Relatively secluded beach that can be a pain to find at first. It's so worth the hassle. You can find great sea glass and sand dollars when the tide is right. Beware of the rip tides! They banned Soldiers from swimming here back in the day for a reason. read more

Loved it, it was super cold this morning but the views, landscape and trials are mesmerizing, i wish i could stay longer to return to this amazing park, a treasure, it is a national treasure. The ocean is spectacular and the contrast with the sand dunes and vegetation take your breath away. I just found it a little solitary but i think it was too cold and early for most people, so i had this beauty almost all for myself. read more