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    Marina Dunes Preserve

    5.0 (2 reviews)

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    Fort Ord Dunes State Park

    Fort Ord Dunes State Park

    4.5
    (51 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    I visited the Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Marina, CA [Beach Range Road] on Tuesday, 9/30/25,…read morearound 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.

    This is a fairly new state park. It is a small section of coastline in the town of Marina, just a…read morecouple 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.

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    Fort Ord Dunes State Park
    Fort Ord Dunes State Park
    Fort Ord Dunes State Park
    Fort Ord Dunes State Park
    Fort Ord Dunes State Park

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    Fort Ord Dunes State Park
    Indian Head Beach

    Indian Head Beach

    4.0
    (2 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    it's a very secluded beach. Richard gave some great directions. I prefer starting from Fort Ord…read morebeach parking and walking north as he described. I agree after the big drainage pipe across from the remains of an old support structure in the water (it looks like big rocks in the surf) the people disappear. As Richard said from there you are pretty well on your own. I took a 3 mile nude walk from that point north and back and never saw another person except some para gliders over head. great spot to try with a shy first timer as there is no one around. I like a some others to share the clothes free experience with. so if you want to be more social there is north baker beach, bonnie dune, grey whale cove, and red rocks.

    Indian Head Beach is a great place to go shed your clothes and get some air on your body and sun on…read moreyour skin! As someone who is a fan of getting naked at every opportunity...without offending others...this place is worth the trip. It's a clean and seldom frequented beach, making it perfect for clothing optional folks to enjoy themselves! Getting here does require a bit of a walk...so remember to pack water for both the hike in, while you're relaxing...and for the hike out. Plus snacks are always a good idea....just please remember to take your trash out with you. You can reach Indian Head Beach by following the directions below... http://www.bayareanaturists.org/ftord.html Or you can go to the Shopping Center off Highway 1 in Seaside off Imjin parkway where Target and Kohls is located and go from there to the Fort Ord Dunes parking lot. https://goo.gl/maps/M7kbnRbCefq Once parked at the Ford Ord Dunes parking lot...walk South and follow the easily defined access path to the beach. Once on the beach, turn North...and walk about a good mile...if you look at the cliff face from time to time, as you walk, you'll see a large drainage pipe sticking out of the cliff...once North of that pipe, it's generally OK to get naked. Actually, If nobody is on the beach, when I get off the path...I'll strip down there and make the walk. Anyway, Indian Head beach is almost dead in the middle between Marina State Beach and Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Because of the walk to reach it...generally, not to many people venture very far from either area...and normally, aside from a few locals who go on long walks...or the occasional jogger...you will have the Indian Head section of the beach to yourself. I'm hoping more naturists/nudists and clothing optional fans begin to frequent here...again...as they have in the past. Just remember to be respectful...because even though Indian Head beach is a traditionally nude beach...if enough complaints begin to occur...the Rangers that rarely patrol the beach and generally don't care about nude beach goers...could start patrolling more and insisting on covering up. Most of the times I've been here...the very few people that pass by people don't seem to care about my lack of clothes...or give a simple curiosity induced glance and sometimes a nervous albeit friendly smile and or wave. The other nice thing about this section of beach IS the fact it's only reachable from the two State parks...this gives you about 3/4 of a mile visibility to see people approaching a long ways off...and if you felt inclined, the opportunity to cover up. Though, again, I've never felt the need to do so...but often will move toward the cliff face to keep some distance between those passing by on the beach. Again, just trying to be respectful of others choice to wear clothes and not to have to see me naked. Last, there are no facilities here...so keep that in mind. Bring a plastic bag or two to deal with any restroom related issue that may occur...solid waste should be packed out and disposed of rather than leaving it behind on the beach.

    Adventures By The Sea

    Adventures By The Sea

    4.7
    (35 reviews)
    8.1 mi

    We stayed at the Portola Inn and Spa, so their location couldn't have been closer! It is directly…read moreacross the Portola Plaza that extends to the original Fishermans wharf. The bike selection was decent, and the rates were relatively reasonable. $30 for four hours, or $40 for a full day (meaning up till 5:30 PM of that day). The particular person at this location was not very customer-service centric, and was scarcely helpful in explaining anything. We wouldn't put this place down because of him but, for such a high visibility and somewhat affluent location, he is not a good fit. I did a full day bike rental, and ended up returning it under the four-hour window, so I opted for the $30 (4-hr) rental and called them ahead of time. Communication was poor between the two locations, something that could definitely be improved especially with tourist season ramping up. I discovered upon returning the bike that I was obliged to go to their main location by the Monterey Plaza Hotel to collect a voucher for the difference, so we had to make another trip. Monterey is so beautiful this time of year, so we didn't mind but would've preferred to know ahead of time. The main location is very large and has an abundance of rentals - from kayaks to cruisers, cute lorry-style pedal bikes for families and everything in between. They also have deeply discounted sales from time to time on used bicycles and kayaks at this location. We saw an awesome 2-person kayak for under $100, and would have bought it if we had a way to bring it back! Adventures By the Sea has numerous locations across the US, so I've got my fingers crossed that the voucher is good for Maui too.

    Kayaking Monterey is a must. Relatively calm waters and abundant wildlife. At the time of this…read morewriting, this is the only location they are launching from for the season (Cannery Row). Easy launch site across the street adjacent to M. Plaza Hotel. I believe there are discounts and relationships with surrounding hotels so ask your concierge. I felt comfortable renting versus a tour as the bay is generally calm and easy to navigate with landmarks. Here's the skinny. All transactions take place through the side of the building, a few steps down from the bike trail. I recommend going earlier than later as the sun can get intense even in the fall. Pleasant staff but they need more help. One person helped launch while the woman help process. When I arrived, I could not find staff for five minutes. You will also have to wait as they take small parties out to the shore at a time. Get ready to view curious otters and seals. An abundant aviary species. You can paddle to the Aquarium to the harbor. I took a leisurely three hours, but most folks are done unter two.

    Photos
    Adventures By The Sea
    Adventures By The Sea
    We've had some curious harbor seal pups in the bay.

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    We've had some curious harbor seal pups in the bay.
    Marina Dunes RV Park

    Marina Dunes RV Park

    3.3
    (224 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Beautiful Yurt Stay with Great Location…read more Our family spent a week in Big Sur staying in cabins, but there was virtually no cell phone reception, which made it impossible for me to work. Since I had to work three days of the week, we chose to stay at Marina Dunes RV Park in a yurt -- and it was even nicer than expected! The yurt was very clean and comfortable, and the bed was great -- we slept so well. Staff were friendly, check-in was easy, and the bathrooms (a short walk away) were cleaned daily and well-maintained. Even though it's close to the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), it was surprisingly quiet. The location is perfect for exploring Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. There's a beautiful trail over the dunes that takes you right to the ocean, and just down the street is a state beach entrance and parking lot -- we even rode our bikes there! ‍ The drive from here to Big Sur is absolutely breathtaking and so worth it. Cell reception was excellent for T-Mobile (four bars most of the time), and if you need full 5G, just head up the street to Walmart. We loved it so much we booked another two-week stay later this year, and this time we'll be bringing our RV. Highly recommend!

    Our stay at Marina Dunes RV Park in early January 2026 was well worth it. The park is extremely…read moreclean, well maintained - all the amenities work. The sites are level with privacy fence. They have fire rings and I enjoyed sitting by the fire without staring at the next RV sewer pipes. The staff is courteous and friendly. Mike, the manager, responded and helped us out on his day off. The park is just a ston throw away from Marina State Beach. One can walk to Walmart, other shopping centers and gas stations. This RV park ranks on my list as one of the best if not the very best.

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    Marina Dunes RV Park
    To Marina State Beach
    To Marina State Beach
    Yurt

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    Yurt
    Montage Wellness Center

    Montage Wellness Center

    3.0
    (104 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    The only reason I go to this gym is because it's conveniently located gym for me, however, I would…read morelike to make a few comments/recommendations since it's not a cheap place as far as membership goes. The ladies bathrooms smell badly, not sure if it's the sewage that smells. The rug in the locker room is very dirty. It could use being replaced or shampooed. Today the whole place smelled of bathrooms. They could install fans on the walls to help the airflow in the lockers. Compared to Monterey fitness center, I never see an attendant in the locker rooms or around the gym cleaning around the equipment. Maybe the management should checkout the Monterey fitness center, just to get an idea on how to run a good gym. MGC charges $45/month. Montage charges $86/ month. Monterey fitness center a much larger and nicer with far more equipment. It's always spotless.

    The warm therapy pool is closed once again because of the pool heater. It was just closed four…read moremonths ago for a similar problem. Before that it was the hot tub's heater and it was closed for over a month. The Salinas pool has been closed for a year with no opening date in sight. The instructors go on medical leave for six months or more, but they don't find replacements for the classes. The front desk could care less about your complaints or concerns, they're just rude. All this costs you $85 per month.

    Photos
    1 year after her triple By-pass surgery,  my Mom is up and about, going to the gym every other day. Thanks for everyone's support!
    1 year after her triple By-pass surgery, my Mom is up and about, going to the gym every other day. Thanks for everyone's support!
    Urgent Care Too!
    Urgent Care Too!
    Montage Wellness Center

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    Monterey Bay Kayaks

    Monterey Bay Kayaks

    4.6
    (465 reviews)
    8.4 mi
    $$

    We had a blast kayaking with the otters and seals!…read more Parking was easy as was check in at the store. They gave an informational overview of where to paddle to see wildlife as well as other recommendations and safety tips. They provide life jackets, waterproof jackets and pants which were great too keep water off your clothes. There are porto potties available if you need to use the facilities. The staff were well very nice and helpful. The main con of our trip was the two person top sitting kayak we were on seemed to have problems with steering. No matter how hard we tried to turn right, the kayak always tended to veer the other direction which was frustrating. We got another kayak to check if they saw anything wrong visually on the water, but they couldn't see anything so maybe there was something going on with the underside of the kayak. Besides that, we had a nice time on the water and were able to enjoy seeing all the birds and cute otters and seals out and about. Later in the morning and early afternoon we even got to see the otters get more active and go diving for mud worms that looked like bright orange cigars. It was super cute seeing the otters sleeping nested in the kelp too. Try not to disturb them though since they need to conserve energy to stay warm! We unfortunately saw one tour group led by a guide that went right next to a sleeping pod of otters and woke them all up. Overall, fun place to go kayaking with wildlife! Glad we went on this trip here!

    Service: 5/5 Selection: 4/5…read more Value: 4/5 Honestly I didn't realize what I signed up for when I book these reservations. I thought it would be a cute little excursion to learn about the marine life in the slough but no LOL. It was a lot. It was very cold and windy the day we went kayaking. They let us borrow jackets and pants, I wore a cute bikini and wanted to get a tan in but no! LOL Honestly it was definitely a memorable experience but I wouldn't say I would want to kayak near the sea ever again. It's a little scary but great for those adrenaline junkies.

    Photos
    Beach side
    Beach side
    Sea otter with pup on her belly
    Sea otter with pup on her belly
    Monterey Bay Kayaks

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    Marina Dunes Preserve - beaches - Updated June 2026

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