Marina, CA: Enjoy Monterey Bay Views, Parks and Dining

Marina State Beach is a protected visitor beach along beautiful Monterey Bay, located off California's Highway One adjacent to the 170-acre Marina Dunes Preserve, which protects the Central Coast's highest sand dune formations. The beach is a popular site for surfing and hang gliding throughout the day, with air currents that also provide prime conditions for kite flying. Other day-use activities at the beach include a cafe and an observation deck for observation of the nearby dune structures and shoreline. Access is provided to the nearby Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which stretches to Pebble Beach. Birding enthusiasts can view more than 27 bird species throughout the area at the nearby Preserve and Locke-Paddon Community Park.

Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933, Phone: 831-649-2836

The Marina Dunes Preserve protects a narrow strip of coastal dunes which were previously severely damaged by sand mining operations and off-road vehicles. This damage has caused the dunes to degrade and efforts are underway to save this important natural habitat from further damage. Since the preserve offers access to many Monterey Bay beaches, it sees heavy pedestrian traffic. Visitors are still welcome to come and enjoy the preserve on foot, but are urged to stay on the designated trails to avoid any damage to the plants which protect and anchor the dunes. You are also welcome to bring your leashed dog to enjoy the fresh air.

Marina Dunes Preserve, 3325 Dunes Road, Marina, CA 93933, 831 372 3196

Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a California state park stretching along four miles of coastline along Monterey Bay, centered around the defunct American military installation Ford Ord. The recently-opened park was developed in 2009 after significant restorations to the fort, which is also preserved by the National Parks Service as part of Fort Ord National Monument. Popular day use activities at the park include fishing, boating, and hiking and biking along the park's four mile access road.

Interpretive exhibits detail the park's history as a military training area, with additional information provided by a free cell phone audio tour. A boardwalk at the park leads to a blufftop viewing platform, offering sweeping views of the Monterey Bay area. Visitors should note that due to sensitive environmental conditions, public access at the park is restricted to designated paths and trails.

Beach Range Rd, Marina, CA 93933, Phone: 831-649-2836

Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette is an upscale restaurant in Marina offering elegant land and sea dishes and a full-service bar. The new restaurant, which opened in the fall of 2017, strives to provide visitors with an authentic Central Coast dining experience, sourcing local seafood and charcuterie that is displayed in glass cases prior to preparation and serving. Dishes crafted by executive chef David Baron include line-caught king salmon, wild Alaskan halibut, and fried full-tilt chicken, with a full oyster bar available serving up grilled and raw selections. Brunch options include the popular regional dish Loco Moco, which pairs a California beef patty with garlic fried rice, gravy, and two fried eggs.

3295 Dunes Dr, Marina, CA 93933, Phone: 831-883-5535

Locke-Paddon Community Park is a 17-acre community park in Marina that serves as one of the region's premiere bird watching spots, home to more than 138 bird species. The park is home to populations of warblers, sparrows, grebes, coots, and blackbirds, with many other species nesting and migrating throughout the winter and spring months. Freshwater vernal ponds are also home to a wide range of avian and waterfowl species. The park serves as the northern terminus of the 29-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, which travels as far south in the region as Pebble Beach. Day-use visitor facilities include walking paths with interpretive signs, picnic areas, workout stations, and a floating walkway over the park's waterways.

Reservation Road and Seaside Ave, Marina, CA 93933, Phone: 831-884-1253, (website link)

Casino Monterey - The Marina Club is one of the Pacific Coast's most visitor-friendly poker clubs, originally opened to the public in 1970 by Betty and Guy Calamia. Today, the site has expanded to feature Texas Hold'Em, three-card and pai gow poker, baccarat, and blackjack 21 gaming opportunities, open to the public 24 hours a day. A lively gaming atmosphere is maintained into the late night hours, with employees creating a conversational community vibe with players during games. Seven gaming tables are offered at the facility, with expansions expected in the near future. Players are welcome to order food from a number of nearby dining establishments and have meals delivered to the casino during play.

204 Carmel Ave, Marina, CA 93933, Phone: 831-384-0925

Ticos Breakfast and Lunch is an American-style diner that serves up fresh, simple, and classic dishes in a relaxed casual-dining atmosphere. The restaurant was opened to the public in 2004 by Alberto Vasquez and Silvia Herrera, former chefs at area restaurants in Carmel Valley. The family-owned business uses locally-sourced produce in dishes and crafts its own homemade sausage on site for use in entrees such as omelets and sandwiches. A wide selection of vegetarian entrees are available daily, including the restaurant's signature grilled vegetable sandwich. Outdoor seating options are offered seasonally, with morning service available both indoors and outdoors.

330 Reservation Rd C, Marina, CA 93933, Phone: 831-582-2509

Located on the site of the former Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital, which was used to care for cavalry horses before WWII, the Marina Equestrian Center is now a public equestrian center. The buildings of the old veterinary hospital have been added to the Register of Historic Places and are the last remaining buildings of their kind in the country. Horse owners can now stable their horses at the facility on a self-care basis, while making use of other facilities including three arenas, a round pen, wash racks, storage rooms and 30 flexible-use pastures. Tours of the facility are available and anyone interested in learning how to ride can visit for lessons and trail rides.

Marina Equestrian Central Park, 2830 5th Avenue, Marina, CA 93933, 831 521 6168