Where is Marina, California

Marina is a coastal city on California's Monterey Bay and part of Monterey County. Located about 8 miles northwest of downtown Monterey, it sits along a stretch of sandy shoreline near the Monterey Peninsula. Marina is known for its beaches, dunes, wetlands, Fort Ord Dunes State Park, and easy access to Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and other Central Coast destinations.

Location Map of Marina, Monterey County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Marina in Monterey County, in the U.S. state of California.

Marina Map, California

Where is Marina Located?

Marina is a city located in Monterey County, California, the United States. It lies on the central California coast along Monterey Bay, about 8 miles northwest of Monterey and roughly 10 miles southwest of Salinas. Marina is located at approximately 36.685° North latitude and 121.793° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 22,359 residents, and the city covers about 8.44 square miles (21.86 sq km). Marina was incorporated as a city in 1975 and grew from land that had been used for military, agricultural, and coastal purposes. The former Fort Ord military installation covers a large area east of the city and has influenced Marina's modern development. Today, the city combines residential neighborhoods, university facilities, open spaces, wetlands, dunes, and a long Pacific shoreline. Marina State Beach is one of its best-known attractions, with a wide sandy beach, coastal dunes, and opportunities for walking, surfing, and hang gliding. Fort Ord Dunes State Park protects a rare coastal dune landscape and offers scenic views of Monterey Bay. The nearby Elkhorn Slough is one of California's most important coastal wetlands and supports seals, sea otters, birds, and other wildlife. A unique feature of Marina is its position between Monterey Bay and the former Fort Ord lands, creating a mix of coastal and inland natural areas. California State Route 1 provides the main highway connection to Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and other Central Coast communities.

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Marina City Facts

Distance from Marina, CA to Nearby Cities

• Seaside, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Monterey, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
• Salinas, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Pacific Grove, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Sand City, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Castroville, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Del Rey Oaks, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
• Gonzales, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Soledad, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Greenfield, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Watsonville, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Santa Cruz, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Gilroy, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
• San Jose, CA – 75 miles (121 km)

Top Attractions in Marina

• Marina State Beach – A wide Pacific Ocean beach known for sandy dunes, coastal walks, surfing, and hang gliding.
• Fort Ord Dunes State Park – A protected coastal park preserving dunes, native vegetation, trails, and panoramic views of Monterey Bay.
• Locke-Paddon Wetlands Park – A local wetland preserve with walking paths, native habitat, and opportunities for bird watching.
• Monterey Bay – A rich marine environment known for sea otters, seals, whales, seabirds, kelp forests, and scenic coastal views.
• Fort Ord National Monument – A large former military landscape with trails, oak woodland, grassland, and coastal views.
• Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve – A nearby coastal wetland known for kayaking, wildlife viewing, birding, and marine habitats.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium – A major aquarium in nearby Monterey featuring marine life and exhibits focused on the Pacific Ocean.
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – A scenic coastal reserve near Carmel with hiking trails, rocky shorelines, marine wildlife, and ocean views.

Airports Near Marina

• Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 5 miles
• Watsonville Municipal Airport (WVI) – 30 miles
• Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) – 10 miles
• San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 75 miles
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 75 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Marina city website and local government records.

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