Marina State Beach

Weather was beautiful! Parking was tough. Had to park down the road. Sand was awesome.

We are in state for Thanksgiving. There was a lull day and my wife and I wanted to see a west coast sunset.

Highly recommend this location
Not to busy and beautiful at sunset.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Northern California. Plenty of open space to soak in the sun and spend the afternoon/evening with friends/family/pets. I enjoyed the sunset view sitting on the beach. The view was spectacular👌.

Beautiful sand dunes, saw a paraglider doing his thing. Nice, fine sand. The water is clean, cold, but not freezing. No lifeguard on duty, the waves are still very strong. Not crowded at all. I don't mind staying here all day.

Absolutely stunning, my first time to the west coast and I loved it. Great parking and easily accessible.

Best little beach in Marina. It's popular and there is either room to park or there isn't. This is one of our favorite spots to get some lunch and just sit in the car and eat in peace. We've actually gone to the beach here to boogie board but during the off season most people just come to watch the waves. On a good day it's just the best place to enjoy the sounds of the ocean. Bathrooms are available. There is parking out on the street, but not a lot, and if that's where you're parking it's a bit of a walk. It's a step climb/descent from the parking lot to the actual beach so don't try to descend and then climb if you have bad knees, this is not a friendly walk. Again, not a lot of space to park.

Sunsets are brilliant. A broad group of folks brought together, all peacefully watching the sun go down. So cool. Gotta get here early as parking gets tight.

Marina State Beach in California offers a tranquil retreat along the picturesque coastline. My recent visit left me impressed with the natural beauty, expansive sandy shores, and the overall peaceful atmosphere of this coastal gem.

Highlights:

Scenic Beauty:
Marina State Beach boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, with wide stretches of sandy coastline framed by dunes and coastal vegetation. The unspoiled beauty of the landscape provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and contemplation.
Beachcombing and Nature Exploration:
The beach is ideal for those who enjoy beachcombing and nature walks. The tidal pools and diverse marine life add an extra layer of fascination for those interested in coastal ecosystems.
Clean and Well-Maintained:
The beach is well-maintained, with clean sands and well-kept facilities. Ample parking and accessible pathways contribute to a hassle-free and enjoyable visitor experience.
Dog-Friendly Atmosphere:
Marina State Beach is dog-friendly, allowing visitors to enjoy the company of their four-legged friends while taking in the ocean breeze. The designated dog-friendly areas are well-marked, creating a harmonious environment for all beachgoers.
Sunset Spectacle:
The westward orientation of the beach makes it an excellent spot to witness breathtaking sunsets. The play of colors in the sky, reflected on the water, creates a magical and memorable experience.
Areas for Improvement:
While the natural beauty is a major draw, adding more amenities such as picnic areas or shaded spots could enhance the overall visitor experience.

Conclusion:
Marina State Beach is a hidden gem along the California coast, offering a peaceful escape for those seeking a connection with nature. Whether you're a beachcomber, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking for a serene spot to enjoy the sunset, Marina State Beach is a worthwhile destination that captures the essence of California's coastal beauty.

Beautiful place to get some nice wave pictures. Parking was a lot easier than at La Jolla Cove.

This is a beautiful state beach just north of Monterey which is frequently overlooked. It has a small parking lot and flush toilets as well as a beautiful view, so it can be a good quick break from the road. However, if you have time, stay and walk the beach for gorgeous clouds and water and great birding.

Beautiful place to visit. There is a sign saying it's dangerous to swim because of the waves but its like heaven there.

This is such a great little beach, the hotels available and the size of the beach make it feel so intimate. You can really get away, well, at least around the time we went, which was mid-September. There are some nice, cozy looking RV parks and a couple of hotels and a resort where we stayed. The waves looked good enough for boogie boards, and the weather was nice. We were so lucky to find this beach that we plan to make it a regular visit at least once a year being so close to home. I hope it's the same experience if we travel during warmer months.

Amazing beach, super nice view on the ocean. The Pazifik is very cold of course but the waves are insane

Greatest secret ever shared. GO! The sunsets are amazing! Bathrooms and plenty of space to have a romantic moment or time with friends.
Go.
Did I say it before go.
This is officially our beach... People but not many.
Call it your beach as well.

Clean environment. Nosey people who wants to pet my dogs while they were in training. Mostly quiet. Whale watching on the pier was breathtaking. A family of whales played with each other for about fifteen minutes before leaving our sights. Great experience for me and my dogs..

What a lovely spot - and the sand dunes are so fun to hop your way down too! Easy, free parking as well. Reminds you why California can be so great. It's a great place to sit back and soak it all in.

Beautiful beach. Popular. Parking can fill quickly during sunset. Has restrooms. Law enforcement closes gates shortly after sunset.

be prepared for a hike! the sand dunes can be quite a challenge to get over, and the ocean floor drops off very quickly so be extremely cautious while wading or swimming in the ocean! the views are marvelous and the beach extends all the way to monterey wharf if you are willing to walk alongside the ocean for that long! highly recommend watching the sunset from this beach before leaving marina.

We love this spot for paragliding. The bathrooms are good beach style bathrooms and typically in good shape. Parking isn't super plentiful but typically a spot will open up at some point. The beach is typically pretty clean of trash and there are picnic tables to sit at.

What a hike to the top. (Huff,huff,huff) but once on the crest, saw para sailers hiding around. Stayed there and watched. Wonderful experience and only saw 6 or 7 people in total. Live to have spent the whole day but was working.