Fort Ord Dunes State Park: Coastal Beauty and History
Explore coastal beauty and military history at Fort Ord Dunes State Park: hiking, biking, and stunning Monterey Bay views await!
Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a gem along Monterey Bay, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once part of a US Army training base, the park now features four miles of pristine coastline, scenic trails, and interpretive exhibits, providing visitors with a chance to explore both the area's military past and its diverse ecosystem.
A brief summary to Fort Ord Dunes State Park
- Parking lot, Beach Range Rd, Marina, California, 93933, US
- +1831-649-2836
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
- Thursday 8 am-7 pm
- Friday 8 am-7 pm
- Saturday 8 am-7 pm
- Sunday 8 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate dune ecosystem and avoid disturbing sensitive wildlife habitats.
- Bring binoculars for excellent opportunities to spot seals, sea lions, and various sea and shorebirds along the beach.
- Take advantage of the mobile phone audio tour to learn about the park's history as a former US Army base.
- Visit on a cool day, as the paved trails offer little shade and can get hot.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 1, exit at Light Fighter Drive (if coming from the south) or Imjin Parkway (from the north). Follow signs to Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Turn onto 2nd Avenue, then Divarty Street, and finally 1st Avenue. The park entrance is located at the 8th Street overcrossing of Hwy 1. Parking is free. Limited parking available.
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Public Transport
Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) provides bus service to the vicinity of Fort Ord Dunes State Park. From Monterey, take the bus to the Playa/Sand City Station, then transfer to another bus towards the park. Check MST schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. A single ride fare is around $2-3.
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Walking
From the parking lot, a paved road leads south. Follow this gated road until you see a trail on the right, which descends to the beach. Alternatively, a boardwalk provides an easier walk to a viewing platform. The Monterey Bay Coastal Trail also runs parallel to the park, offering a scenic walking or biking route.
Discover more about Fort Ord Dunes State Park
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