What a creatively designed park. It looks like nothing from afar until you open the gate to a…read moregreat playground to unleash your adventurous imagination.

What a great park, so much fun for the lil ones & the older kiddos…read more Nice park to play at & have a snack, plenty of places to sit.

We drove 2 hours one way to visit this park! It is a fun park, with complex climbing rope structure…read moreand two tall slides. Has one of the two ziplines open (one appears broken 8/8/26 even though park just reopened). Fun playground, but doesn't really have a robust place for littles to play (tiny whale structure with a slide), and because the pump track is so close to the playground, a lot of bikes were riding fast on the sidewalk between the playground & pump track - so it felt a bit stressful with a 18m old, but my older kids loved it! Note: pump track posted rules do NOT allow e bikes / gas powered motorcycle bikes. Bicycles, skateboards & scooters allowed. Pump track has painted arrows to show which way you are supposed to go through the course. Despite this, we witnessed an accident on the course between a young 4? Year old boy and older 12? Year old boy, who was not going in the direction of traffic/cutting over through non paved areas. Witnessed another boy using a gas powered mini motorcycle on the course, while 3 year olds are simultaneously scootering - watch your kids - this can be dangerous for younger children.

This park is like a mini amusement park. We stumbled upon it on our road trip and was blown away at…read morethe playground equipment. My Kids could spend all day here, there was so much to do. They had a zip line and something called a pump track. I have never seen a pump track at a public park before was absolutely stunned at how cool it was. There is also adult workout equipment and public restrooms.

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.

Name That Dune…read more Formerly part of the Fort Ord Army post, this 1k-acre oceanfront state park consists of four miles of beach lined with the eponymous sand dunes. It is also one of California's newest state parks, as it has only been officially open since 2009. The Good: * Private parking lot * Free to visit! * Dogs allowed on recreation trail but not the beach or spur trails that lead to the beach. * Great beaches with amazing views * Great place to ride your bike as there's a little over 4 miles of paved trails The Meh: * Port-o-potties in the parking lot * Local Outdoor Enthusiasts™ hanging out in the parking lot. The Ugly: * Part of the paved trail was closed during our visit (April 11th, '26) Conclusion: Great state beach with not many amenities.

Beautiful nature park. Fun attention to details with the ocean themed painted trash bins. Restroom…read morefor women was spartan without soap but was nicely aired out and could get the job done though I think it was out of toilet paper just before lunch - or maybe it was just hidden well. Avoid the side trails near the restroom closest to Reservation Road. Losers let their dogs crap and they don't pick it up and the weeds are overgrown. Otherwise, the roughly 0.75 mile loop around the park is generally flat and nice on decomposed granite. I loved the signage that encourages parents to let their children explore and share with their parents. Signs in English and Spanish. There's a pond but it's severely overgrown by marsh vegetation so it wasn't recognizable as a pond but looked like a marsh. Playground seemed cool. There's a grassy and partially shaded area near the playground at the end of the street off Reservation Road.

It has been a minute since I have walked around this park. The short pathways surround a small…read morelake/marsh which serves as a bird sanctuary for many ducks, crows, and other birds. In the past year a flock of crows, not sure that is what it is called, nests here. Hundreds of crows in the trees and hang out on the surrounding roads, so watch out! They're very loud and I am so happy they are no where near my apartment. A path was open that normally had been overgrown and it was cool to walk into the marsh sort of. I was a bit creeped out but, I kept my eyes open and took a short video. From inside this short pathway you could have a peace and quiet moment with the surrounding black birds and sort feel as if you were somewhere else. The park itself is not large and the bathroom is always closed, but, it is a gorgeous little gem in Marina for a quick walk. Cheers and happy Yelping.

We was a practice with my son for baseball. It's was nice here it's good practice for the kidsread more

Preston Park is arguably Marina's best park. Preston Park has everything you can think of, it's…read moreclean, has a huge soccer/football field, has a baseball diamond, has basketball courts and a decent playground area for kids to be kids. "If a park has so many positive qualities, why is it only getting a four-star rating?", you might ask. AVAILABILITY... My friends and I used to actually play football here at least once a week until the City decided to use the park for ALL and I do mean ALL of their sporting events. It's a City-owned park, so I understand they have the right to use it as they please, but to hog it up year-round seems a little excessive. There are times when the park can be used without fear of being kicked off, but at peak hours, just forget about it.

Absolutely lovely location.Be careful of High Tides. Cold,cold water right now, so bundle up while…read morestrolling. Will definitely experience it again!! Possibly Summer camping again!!

This is my favorite beach from Santa Cruz to Carmel. It's just a jump off the freeway. Not a whole…read morelot of parking but that's ok by me. It has lots of room and perfect to clear ur mind & get in a lil earthing. It's a nice beach. Clean too

Great skatepark and I learned there but it sucks because its too strict . Don't wear a helmet then…read morecoach whatever the hell his name is will wanna chew you out . Weird vibe over all but great ramps ! Pool is awesome too .

We visited the Marina Skatepark from Australia in 2012. Loved the quick visit. Took some…read morephotographs and wrote a review of the experience at Skatin It here: We have full review and photos at SkatinIt

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.

Residents only is stupid, if not illegal! I am a resident of Monterey County. I pay MoCo taxes. The…read moresign says CSUMB residents only. I guess I'm obliged to go out and buy a CSUMB sweatshirt to wear while taking my dogs, two Havanese rascals not yet enrolled in the Uni, but who knows, they can enroll next year! Meanwhile, this is offensive. Excuse my outrage.

I love this dog park. I just read a post that a persons chiiuwaa died from a German shepherd bite…read more Why would you put a small dog in a large dog area. I feel safe and happy here and so does my dog

One of our extended families favorite beaches. We usually all meet up there a few times a year. We…read morecan all bring our dogs (leashes required) It is an extremely quiet and uncrowded beach. Hardly ever any crowds. Possibly the reason it is so quiet could be the hike to get to the beach... The walk is long slogging through the sand on the trail. The dunes are roped off to preserve them (please follow the rules). Once you make it to the beautiful beach you are rewarded with the peaceful sound of the waves and birds. Families building sandcastles and dipping their toes in the ocean. If you're lucky it will be hot enough for a quick dip! The waters are calm, the sand is clean and the sunsets magical... Whales have been sighted at almost every visit. They are far out so unless they breach you're pretty much just getting a glimpse of their spouts spraying. A few amazing times tails slapping! Maybe if you have binoculars you can see better! Please keep it clean and pack out whatever you bring, it's a nature preserve and no garbage cans on the beach. Take only memories leave only footprints!

Lovely beach to visit, although parking is EXTREMELY limited. But if you're patient you'll…read moreeventually get a space. Or you could park out at the beginning of the entrance and walk in. Not too crowded as well.