Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Marina, California

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 7 photos

All 7 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

3.08 miles

Elevation Gain

141 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mitch Pittman

Leave the crowds behind and walk beneath giant sand dunes in solitude at Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Monterey County, CA.

One of the best parts of Monterey is the beaches – but their popularity is also their weakness, so if you want seclusion head to the lesser-known Fort Ord Dunes for solitude and beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Coast.

Historically, this location was chosen as the location for Fort Ord because of its defensibility. But fear not as access is easy, the views are expansive, and there is wildlife in abundance.

The beach is also a great place for trail running, hiking, and taking in another fantastic Pacific Ocean sunset.

Be forewarned that rip currents here can be severe so check with the local rangers on current conditions.

CONTACT INFO:
(831) 649-2836

DOGS:
Due to endangered bird species and sensitive habitat areas, dDogs are not permitted on spur trails to the beach or on the beach.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Photography

Chillin

Running

Surfing

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Groups

Romantic

Scenic

Wildlife

Fort Ord Dunes State Park Reviews

Natalie F

Fort Ord Dunes State Park

07/08/20

Quiet, secluded, and plenty of room to run around! Threw a frisbee around here with a TON of space, relaxed on the beach, and walked around. There were just a few groups of people here and we had a great day. The dunes are pretty and a unique piece of our ecosystem. Love the Monterey area!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Marina State Beach

From the moment you turn into the parking lot, you know Marina State Beach is special. Grab a parking spot in the large lot and then run down the dunes and onto the shoreline! The beach feels spacious on this section of the shore and gives plenty of room to run around or to put down a blanket to catch a sunset (with some local wine). If you are in the mood for a workout, the beach goes on for ...

Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo

Please be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing.I recommend doing the route from North to South due to the wind that works in your favor. Depending ...

Scuba Dive Breakwater Cove

Located near Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is home to Breakwater Cove. This is a great place for beginner scuba divers to practice their diving, get open water certified, and do their first ocean dives. San Carlos Beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and also features a reef, anemones, and small fish. Young halibut, sea pens, and sand dollar fields can also be seen. Divers enter th...

Sail on Monterey Bay

Few places along the California coast are perfectly suited for a day of sailing. While San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Catalina Island offer sailing adventures, none of them offer wide open Pacific waters without dangerous commercial traffic to navigate. They also don't offer the deep blue waters of Monterey Bay, which are full of some impressive wildlife....

Lovers Point

LOVERS POINT PARK AND BEACH: According to local legend, this park was originally called "Lovers of Jesus Point," back in the era when Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat camp. Since the late 1800s, the beach at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove has been a popular spot for boating and swimming, and over recent decades surfers have joined the mix. Lovers Point Park has above all become Pacific Gro...

Paddle Lover's Point

Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well as street parking up above.

Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Fort Ord Dunes State Park Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Marina State Beach

Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo

Scuba Dive Breakwater Cove

Sail on Monterey Bay

Lovers Point

Paddle Lover's Point

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps