Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Park Coastal dune park on former military base
On Monterey Bay near Marina, Fort Ord Dunes protects coastal dunes and beach access, multiuse trails, surf fishing and relics from the area’s former Army base.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a California coastal state park on Monterey Bay located on land that was formerly part of the U.S. Army’s Fort Ord. The park protects dune habitat and provides beach access and trails.
The park offers sandy beaches, coastal dunes, short trails and cliff-top viewpoints over Monterey Bay. Trails are generally short and provide access to shoreline and protected dune areas used for wildlife and native plants.
The area was part of the Fort Ord military reservation until the base closed in 1994; parcels of the former base were later transferred for public use and conservation, including establishment of this state park. Military-era infrastructure was removed or repurposed while dunes and shoreline were conserved.
Situated on the northern shore of Monterey Bay near the city of Marina and the Monterey Peninsula, the park lies along California’s central coast.
- Coastal access: The park occupies a narrow coastal strip that preserves dune habitat and provides direct access to Monterey Bay beaches and coastal trails.
What to See #
- Dunes and beach trails: Coastal dune habitat and sandy beaches with trails that run along the shoreline and through remnant dune vegetation on former Fort Ord lands.
- Trailheads and viewpoints: Parking and access points off regional roads that serve as trailheads for short walks to the beach and cliff-top viewpoints over Monterey Bay.
How to Get to Fort Ord Dunes State Park #
Fort Ord Dunes State Park is on the northern edge of Marina, California. From Highway 1 take the Reservation Road or Imjin Parkway exits and follow local signage to the park entrance and parking areas. The site is a short drive from Monterey and about 20-30 minutes from downtown Monterey.
Tips for Visiting Fort Ord Dunes State Park #
- Arrive at dawn for a quiet dune walk and possible sea otter or shorebird sightings.
- Stick to designated trails-dunes are fragile and recovering from military-era disturbance.
- Visit the nearby town of Marina for surf breaks and inexpensive cafés afterward.
Best Time to Visit Fort Ord Dunes State Park #
Spring through fall is best; coastal fog moderates temperatures in summer-dress in layers.
Weather & Climate near Fort Ord Dunes State Park #
Fort Ord Dunes State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (634 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (126 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
