Fort Ord Dunes State Park

About Fort Ord Dunes State Park

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.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Spring through fall is best; coastal fog moderates temperatures in summer-dress in layers.

Spring

March-May · 55-70°F (13-21°C)

Wildflowers and mild temperatures ideal for hiking dunes.

Summer

June-August · 55-75°F (13-24°C)

Cool coastal fog mornings, clearer afternoons; busy on weekends.

Fall

September-November · 60-75°F (16-24°C)

Drier, calmer winds and good light for photography.

Weather & Climate near Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 33 Good

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

22°

Warmest Month

5°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	-	5° - 15°	10°	126 mm	-	-	3.5 m/s	-	-
February	-	6° - 16°	11°	109 mm	-	-	3.7 m/s	-	-
March	-	7° - 17°	12°	97 mm	-	-	4.1 m/s	-	-
April	-	8° - 18°	13°	46 mm	-	-	4.4 m/s	-	-
May	-	9° - 19°	14°	10 mm	-	-	4.7 m/s	-	-
June	-	10° - 20°	15°	4 mm	-	-	4.7 m/s	-	-
July	-	11° - 21°	16°	3 mm	-	-	4.3 m/s	-	-
August	-	12° - 21°	16°	3 mm	-	-	4.1 m/s	-	-
September	-	11° - 22°	17°	10 mm	-	-	3.7 m/s	-	-
October	-	9° - 21°	15°	33 mm	-	-	3.5 m/s	-	-
November	-	7° - 18°	12°	93 mm	-	-	3.4 m/s	-	-
December	-	5° - 16°	10°	100 mm	-	-	3.4 m/s	-	-

Getting There & Around

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.

Fort Ord Dunes State Park