Marina, California
Marina, California, boasts some of the best outdoor activities and attractions. A must-visit is the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a top spot for hiking, biking, and fishing. The park offers four miles of scenic ocean views, a boardwalk, and a 1,500-foot trail. The trail is moderately difficult, perfect for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Another fantastic trail is the Marina Dunes Preserve. This trail takes you through unique sand dune formations and offers striking views of the Pacific Ocean. It's a great place for bird watching and beachcombing. If you're up for more outdoor adventures, head to the Locke-Paddon Park. This community park features a beautiful lake, walking paths, and picnic areas. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities in Marina, California.
Top Spots in and near Marina
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Santa Cruz, California
Surf at Natural Bridges State Beach
4.5Natural Bridges is off of West Cliff Drive to the north of popular Santa Cruz break, Steamer Lane. The break is a right point break, which breaks on a rocky shelf and reef. The break is best during sizable swells (NW, SW, and West) and a low tide. Be sure to check the wind, this break gets blown ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges State Beach
4.3Natural Bridges State Beach is a wonderful place to photograph located in Santa Cruz off of West Cliff Drive. This is a great place to practice long exposure photography to capture awesome water movement as it passes through the "Natural Bridge" formation. The best time to shoot this spot is at ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges' Monarch Grove
3.6The park's Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for thousands of Monarchs. From late fall into winter they make this their home and if you time it perfectly you can see them in clusters in the trees. When you reached the Natural Bridges State Park, on the right of the Visitors Center you'll ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Loop
5.00.66 mi / 30 ft gainMonarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Santa Cruz, California.Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field
3.53.92 mi / 174 ft gainThis is a paved trail that can be used for hiking, jogging, or walking. It offers over 2 miles of beautiful California coast. Walk through flowers, see the jagged cliffs, and of course the lighthouse at the end! This walk can be done from either direction. Start at Natural Bridges and head We...Read more -
Soquel, California
Land of Medicine Buddha Loop
4.55.85 mi / 1051.84 ft gainNear the retreat, there is a short trail called "Eight Verses Pilgrimage Trail" providing people with the opportunity to meditate on thought transformation in a peaceful and picturesque outdoor setting. From there, a beautiful 6 mile loop will take you up to the top of the ridge and then back aro...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Old Landing Cove
5.02.39 mi / 161 ft gainOld Landing Cove Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California. The Old Landing Cove Trail, located in Wilder Ranch State Park near Santa Cruz, California, is a picturesque 2.4-mile loop trail offering easy hiking and walking with stunning coas...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
5.0No matter the time you'll decide to visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, you'll have thousands of interesting plants and birds to see and watch. The Arboretum is located on the west side of UCSC campus, between the main campus entrance and the west entrance. Parking is 5$ for adults and 2$ for chil...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf Four Mile Beach
4.0Four Mile is a reef/point break that is a couple of miles north of town. This spot usually picks up more swell than in town so it is a popular spot for many locals to surf. When the swell picks up, it offers long rights towards the beach. The current can be strong when there is a lot of swell in ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Rincon Fire Trail to San Lorenzo River
5.01.42 mi / 328 ft gainThe Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...Read more -
Santa Cruz County, California
Camp at Henry Cowell Redwoods Campground
4.8/ 665 ft gainNestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great weekend option for Bay Area residents. With approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, the incredible Garden of Eden swimming hole, and proximity to Santa Cruz - this campground is not to be missed! On sunny days, view...Read more -
45500 California 1, California
Andrew Molera State Park Loop
4.58.39 mi / 1309 ft gainThe loops starts at the Andrew Molera State Park parking lot (4.5 miles north of the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park along Highway 1). Begin by crossing the Big Sur River using the seasonal bridge. If the bridge has been removed, you will need to cross the water by foot. Usually the water...Read more -
Big Sur, California
East Molera Trail
3.24 mi / 1434 ft gainHoused in Andrew Molera State Park, the East Molera Trail is easily accessible from Highway 1 with parking and restrooms available to hikers. A day-use entry fee is required (see below) but also provides entrance to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park just a few miles down the road. The trail head is lo...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Molera Beach via Creamery Meadow Trail
2.31 mi / 82 ft gainEntrance to the parking lot is a day-use fee per car, and once you get in be sure to use the restroom before you head for the trail, since you will likely spend a good amount of time out there. Look for the sign that says Creamery Meadow Trail. You'll know it's right when the very first thing yo...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp at Andrew Molera State Park
4.51 miAndrew Molera is about 27 miles south of Carmel and one of the first State Parks you'll hit heading down the coast. There will be signs for the Park as you approach and the main parking lot is only a couple hundred yards from Hwy 1. There are a number of hiking trails and activities to do around ...Read more -
Morgan Hill, CaliforniaUvas Canyon Waterfall Loop
4.01.48 mi / 463 ft gainUvas Canyon offers up to 6-miles of hiking trails, which includes a 1.5 mile loop, which runs along Swanson Creek and passes many of the park's waterfalls. To take short loop, head North out of the parking lot to the Swanson Creek Trail. Once you find Swanson Creek Trail, you'll be on the Waterfa...Read more
