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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Los Gatos, California
Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail
14.21 mi / 2080 ft gainAs with many trail systems there are multiple routes and loops available at Sequel Demonstration forest of varying lengths and difficulty. The 3 main trails are all accessed via the same parking area on highland way. The most popular trail is the all skill levels "Flow" trail, followed by two sho...Read more -
Scotts Valley, CaliforniaLodato Loop Trail
5.01.24 mi / 315 ft gainLodato Loop Trail is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Scotts Valley, California.Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp at Ventana Campground, Big Sur
4.6This campground is a gem when it comes to Big Sur camping, book here. Each site includes a parking spot, a campfire ring with grill, a picnic table, and plenty of space for 1-2 tents. There are multiple immaculate restroom facilities with showers, clean trash enclosures (emptied and sanitized dai...Read more -
Felton, California
Observation Deck Loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods SP
4.35.3 mi / 869 ft gainThe trail starts at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitors Center. Grab a map in the center, as your hike has you turning onto a few different trails to get to the observation deck. Starting at the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, follow the trail until it connects with the Pipeline Road Trail ...Read more -
Felton, California
Redwood Grove Loop
4.00.93 mi / 144 ft gainHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located just a few miles north of the city of Santa Cruz, along Highway 9. The park is home to an array of hiking and biking trails, but the crown jewel of the park is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is only a 1/4 mile in from the park's entrance. Many peo...Read more -
Felton, California
Tree Climb Mount Hermon
5.0Climbing an aerial obstacle course through the redwoods of Mount Hermon is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing and being in the trees. See what it's like to scurry through the trees like a squirrel. This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. There are many aeri...Read more -
Scotts Valley, California
Panther Beach
5.00.27 mi / 22.97 ft gainPanther Beach: Santa Cruz's Hidden Coastal Gem Panther Beach is a stunning, secluded beach nestled among rocky cliff sides along California's Highway 1. This is a great place to catch an awesome sunset, and there's even some decent bouldering on the beach archway for climbing enthusiasts. Beach...Read more -
Felton, California
Limestone Kilns and Big Ben Redwood Loop
5.08.37 mi / 1598 ft gainHenry Cowell Redwood State Park is a super easy destination to get to from Santa Cruz, but the seclusion of the Fall Creek Unit makes this a big bang for buck hike. This hike will take you to Big Ben, a medium sized old growth Redwood, and the abandoned Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Company Kilns ...Read more -
Felton, California
Fall Creek Trail
5.07.21 mi / 1096 ft gainThis quiet 10 mile hike features a winding creek and tall redwoods throughout the trail. The parking at the Fall Creek Trailhead is limited, so it is best to get there before 10am. There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek. Most of the trail is dirt, ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Pfeiffer Falls
4.21.39 mi / 341 ft gainThis trail is a staff favorite at Big Sur. This family-friendly waterfall trail provides only a moderate challenge for young children and older family members. There are two starting points for this hike depending on where you stashed the car. If you’re parked near the gift shop, the head up the ...Read more -
Soledad, California
Explore Dreamy Wrath Wines Vineyards
Just a short drive from some of the best trails and rock climbing at Pinnacles National Park, Wrath Wines' Soledad winery is a great way to wine'd down after a day of adventure. What makes this grape growing region unique is the constant marine layer fog and wind stress out the grapes (that’s a ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
5.0The campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy. Each of the 189 tent and RV sites is located within the redwood groves, oak woodlands, grassy meadows and they even have riverside camping.Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, access to dr...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail
4.318.96 mi / 7339 ft gainThe trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river t...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Pine Ridge, North Coast Ridge Loop
2.033.45 mi / 11388 ft gainIf you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. This post shares a suggested 4-day backpacking loop in the Ventana Wilderness that will offer a bit of everything - challenging hiking with a healthy does of elevation, beautiful primitive camping amon...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Big Sur River Gorge
4.00.36 mi / 56 ft gainIf you are in the Big Sur area during the summer, exploring the Big Sur River Gorge is a must! The gorge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and your closest parking will be day use parking lot 3. The trailhead to the gorge can be found at the northeast end of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park C...Read more -
Davenport, California
Shark Fin Cove
4.3Shark Fin Cove is a large rock formation in an inlet off Highway 1 in Northern California. It is located 1 mile south of Davenport and 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. There is a sizable parking lot located on the side of Highway 1 to park in. Walk down the path left of the parking lot and cross the...Read more
