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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Big Sur, California
Pfeiffer Beach
4.10.81 mi / 75 ft gainPfeiffer Beach located in Big Sur may truly be one of the most awesome beaches in California...if you can find it. I lived within 40 miles of this beach for over 20 years and just discovered it recently. This beach is located on an unmarked road called Sycamore Canyon Road. On Highway 1, this roa...Read more -
Davenport, California
Old Davenport Pier
5.0The ruins of Davenport Pier are located on Davenport Pier Beach, just north of Davenport on Highway 1, which is about 11 miles north of Santa Cruz. The pier was never completed and the support system for it was left on the beach, the first pillar arch has had a chain swing added to it and can be ...Read more -
Gilroy, California
Redfern Pond via Hunting Hollow
5.07 mi / 1263 ft gainHenry W. Coe State Park, northern California's largest, provides outdoor enthusiasts with over 89,000 acres of land to explore, as well as 22,000 acres of designated wilderness area. With all of this space, the outdoor adventures are seemingly endless. We recommend a multi-day backpacking trip to...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Timber Top and Boranda Trail
5.67 mi / 2690 ft gainTimber Top and Boranda Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Big Sur, California.Read more -
Paicines, CaliforniaCondor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop
4.68.63 mi / 2147.42 ft gainIt’s hard to believe how many people don’t know about this place, which was newly designated as a National Park in January 2013. Pinnacles National Park is hidden just south of San Jose in the Gabilan Mountains, and is a short drive for anyone living in the Bay Area. With beautiful rock spires p...Read more -
Paicines, California
Balconies Cave Trail
2.63 mi / 617 ft gainBalconies Cave Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Paicines, California.Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike the Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Tunnel Trail Loop in Pinnacles NP
5.04.3 mi / 1200 ft gainPinnacles National Park is located just over two hours outside of San Francisco (depending on the traffic). It was designated the 59th national park in 2013 and while it is small it offers beautiful views and unique wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for California condors on this hike! This trail...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Big Sur's Tin House via Tanbark Trail
4.06.38 mi / 3166 ft gainWhen it comes to the beauty of Big Sur, a half day on Tanbark Trail to the Tin House captures it all. From the redwood forest along Partinton Creek, to the abandoned Tin House, to Highway 1 and coastal views, you can't ask for much more. The hike starts on the east side of Highway 1 - the northe...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Partington Cove Trail
5.01.09 mi / 262 ft gainPartington Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Sur, California.Read more -
Big Sur, California
Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove
4.5Partington Cove which is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is one of Big Sur's hidden gems. It's a very short hike with enough views to show why Big Sur earned the nickname " Little Yosemite." The whole hike can easily be completed in less than an hour, although there are definitely eno...Read more -
Greenfield, California
Marble Peak Bridge via Arroyo Seco Campground
4.65.46 mi / 1506 ft gainThis off-the-beaten-trail adventure has a little bit of everything for everyone and is as challenging as you make it. Many just make it about a mile down to the river for a leisurely day of relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a few cold beverages. Others embark on a 5+ mile adventure up ...Read more -
San Jose, California
Coyote Peak & Rocky Ridge Trail Loop
4.53.8 mi / 755 ft gainThe Santa Teresa County Park loop is perfect for wildlife viewing! Be ready to see deer, coyote, hawks, turkeys, pigs and cows. The trail is rated as moderate - be cautious with mud if you are visiting the park after a rain shower. Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be kept on leash. There ...Read more -
San Jose, California
Senador Mine & Guadalupe Loop
4.34.83 mi / 863 ft gainThe trails are well maintained and offer good visibility. The trail can be muddy after it rains, and does not have much shade (so bring extra water in the summer). Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - this trail is frequently used for bi...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Waters Ridge Trail (Closed)
5.07.13 mi / 2776 ft gainThis trail is temporarily closed. For updates, please head to Parks.CA.Gov. Situated on a cliff above Highway 1, the Waters Ridge Trail offers spectacular views of the rugged coast and soaring condors. This hike above the clouds is a small detour off of the Ewaldson Trail, and is a must see! Ac...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Ewoldsen Trail (Closed)
4.54.2 mi / 1500 ft gainThis trail is temporarily closed. For updates, please head to Parks.CA.Gov. The Ewoldsen Trail is one of the more accessible yet challenging hikes in Big Sur. It is a stunning hike through the redwood forest up the mountains of Big Sur to a gorgeous overlook of the Pacific. It is a beautiful ~4...Read more -
Big Sur, California
McWay Falls
4.6McWay Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in BIg Sur and can be seen from Highway 1. The trail to the falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer. For all of you history buffs, Mcway Falls is named after Christopher McWay, an early settler and farmer from New York who ventured west in the late 1800...Read more
