A Guide to Coastal Trails and Scenic Views near Marina, CA

Living at Marina Station means year-round access to some of California’s most scenic coastal views. Whether you’re an avid hiker or searching for your next favorite walking spot, these trails offer sweeping vistas of the Monterey coast and beyond.

Locke-Paddon Community Park

City: Marina
Length: 2-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Known for: Birding, wetlands

Serving as the northern starting point of the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, Locke-Paddon Park features tranquil ponds, picnic areas, workout stations and easy walking paths. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate that over 138 species have been spotted here, making it an excellent destination for wildlife observation.

Fort Ord Dunes State Park

City: Marina
Length: 1 – 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Known for: Biking, walking, marine life

Just a 10-minute drive from Marina Station, Fort Ord Dunes State Park offers a four-mile coastal trail with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. Stroll along the boardwalk or bring your bicycle to explore the paved paths. Leashed dogs are welcome!

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

City: Inland from Moss Landing
Length: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Known for: Oak woodlands, grasslands, tidal flats, wildlife viewing

Located 20 minutes north of Marina Station, Elkhorn Slough Reserve provides free entry and three main trail loops. Take a short hike to the overlook or meander through the reserve’s diverse habitats, from oak woodlands down to mudflats and tidal channels.

Palo Corona Regional Park – Animas Pond via Inspiration Point

City: Carmel Valley
Length: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Known for: Hiking, diverse wildlife including endangered California red-legged frogs and Smith’s blue butterflies

A combination of several trails, this route features steeper trails and breathtaking views of the Carmel coast. As you head toward Animas Pond, you’ll pass through pine forests and meadows with many opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Cypress Grove Trail

City: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Length: 1-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Known for: Cypress trees, sea lions

A favorite among Point Lobos visitors, Cypress Grove Trail is a short loop offering stunning views of ancient cypress trees, the Monterey coastline and Pinnacles Cove. Arrive early, as parking lots fill up quickly!

Garland Ranch Regional Park

City: Carmel Valley
Length: 2 – 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Hard
Known for: Hiking, horseback riding, geocaching, redwood canyons, waterfalls

This dog-friendly park blends leisure hiking with elements of Carmel Valley’s historic past. Notable features include the Carmel River and Garzas Creek, where you’ll find yourself immersed in redwood canyons. For an easier outing, try the Buckeye Nature Trail. If you’re seeking a challenge, the East Ridge Trail rewards hikers with spectacular views.

Andrew Molera State Park

City: Big Sur
Length: 1 – 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Known for: Hiking, beachcombing

About an hour south of Marina Station, Andrew Molera State Park offers multiple trail options. Hike along the Beach Trail to search for seaside treasures or take the Creamery Meadow Trail where you’ll wade across the Big Sur River.

Jacks Peak County Park – Skyline Trail

City: Monterey
Length: 1-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Known for: Hiking, horseback riding, birding

Jacks Peak County Park features impressive ridgetop vistas overlooking Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley, plus one of the only remaining natural stands of Monterey pine trees and fossils from the Miocene epoch. With a variety of short, interconnected trails, the park is accessible for all ages.

Asilomar State Beach – Asilomar Coast Trail

City: Pacific Grove
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Known for: Tide pools, walking, wildlife viewing

Located on the Monterey Peninsula, Asilomar State Beach is a popular destination for exercise, wildlife observation and views of the rocky coastline. Access the Asilomar Coast Trail from the northern end of the beach and follow the one-mile path along white sandy shores.

With so much to do and explore nearby, it’s no wonder Marina Station is such an incredible place to call home. Be sure to join the Marina Station interest list for news and updates. And don’t forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the know.