About Marina, California

Marina is the newest city on the Monterey Peninsula and has an estimated population of 22,781 as of 2019. Founded by William Locke-Paddon and incorporated in 1975, the City is situated on California State Route 1 between Monterey and Santa Cruz. In 2012, Marina was named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance.

The City’s history is intertwined with that of Fort Ord. The Fort Ord Station Veterinary Hospital, built in 1941 to provide healthcare for U.S. Army horses and mules, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. This is the first such official recognition on old Fort Ord. Now known as the Marina Equestrian Center, has been operated by the Marina Equestrian Association since 1994 when the property was seeded to the National Park Service. The association serves hundreds to thousands of visitors a year who come to enjoy the vast trail systems or to just meet equines up close and personal.

Whether people want a place to relax on the beach, enjoy diverse cuisine, or want challenges and adventure, the City of Marina offers vast opportunities for every type of visitor. Marina is known for its towering sand dunes, close proximity to the beach and famed Fort Ord National Monument. However, the coastal city is also a haven for those looking for a delicious meal, thrill-seeking adventures or simply a relaxing day at the beach. Vast stretches of dunes and rolling hills, ethnic cultures and cuisines, and historic and renowned attractions make Marina a destination to see, stay and play.