The sounds of gulls, mild year-round weather, refreshing sea air hitting your face as you bike alongside sweeping views of Monterey Bay – Marina, California is a Pacific coast pearl. Located eight miles north of Monterey, this quiet suburb is a dream come true for cyclists, home to a vibrant college community, and popular with active retirees seeking a coastal lifestyle with fewer crowds. The area is a coveted location for real estate developers with builders like Shea Homes showcasing the best of what Central California has to offer, and a fantastic town for boomers, and empty nesters with an affinity for all things sun, surf, and outdoor recreation.
Home to the University of California at Monterey Bay, Marina is a relaxed town with a loyal following of recreational athletes from hikers to surfers, to paragliders, and hardcore cyclists. In fact, Monterey County has an extensive network of bike paths designed for all skill levels from weekend cruisers to Tour De France pros, with routes like the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail linking Marina to Monterey attractions, and Fort Ord National Monument going the distance with 86 miles of scenic vistas. Marina’s secluded beaches are a highlight for any nature lover, offering an unobstructed view of what makes up 350 miles of central coastline. At Marina Dunes RV Park, camping gets a resort upgrade with easy access to serene, private beaches, fitness amenities, and a gorgeous lodge style clubhouse that takes this recreation area over the top.
Marina has an understated charm with the kind of “know your neighbor” nostalgia active adults gravitate towards. For a modestly sized city, it packs a surprising number of services and amenities, with an extensive restaurant guide from where to find your morning latte, to a variety of ethnic cuisines, and cozy pubs to celebrate happy hour. New on the scene is Marina’s Urban Wine Row where wine connoisseurs can savor Monterey’s finest varietals, or take a bottle to-go along with a picnic basket filled with farmers market provisions.
Just a 10-minute drive (or bike ride) to Monterey, salty marine air, sea lion banter, and deep sea splendor makes for an unforgettable day trip or weekend getaway. Visiting the iconic Monterey Bay aquarium, and perusing the novelty shops along Cannery Row are must-dos, but for something truly extraordinary, dive deeper into Monterey’s marine magic by booking a breathtaking whale watching excursion, or travel the Pacific Coast Highway to the teal waters, and rugged cliffs of Big Sur. Tucked away amongst the dunes, Marina is a part sleepy beach town, part recreational playground, and a refreshing Central Coast detour where everyone gets their own oceanfront view.
