About This Beach
Marina State Beach features dramatic sand dunes and a wide, pristine shoreline on Monterey Bay. The beach is renowned as one of California’s top hang gliding and paragliding locations, with a designated launch area atop the dunes providing perfect conditions for flight with consistent winds and panoramic coastal views. A boardwalk trail crosses the fragile dune ecosystem, protecting native plants while educating visitors about this unique coastal habitat. The beach offers excellent surf fishing opportunities, while beachcombers often find colorful sea glass along the shore. Strong rip currents make swimming dangerous, but the beach’s expansive sandy areas are perfect for walking, picnicking, and kite flying.