The Marina Dunes Preserve, which is part of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, includes a beach to the north of the Marina State Beach and the dunes area between the beach and Dunes Drive. Formerly the site of a sand mine, this area is now protected and being restored to a native coastal dunes habitat. Access to the beach is provided by a short path which can be reached by taking Reservation Road (west from Highway 1) to  Dunes Drive, turning right and driving to the cul-de-sac at the end of the road. There is no parking lot, but street parking is permitted. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, with no overnight stays or camping permitted. Due to risk of wildfires, you may not smoke or use any kind of fire or incendiary device at this park.

Dogs and other pets on leash are permitted here, but you must stay out of the protected areas and clean up any leavings. Also, be aware that there may be snakes and other critters in the dunes vegetation, and the ocean has dangerous currents here just as at Marina State Beach. Keep pets and small children close and under control.

Walking through the Marina Dunes Preserve allows you to view a native coastal ecosystem, with opportunities for nature photography and the possibility of sighting  some of the 20+ different bird species that may found in this area.  As you walk along the path, you will see signage with information about the native plants and small animals. If you are lucky, you may see the rare  and tiny Smith’s blue butterfly, which is only found in the coastal dune habitat.

This is a look-but-don’t-take area with no hunting, fishing or collection of plant specimens permitted. However, there are sometimes scheduled events in which volunteers may help with the gathering of seeds from native plants and other habitat preservation activities.