City of Marina Overview

Located along California’s stunningly gorgeous State Route 1, Marina is the newest city on the Monterey Peninsula, incorporated in 1975. The city grew about 150 percent from 1970 to 1980—a rate that slowed not only when Fort Ord closed but also after voters approved an urban growth boundary in 2000 (and reaffirmed that decision in 2020). According to the city’s mission statement, civic leaders are committed to developing “in a way that insulates it from the negative impacts of urban sprawl to become a desirable residential and business community in a natural setting.” Much of Marina's coastline remains undeveloped, with protected rare species of butterflies, buckwheat, and sea lettuce.