Fort Ord Dunes

Monterey County

Monterey State Beach, Monterey County, California
Monterey State Beach, Monterey County, California

Fort Ord Dunes

Monterey County


Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Fort Ord Dunes State Park is among the newest parks in California. The park has a one-third mile long foot trail that leads to 4 miles of beach. Visitors will have wonderful views of Monterey Bay. There is also a boardwalk taking you to the top of a bluff where there is a viewing platform.

Dangerous rip currents and a sudden drop-off make the beach hazardous for swimming, but beach-goers enjoy strolling the often-empty beach. On clear days you can see from Lover's Point on the Monterey Peninsula all the way to Santa Cruz.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.


Map of Fort Ord Dunes State Park, Monterey County, CA

Roads and Trails

Roads in the park are open to hikers and cyclers. Some of the roads lead to remnants of old Fort Ord, such as a firing range and bunkers. In order to protect park resources, visitors are asked to stay on the roads and trails.

Fort Ord Dunes State Park, CA

Cell Phone Tour

A cell phone tour telling about the history of Fort Ord has been set up. The tour is free, but normal call phone charges apply. Call (831) 998-9458 to begin the tour. When you arrive at a sign with a number, you type in that number to hear the information about that location. For more detailed information, see Fort Ord Cell Phone Tour

The tour begins at Stillwell Hall and passes such locations as the Firing Ranges, Bunkers, and Target buildings.



Ford Ord Dunes Wildlife

From the trail visitors can spot the nests of snowy plovers on the beach. Native plants provide habitat for the black, legless lizard and Smith's blue butterfly. Other birds sighted at the beach and dunes are red-tailed hawks, white-tailed kites, sparrows, and Anna's hummingbird. Out in the ocean visitors are likely to catch sight of sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales.



Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

Although not shown on our map, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail runs along the edge of Fort Ord Dunes State Park between the Beach Range Road and Highway 1. This 18-mile path stretches from Castroville to Pacific Grove, connecting all the beaches in-between. The trail is open to walking, jogging, cycling, skating, and similar activities.

Plans for a Campground

Plans for the future at the park include the addition of a campground at the former storage bunker zone. Perhaps as many as 95 campsites will be added. The project has been in the works for many years, but progress has been slow. The latest status report: "Fort Ord Dunes State Park Campground and Beach Access October 2020 bid was rejected. The project will be rebidding in the near future."
Ft. Ord Dunes Campground Project


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety