Marina is the fastest growing city on the Monterey coastline. Indeed, city planners expect population growth for the next twenty years in Marina and adjacent areas to well exceed 100%. But, make no mistake; the city is committed to safeguarding its cozy small town character. Within short driving distance of Monterey and Santa Cruz, and Silicon Valley and San Francisco less than 100 miles to the north, Marina is the perfect alternative to the big city.

In Marina, you'll enjoy less traffic, reduced noise levels, smaller class sizes for children and adults, and greater safety. In fact, Marina boasts some of the highest public safety rates in the region. Marina residents enjoy a multitude of cultural and recreational activities. The slower pace of small-town life is a joy to many. But residents also participate in a vibrant commercial and cultural community. Two major institutions - California State University at Monterey Bay and the University of California, Santa Cruz - offer significant educational and scientific programs.
A municipal airport, library and equestrian center offer residents valuable amenities. Enjoy eating out? Marina's annual International Flavors of Marina, Food, Wine and Beer Tasting showcases the ethnic diversity of its fine local cuisine. An outdoor enthusiast? Discover some of the best biking, hiking, horseback riding, skydiving, and hang gliding anywhere. Looking for a festival? Some of the world's most famous are right next door, such as Monterey's Jazz and Blues Festivals and the Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance. Marina hosts the above mentioned International Flavors Festival, the International Festival of the Winds celebrating hang-gliders, paragliders, wind-sculptures and kites, and the Marina Air Faire.