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Eolian Dunes Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · Running trail in Sand City, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Eolian Dunes Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park with ocean views, a dog-friendly beach, picnic tables, and kid-friendly hikes.
What runners say about Eolian Dunes Preserve
“The trail is paved, well maintained, scenic, and separate from the highway and roads, thus quite safe.”
“The trail is paved, well maintained, scenic, and separate from the highway and roads, thus quite safe.”
I had a day off and we just needed to get out during this crazy pandemic. We kind of drove aimlessly towards Monterey and decided to pull off Hwy 1 here, near Seaside. We always pass by this place and we should have visited sooner. This is a beautiful spot, no facilities where we were, but close to strip mall.
I rode my bicycle along the bike trail. The trail is paved, well maintained, scenic, and separate from the highway and roads, thus quite safe. The trail is still close enough to hear traffic noise.
Great place to take the kids to the beach since it's so secluded. People don't often know of the beaches here because it's a trail that is right behind the edgewater shopping plaza. If you want to take a side trip when your out shopping one day then this is the place you need to go for sure!
Beautiful. Short path. Hang gliders sometimes. Overlooks bluff there are benches to sit. One little porta potty. Glass on parts of beach, be careful.
Trail conditions & character
“Actually, one of the best spots if you want to get a nice overall view of Monterey and the bay since it's perched on the edge of a cliff.”
“A decent porta potty is usually set up near the entrance behind Home Goods.”
“Park behind Home Goods or at the parking lot near Panera Bread and navigate across the 1.”
“Great for walking, enjoying the shore, kicking back and letting kids or dog play.”
“The trail is paved, well maintained, scenic, and separate from the highway and roads, thus quite safe.”
Plan your run at Eolian Dunes Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemprpd.org
- Phone+1 831-372-3196
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Sand City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Laguna Grande Park, Seaside, Ca
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Laguna Grande Regional Park, Monterey side
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Frog Pond Wetland Preserve
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Monterey Bay Park
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El Estero Park
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Popular playground that's good for kids, with swans, geese and other birds.