106 votes

Moss Landing State Beach

Jetty Road, Moss Landing, California 95039 USA

Independent
Wheelchair
Accessible

“seaside fun!”

Offshore fishing, surfing, windsurfing and horseback riding are popular activities. The beach is a favorite place for picnics because the dunes protect it from afternoon winds. This area is an important stop along the Pacific Flyway so birdwatching is popular. Water recreation is dangerous because of strong rip currents. Vehicles and trailers over 21 feet are not allowed at Moss Landing State Beach due to limited turn around areas. Parking for large vehicles is very limited. Visitors with large vehicles and/or trailer are encouraged to visit Salinas River State Beach, which is just 2 miles south on Highway 1. Moss Landing State Beach has several bird-watching spots, but the type and number of birds can vary by season. Moss Landing Wildlife Area, with access to the east of Highway 1, has ponds that are controlled by tidal gates. They are a major roost for brown pelicans and also beneficial for shorebirds. Sea ducks, loons, grebes and gulls can also be easily spotted. Occasionally, there are special visitors such as Long-tailed Duck and Red-necked Grebe. Endangered species, the California Sea Otter, can be observed in the harbor channel with sometimes dozens in a raft.

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Reviewed by
superkatastic

3 Reviews
3 Helpful

January 04, 2015

Rated 5.0

Super lovely beach with great views and an awesome drive through some big farm areas to get there. Not super crowded and easy parking

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Margaret Hazuka

1 Review
0 Helpful

July 24, 2015

Rated 5.0

Beautiful beach, stunning views. The real reason to go is the wildlife - sea otters hang out in droves in the harbor. Its a little off the beaten path, and there are some fun restaurants in the area - many featuring cheap Castroville Artichokes!

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Reviewed by
xoxoplanet

1 Review
0 Helpful

December 24, 2014

Enjoy the sea air and take a wildlife break at Moss Landing State Beach. Turn right at Jetty Road and follow the road as it curves to the left between the Elkhorn Slough estuary and the sand dunes. As you'll reach the end, you'll see a parking lot on your left.

From this parking lot as you look toward Highway One, you'll have a great view of sea lions on the public pier (directly in front of you, next to the marina), seals (on the sand jetty to your left), pelicans (roosting on the rocks ahead and slightly to your right) and otters (cavorting in the water throughout the area). You're also likely to see herons, egrets, cormorants and other water birds.

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