Moss Landing State Beach
State Park · Moss Landing, California
Moss Landing State Beach lies on Monterey Bay in Monterey County, at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough, beside a working fishing harbour and the tall smokestacks of the Moss Landing power plant. The beach itself is a flat, windswept strip of sand backed by dunes, with a jetty and a road to the harbour entrance. The draw is wildlife: sea otters and harbor seals gather in the harbour and the slough, and Elkhorn Slough is one of the best-known places on the coast to watch otters - confirm current numbers. Fog and wind are frequent, the surf is rough, and strong rip currents make swimming a poor idea. Fishing and walking are the usual beach pastimes. Marina State Beach lies to the north as a separate park. The village of Moss Landing offers seafood, antique shops and kayak outfitters. This is a small, quiet stop for wildlife watchers and photographers, not a swimming beach. Plan one to two hours, and bring binoculars and a windbreaker.
Jetty Rd, Moss Landing, California, 95039, United States
The beach is normally open from sunrise to sunset, and the parking area near the jetty is managed by California State Parks with a day-use fee that is commonly modest - confirm the current amount and the pay arrangements. Harbour businesses, kayak outfitters and restaurants keep their own hours and are often closed on certain weekdays or in winter, so confirm before you plan a meal. Large winter swells, storm surge and high wind can close parts of the beach road, and summer fog can sit over the water all day. Check State Parks and local advisories on the morning you go.
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