Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Located in the city of Watsonville, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve has a very long and wide beach that is managed by The Nature Conservancy and the Elkhorn Slough. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is an ecological reserve that is spread across 7,000 acres and provides habitat for many protected plants, animals, and birds. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is situated on the shores of Elkhorn Slough and is a perfect destination for wildlife watching and birdwatching. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve hosts many educational, research, and conservation programs throughout the year. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve offers a couple of amenities including restrooms and a pier. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is situated at 1700 Elkhorn Road and the only way to reach here is by taking a kayak, canoe, or boat from Kirby Park, Moss Landing State Beach.

There are many fun activities at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve including wildlife watching, birdwatching, beach walking, and watching sea otters and harbor seals. If you are looking for additional activities, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is surrounded by many hiking trails running through oak woodlands, creeks, and marshes. Please note that camping, picnicking, bike riding, and fishing are prohibited on the reserve. 

If you are looking for attractions near Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, you can drive 15 minutes to the Aptos History Museum that is home to many historical exhibits, photographs, and antiques from the city of Aptos. The gravity-defying Mystery Spot is among the most prominent illusion-based tourist attractions ‚Äì visitors can experience demonstrations that disobey gravity inside a wooden building and while walking up a steep hill here.  The Point Sur State Historic Park is a historical landmark providing walking tours of the 1889 Point Sur Lighthouse and Point Sur State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area that protects ocean wildlife and marine ecosystem.  Another great attraction near Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is Adventure Sports Unlimited that offers many underwater courses including swimming, scuba diving, diving, and snorkeling.

If you get hungry, you can drive 10 minutes to many restaurants near Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. The upscale Sanderlings Restaurant is a vegetarian-friendly American bar-restaurant offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert options in an elegant patio setting. If you are looking for a family-friendly restaurant near Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Caf√© Rio Aptos features seafood, steaks, desserts, a dog-friendly patio, and incredible views of the North Pacific Ocean. Another good restaurant near Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is Village Host Pizza & Grill, a pizza restaurant that serves pizza, garlic bread, burgers, and sandwiches at very reasonable prices.

If you are looking for a hotel near Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, you can drive 17 minutes to the upscale 4-Star hotel Seascape Beach Resort that offers many amenities including a pool, bar, sauna, spa, restaurant, golf course, tennis court, and fitness center. Best Western Seacliff Inn is a 3-Star hotel featuring a pool, lounge, bar, gym, and restaurant. If you are looking for an affordable hotel near Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, the 2-Star Rio Sands Hotel has a pool and kids club.