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Home >  United States  >  California  >  Moss Landing  >  

Moss Landing State Beach

Moss Landing State Beach

United States, California, Moss Landing 

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Moss Landing State Beach

United States, California, Moss Landing 

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Sandee Moss Landing State Beach

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Moss Landing State Beach is a picturesque destination located in Monterey County, California, about 16 miles north of Monterey via Highway 1. This beautiful beach offers a serene environment with soft, white sand and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The beach is also known for its wildlife, including sea otters and a variety of bird species. The nearby Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve provides additional opportunities for exploration and learning. The beach's dunes protect picnic areas from strong winds, making it an ideal spot for family outings.

The beach is approximately two miles long and features a mix of sandy shores and dunes. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of Monterey Bay while engaging in various activities. The strong rip currents make swimming hazardous, but surfing and windsurfing are popular among experienced enthusiasts. The area is also rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of sea otters and diverse bird species.

Moss Landing State Beach is a great place to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific coastline. Its proximity to quaint coastal towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea adds to its appeal, offering a range of cultural and dining experiences nearby.

Near Moss Landing State Beach, there are several excellent dining options. Sea Harvest Fish Market and Restaurant is a local favorite, offering fresh seafood and a cozy atmosphere. Another popular spot is Phil's Fish Market & Eatery, known for its oceanfront seafood and lively atmosphere. For those looking for something different, Haute Enchilada Café provides a vibrant Latin American dining experience with a full bar. Moss Landing Cafe is a homey spot serving classic breakfast and lunch fare with a focus on local seafood. Lastly, Lemongrass Seafood Bar & Grill offers Thai-style seafood dishes in a casual setting.

These restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines and settings, ensuring that visitors can find something to suit their tastes. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, international flavors, or a cozy breakfast spot, there's something for everyone near Moss Landing State Beach.

The dining options around Moss Landing State Beach are not only delicious but also offer a variety of atmospheres, from casual and cozy to lively and trendy. This makes the area a great place to dine while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.

For accommodations near Moss Landing State Beach, visitors have several excellent options. The Captain's Inn at Moss Landing is a quaint B&B with nautical-themed rooms and a river-view deck, offering a charming stay. The Inn At Moss Landing Point provides a laid-back atmosphere with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi. For those looking for a more extensive range of facilities, the Hampton Inn & Suites Watsonville offers an indoor pool and free breakfast. Additionally, the Best Western Marina State Beach provides a casual budget stay with free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

These hotels cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring that visitors can find a comfortable place to stay while exploring the area. From cozy B&Bs to more extensive hotel facilities, there's something for everyone near Moss Landing State Beach.

The hotels in the area are well-equipped to handle various needs, whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip. They offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, parking, and sometimes even pools, making them convenient bases for exploring the beautiful Monterey Bay region.

Moss Landing State Beach offers a range of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The beach features public restrooms, picnic tables, and showers, making it a comfortable spot for day trips. A boat launch is available for those interested in exploring the harbor or Elkhorn Slough by water. The beach also provides opportunities for equestrian activities, with designated routes for horseback riding. Additionally, the nearby town offers various services and facilities, including restaurants and shops.

The picnic areas are particularly appealing, as the dunes protect them from strong winds, creating a peaceful environment for family gatherings or relaxation. The availability of restrooms and showers ensures that visitors can enjoy their stay without worrying about basic comforts.

Overall, Moss Landing State Beach is well-equipped to support a variety of activities and provide a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Moss Landing State Beach is renowned for its diverse range of activities. Visitors can enjoy surfing and windsurfing, taking advantage of the strong ocean waves. Fishing is another popular activity, both from the shore and offshore. The beach is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it lies along the Pacific Flyway, attracting numerous bird species throughout the year. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are great ways to explore the nearby Elkhorn Slough and harbor. Horseback riding is allowed on designated parts of the beach, offering a unique way to experience the coastal scenery.

The strong rip currents make swimming hazardous, but experienced surfers find the conditions challenging and rewarding. The beach's proximity to the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve also provides opportunities for nature walks and educational experiences.

Whether you're interested in water sports, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Moss Landing State Beach offers something for everyone.

Moss Landing State Beach offers several accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the area. The beach provides wheelchair-accessible restrooms and picnic areas, making it easier for people with disabilities to participate in activities. Additionally, the nearby parking areas are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs, offering accessible parking spaces. However, the beach itself may present challenges due to its sandy terrain and lack of specific wheelchair-accessible pathways. Despite these limitations, the overall accessibility of the facilities makes it a welcoming destination for a wide range of visitors.

The availability of accessible amenities allows visitors with disabilities to enjoy the scenic views and participate in activities like birdwatching or picnicking. While there may not be specific accommodations for all types of disabilities, the beach's accessible facilities provide a good starting point for exploring the area.

Visitors are encouraged to contact park officials for more detailed information on accessibility features to plan their visit effectively.

Parking at Moss Landing State Beach is free, with a large parking lot available near the beach entrance. However, spaces can fill up quickly during peak season, so it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot. Additional parking is available along Jetty Road when the main lot is full. Vehicles and trailers over 21 feet are not recommended due to limited turnaround areas, and visitors with larger vehicles are encouraged to consider alternative parking options at nearby beaches like Salinas River State Beach.

The proximity of the parking to the beach makes it convenient for visitors to unload their gear and start enjoying the activities right away. The free parking is a significant advantage, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring the beach and its surroundings without additional costs.

Overall, the parking facilities at Moss Landing State Beach are well-suited for most visitors, providing easy access to the beach and its amenities.

Moss Landing State Beach is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife, including sea otters and harbor seals. The beach is a key stop along the Pacific Flyway, making it a prime location for birdwatching, with species like brown pelicans and shorebirds frequently spotted. The nearby Elkhorn Slough is one of the largest wetlands in California, providing a unique habitat for numerous marine and terrestrial species. The area's rich biodiversity and natural beauty make it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The beach's unique combination of sandy shores and dunes creates a picturesque landscape that is both beautiful and ecologically important. Visitors can observe the wildlife in their natural habitats, making it a truly immersive experience.

Moss Landing State Beach's proximity to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary adds to its significance, as it is part of a larger protected area that supports a wide range of marine life.

Moss Landing State Beach is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a must-visit, offering walking trails and educational exhibits that highlight the area's unique wildlife and ecosystems. The beach is also close to quaint coastal towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, which offer a range of cultural activities, shopping, and dining experiences. For nature enthusiasts, the Moss Landing Wildlife Area provides additional opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

The combination of natural beauty and nearby cultural attractions makes Moss Landing State Beach an ideal base for exploring the Monterey Bay area. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment of the beach while also experiencing the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Whether you're interested in nature, culture, or simply relaxing by the ocean, the area around Moss Landing State Beach has plenty to offer.

Basic Details

INParking

IN8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

INRestroom Available

INBeige

INR666+3J Moss Landing, CA, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesPlayground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Showers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Bike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesSurfing

  • Tours

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesVolleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Bikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesDisabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Parking - Paid

  • Parking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Moss Landing State Beach - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Moss Landing State Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Moss Landing State Beach have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Moss Landing State Beach a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Moss Landing State Beach good for swimming?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does Moss Landing State Beach have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Moss Landing State Beach a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Moss Landing State Beach?

    Yes, this Beach has multiple restaurant options near or on the beach.

    What are the activities at Moss Landing State Beach?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Fishing, Hiking, Surfing, Volleyball.

    Does Moss Landing State Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

    Is Moss Landing State Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Moss Landing State Beach good for surfing?

    Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.

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