WEEKEND GETAWAY IDEAS - Moss Landing - CA

WEEKEND GETAWAY IDEAS - from Bay Area

 Moss Landing, CA

Moss Landing locates in Monterey County, California, 50 miles of San Jose, 20 miles south of Santa Cruz.  It is a great place for a day trip for Bay Area family. 

Moss Landing is the pathway to state and federal protected lands, including Moss Landing State Beach, Moss Landing Wildlife Area, and Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. 

Driving Direction From San Jose

Driving Direction from San Jose to Moss Landing

Santa Cruz to Moss Landing Map

Santa Cruz to Moss Landing Map

First Stop: Moss Landing State Beach

Moss Landing State Beach Map

From highway 1, when you see the sign "Moss Landing State Beach", exit out on your right side. Following the sign to the parking area. Walking along the Jetty road, you should see a group of sea utters floating in the water, sea lions resting on the shore, and people kayaking. 

This Sea Utter is a very active one

This one is comfortably floating on the water.

You can spot some other wild animals here. 

We found some live Jelly fishes floating with seaweed.

Second Stop: North Harbor of Moss Landing

Driving back to Highway 1, exit on your right. The north harbor is the home of Elkhorn Yacht Club, Monterey Bay Kayaks, and Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants.

You can launch your own kayak here or rent it at Monterey Bay Kayaks. 

Kayaking at Moss Landing Harbor

Walk or park your car near the Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants. Mass of sea lions almost on your feet. 

Sea Lion fighting for his space at Moss Landing Harbor

Third Stop: Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve The 1700-acre Reserve is a hub of activity and hosts programs that promote education, research, and conservation in Elkhorn Slough. There are five miles of trails that meander through beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks, and freshwater marshes. The visitor center offers tours on the weekends and special events throughout the year.

Address and Map to The Visitor Center

1700 Elkhorn Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
Telephone: (831) 728-2822

A couple walking on South Loop Trial

You can also Kayak from Harbor to Here

Lunch Stop: Phil's Fish Market & Eatery

Phil's Fish Market & Eatery
7600 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039

Thanks for visiting my blog, enjoy your day trip at Moss Landing.