🏆🏆 Elkhorn Slough Gateway — Beach at the mouth of Monterey Bay’s premier wildlife estuary
Moss Landing State Beach sits at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough — the largest tidal salt marsh on the California coast between San Francisco Bay and Morro Bay. The beach provides access to excellent surfing, fishing, and equestrian riding on the sand. The adjacent Elkhorn Slough is renowned for sea otter viewing, with one of California’s largest southern sea otter populations.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Moss Landing, CA (Monterey Bay) |
| Entry Fee | $8 per vehicle |
| Wildlife | Sea otters (Elkhorn Slough) |
| Activities | Surfing, fishing, horseback riding |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see sea otters here?
Yes! The adjacent Elkhorn Slough has one of the largest sea otter populations on the California coast. Kayak tours through the slough offer close encounters with otters, harbor seals, and hundreds of bird species.
How deep is the Monterey Canyon?
The Monterey Submarine Canyon reaches depths of 11,800 feet (3,600m) — deeper than the Grand Canyon. It begins just offshore at Moss Landing and extends 95 miles into the Pacific. The canyon creates upwelling that brings nutrient-rich deep water to the surface, fueling one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Salinas River State Beach is a short drive away, and Zmudowski State Beach is a short drive away.
🦦 Visit Moss Landing State Beach
Elkhorn Slough gateway — sea otters, surfing, and horseback riding on Monterey Bay.
About Moss Landing
Moss Landing State Beach sits at the head of Monterey Canyon — one of the deepest submarine canyons on the Pacific coast, deeper than the Grand Canyon. This unique oceanographic feature brings cold, nutrient-rich water close to shore, attracting incredible marine wildlife including sea otters, humpback whales, and massive flocks of seabirds. The Elkhorn Slough nearby is one of California’s premier birding locations.
Things to Do
Beachcombing, horseback riding on the beach, fishing, whale watching (humpbacks and orcas June-October), and birdwatching. Kayak tours of Elkhorn Slough offer close encounters with sea otters. The adjacent Moss Landing harbor has excellent seafood restaurants.
Insider Tips
Marine hotspot: Moss Landing sits at the head of the Monterey Submarine Canyon — deeper than the Grand Canyon and teeming with marine life. Pro tip: The harbor is one of the best places in California to see sea otters — dozens float in the harbor year-round. Elkhorn Slough: Adjacent Elkhorn Slough is one of the last undisturbed coastal wetlands in California — kayak among harbor seals, sea otters, and thousands of shorebirds.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round: Sea otters are always present. Fall: Clearest weather and humpback whales. Spring: Gray whale migration and wildflowers. Summer: Foggy but marine life peaks.
Nearby Attractions
Elkhorn Slough — adjacent — has kayaking among sea otters (100+ individuals, one of the densest populations). Moss Landing — adjacent — has antique shops and Phil’s Fish Market (famous cioppino). Monterey — 15 miles south — has the aquarium. Santa Cruz — 20 miles north. MBARI — in Moss Landing — has deep-sea research.
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