Why Elkhorn Slough and Moss Landing Are Worth A Visit

Is Elkhorn Slough worth visiting? Yes!

It’s easy to bypass Moss Landing on your way to Monterey, California, but that would be a mistake. Moss Landing has a jewel of a state beach, and even better, a wonderful wetland called Elkhorn Slough.

Elkhorn Slough, managed by the California Fish and Wildlife Department, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, is a 1700-acre reserve of salt-water marsh, oak woodlands, and chaparral. Tides from Monterey Bay fill the slough as it meanders through ranch land and farms. Fresh water also flows into the slough from sources such as the Salinas and Pajaro Rivers.

How this adds up for visitors: a natural reserve with an interactive visitor center, five miles of hiking trails, and endless opportunities to observe wildlife. Elkhorn Slough is a respite from the unnatural world.

My husband and I recently spent a spring Sunday walking about three miles of trails at Elkhorn Slough. The weather was perfect – sunny with a breeze. We took the time to notice fields of green grass, blooming flowers, and hundreds of birds feeding and sheltering in the estuaries. Hardly any people were about. It was terrific.

We ate a snack down by the main channel of the slough that feeds into and out-of Monterey Bay. From there we had a far view of people kayaking and paddle boarding down the channel. You can’t rent kayaks from Elkhorn Slough Reserve, but visitors can rent from several companies in Moss Landing. Launch sites are located at the Moss Landing North Harbor. Visit this page for more information on kayaking Elkhorn Slough.

Moss Landing

After our morning at Elkhorn Slough, we drove to the Sea Harvest Restaurant on Hwy 1 at Moss Landing. We ordered fish tacos and sat in their glassed-in outdoor seating area. They also have indoor seating and deck seating with great ocean views. The food and draft beer was delicious! Lunch prices weren’t bad either. I highly recommend this restaurant if you’re in the area.

Moss Landing State Beach

After lunch we took a short walk on the windy but sunny Moss Landing State Beach. Located on Jetty Road in Moss Landing (you can see Jetty Road across the water from the Sea Harvest Restaurant), this beach is popular with locals. However, don’t attempt to swim here as there are dangerous rip currents and strong offshore winds. We saw families enjoying the beach and people fishing. The beach is also a haven for nesting Snowy Plovers, so dogs are not allowed. See their website for more information. And check out this adorable video (watch it to the end!) of newly hatched Snowy Plovers on the state park website!

If you go:

Elkhorn Slough Reserve is open from 9 to 5, Weds through Sunday. Their parking lot has a gate, and since you can’t park anywhere else, those hours stand (in other words, you can’t sneak in earlier–darn it).

Kayak outfitters are open seven days a week, from 9 to 5. Here’s a couple I saw on the web:

Monterey Bay Kayaks

Kayak Connection

Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and dress in layers for sun and wind. I also suggest bringing binoculars, a camera, snacks, and even a naturalist notebook. No Dogs allowed.

Bathrooms are located at the visitor center.

Have fun!