Moss Landing State Beach and Harbor

The beach sits just north of the harbor channel entrance at the midpoint of Monterey Bay, backed by dunes, with Elkhorn Slough — one of the largest tidal wetland tracts in California — directly behind it. Sea otters work the cold water near the parking area. The harbor beyond runs a working commercial fleet alongside research vessels and charter boats. Kayaks go out into the slough. Surfing, fishing, birding — the activities are real, the access is free, and the wildlife doesn't perform for anyone.