Moss Landing State Beach is located just north of the Moss Landing harbor channel on Monterey Bay. It offers a unique blend of activities. Visitors can enjoy surfing swells and wildlife-rich wetlands. There are also dune-protected picnic areas. Located off Highway 1 on Jetty Road, this coastal escape offers a singular mix of recreation and natural charm.
What Makes Moss Landing State Beach Unique
Set within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, this beach is one of the few California state beaches where offshore surfing, fishing, windsurfing, and horseback riding all converge in one place. The dunes buffer winds, making it ideal for family picnics and birdwatching. It’s also an important stop on the Pacific Flyway and a hotspot for sea otters and harbor seals.
Top Activities & Amenities
🏖️ Beach Access & Surfing
Access the beach via Jetty Road. The shoreline features classic surf breaks—beginner surfers do well near the jetty while more experienced riders seek waves by the dunes. Beachcombing, sunbathing, and shoreline walks complement the active scene.
🎣 Surf Fishing & Kayaking
Anglers cast for surf perch, striped bass, halibut, and more from the shore and jetty. Kayakers and paddleboarders launch from the bay side near the harbor, gliding past sea otters, seals, and abundant shorebirds.
🐾 Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching
Moss Landing is a wildlife haven—watch for sea otters and harbor seals in the bay, and migratory birds along the dunes including snow geese, pelicans, and shorebirds on their Pacific Flyway journey.
🏇 Horseback Riding
Guided horseback beach rides are offered April through August via local outfitters, with riders staying on wet sand below the high tide line to protect dune habitats.
🍔 Picnic Areas & Beach Facilities
Picnic tables are tucked behind dunes that shield from winds, accompanied by restrooms and showers near the lot. A single fire ring offers beach bonfire opportunities when allowed.
🚭 Regulations & Interpretive Exhibits
Dogs are not permitted on the dunes or beach, only on Jetty Road. Fires are confined to the park’s fire ring; drones and smoking are prohibited. Interpretive signs highlight dune ecology, nesting snowy plovers, and the marine sanctuary.
Visitor Tips
- No camping onsite: Overnight use is not allowed—use nearby RV parks like Moss Landing KOA.
- Free admission: No parking or entry fees; reach the beach from sunrise to sunset.
- Watch for rip currents: Ocean currents are strong; swimming is risky. Surfing and fishing are safer in designated zones.
- Protect wildlife: Avoid dunes and fenced nesting areas for western snowy plovers.
- Parking: Lot fills on weekends—overflow along Jetty Road.
- Pet rules: Dogs must stay on-leash on Jetty Road and off the beach.
- Beach fires: Fires only in the designated fire ring; no portable grills or alcohol.
- Layer up: Coastal weather is changeable—bring layers to handle fog, wind, and sun.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
For wildlife magic, visit at dawn or dusk when sea otters raft near the harbor and birdlife moves in close. Spring brings nesting snowy plovers—quiet observation keeps them safe. A hidden gem is watching windsports: enkite surfers whip up across the dunes on gusty afternoons. Stop by the nearby Sea Harvest fish market after your beach visit—its clam chowder and harbor-side vibe complete the Moss Landing experience.