moss landing state beach

Nice beach, close to the road. Free parking. Dog friendly. Hardly ever a crowd as it is off the beaten track in an industrial park area of Moss Landing.

We dropped by twice during a week in Pacific Grove. (It's about a half-hour's drive) Each time we saw numbers (double-digits) of sea otters, floating in rafts in the inlet. Access is easy via a 1/2-mile driveway. From the parking lot at the end of the road we could clearly see a raft of 14 otters -- along with a seagull who clearly thought he was also an otter -- and one otter who was snoozing right along the shore. Oh yes, there were also sea lions and sea birds in generous numbers, but we were there for the otters!

I had heard from the Monterey Bay Aquarium that we could see sea otters in the area, so all day we were on a quest to find the sea otters. After hitting multiple beaches in the area we finally found them on the harbor. The area is breath taking, especially with the sunset... dead birds on the ground were disturbing, but the few otters we did see in the water made up for it.

Watch out for Pinch and Wanker. They may show you how to really surf cold sharky waters. Phils is a must also. Stay out of the whole enchilada JS may loose it.

We are driving towards Carmel on CA Highway 1, and I saw the entrance to the beach while my girlfriend is falling a sleep during the drive from SF to Carmel. I think 'Mass landing state beach' as a state beach it should be fun so I decided to rake a look. It is right beside the highway, so it's just like take a break in rest area, I woke up my girlfriend and we are amazed by the view of the sea later. It is windy today so definitely it's not the kind of beach that you can enjoy sunshine, the sea waves are huge under the wind, and it shows you another side of the sea, and we likes the view. We spend about 20-min to take some pictures and walk around and then get back in car and start our journey again.After the break, my GF is totally awaken, haha, so this really is a good 'rest area' in Hyw 1

If surf fishing is your thing - or just a remote and uncrowded beach to walk on - this is a good one.Take Cabrillo Hwy North (Highway 1) from Moss Landing to Struve Road and turn left (West). This will turn left and right for a while until you get to Giberson Road. There are a few pot holes as you get close to the beach - but a standard car will work fine - if you take it easy.When you get to the end of this small road there is a large series of sand dunes and a state park sign showing that you've arrived. If you climb the first dune it spills out on a really pristine beach.Barred surf perch, red tailed perch and corbinas live there and lots of sand crabs.It takes about 20 minutes to make this trip from the highway - but it's so worth it!Tight Lines!

Not a vacation destination type place. More like a working harbor. But the sea life is amazing. Sea Lions, Whales are easily visible. Dress in layers as it is usually very cool. Bring a scarf or hat cause in Sept. the wind was cold enough that my ears needed protection.

Soft sand, lots of interesting things to take pictures of and ocean views as far as you can see. The beach is generally pretty trash free thanks to local clean ups. Lots of seagulls so keep an eye on your picnic items if you bring any...those birds only need a second to grab your chips and be gone!

Stood here on the beach and watched the humpback whales breech feed. It was so amazing. Also can see a lot of seals, sea lions, and sea otters.

I had never been to this beach before and was impressed. And it has a couple pleasant restaurants close by. There is an harbor from which we went whale watching and it was fun the day before to eat at one of the restaurants, watch the seals (or were they sea lions?), and the kayakers. I would enjoy returning to this beach.

This beach was beautiful. How else to describe what the locals enjoy everyday! Take your time and enjoy this beautiful area.

A really good place to see Sea Otter and Shore-birds, we were also able to watch a spouting Humpback Whale form the shore. Plenty of free parking nearby and California Sea-lions at the restaurant near Jetty Road.

I love Moss Landing! This beach access point also overlooks an inlet where sea otters gather. Be sure to bring binoculars.

This beach has a free entrance, next to Phil's Sea Food restraurant. It is close to the mouth of the harbor, next to Membari institute, so you can see fishing boats and whales. We enjoy a stroll with the locals.

great stop for seeing wildlife - we saw harbor seals, otters, sealions and birds...walked over the dunes and saw whales feeding just off shore. the kayak up the slew (sp?) is a must - just a great day to see so much wildlife -