🦦 Moss Landing

Moss Landing is one of Monterey County's most beloved hidden gems — a tiny working harbor village midway along the bay where the Elkhorn Slough meets the sea, creating one of the richest wildlife estuaries on the California coast.

The slough is famous worldwide for its sea otters, which raft together in the calm waters, along with harbor seals, sea lions, and over 340 bird species. Kayaking the Elkhorn Slough — gliding past otters and pelicans — is one of the signature experiences of the entire Monterey Bay region. The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve protects this vital habitat.

Moss Landing remains a genuine commercial fishing port, its harbor lined with working boats and topped by the towering twin stacks of the Moss Landing Power Plant — an unmistakable landmark. The catch comes ashore fresh, and Phil's Fish Market has become a destination in its own right for seafood lovers.

The village itself is small and laid-back, with antique shops, cafes, and a delightfully unpolished charm. Moss Landing is for people who love wildlife, working waterfronts, fresh seafood, and a slice of the coast that has stayed authentic.