Moss Landing State Beach and Wildlife Area

This is a quick and easy hike for little ones and you’re sure to see some wildlife. The first part was along the beach, then we headed across Hwy 1 looking out towards Elkhorn Slough.

It’s hard to tell in this picture but there were a lot of surfers out there. The water is really cold here (low 50’s this time of year) so they were in their full body wet suits. Some of them even had wet suit hoods.

There’s just something about being near the ocean. It’s impossible to be stressed. The fresh air, the sounds, the smell of salt water. Makes me think I need to make more of effort to take the kids to the beach when I’m feeling overwhelmed with responsibility.

There were so many birds sitting on this jetty. Caleb, of course, felt compelled to scare them all off. But he didn’t make it. The rocks were more difficult to climb than they looked. Which is a good thing because then I noticed a sign that said beware of waves and stay off the rocks!

The harbor and there are birds and sea lions resting on the bank.

We saw a sea lion swimming very close to shore. I tried to get a better shot, but couldn’t. I’d definitely like to go back and spend more time watching the otters and sea lions.

The second hike was at Moss Landing Wildlife Area, which is on the inland side of Hwy 1. I would never have thought this to be a public access area since there is what looks to be an abandoned building and several boats parked near the entrance. Another moment that made me glad I bought the hiking book.

The kids immediately started exploring. I love that I don’t have to instigate exploration. I’m very grateful to have curious kids.

There were two observation decks. Just need to watch where the kids put their hands. The birds have “painted” the railings quite well.

There were plenty of sea lions and otters on this side of the river.

These are hikes #13 and #14 from my Monterey Hikes list.

Moss Landing State Beach
Hiking distance: 2.6 miles round trip (although we didn’t do the entire way)
Hiking time: We were out there for about 45 minutes mostly exploring not hiking
Configuration: out-and-back
Elevation gain: level
Difficulty: easy
Exposure: open coast
Would you do it again? Yes, just for the sea lion and otter viewing.

Moss Landing State Wildlife Area
Hiking distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Hiking time: 45 minutes (but we were dawdling)
Configuration: out-and-back
Elevation gain: level
Difficulty: easy
Exposure: open wetland
Would you do it again? Yes, it would be a nice short stop if we were doing a day trip out past Santa Cruz

Hiking buddies: the entire family (minus Coco)
What would you do differently? Caleb fell and got dirty but luckily I had wipes. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a bag to put them in and there was no trash can. So I need to add plastic bags to my hiking kit.
Best for… a family hike.