Harbor District
HARBOR DISTRICT
Moss Landing Harbor District berths over 600 boats: including 350 fishing boats, 200 pleasure craft, 30 research vessels, and a half dozen tour and charter boats. The harbor district also provides two public boat launches and a community park. Fresh fish sold off the boats, whale watching, charter fishing vessels, kayak rentals and lessons, eco tours up the Elkhorn Slough, sea otters frolicking, bird watching, nature trails along the Salinas River and Elkhorn Slough are all offered in The Harbor community
In 2015, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) listed Moss Landing Harbor as the largest commercial fishing port in California, in terms of pounds of fish caught. A study commissioned by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation estimated the impact of the harbor on the local economy by concluding that approximately $15 million in gross revenues were attributed to commercial fishing.
BEACHES AND PARKS
Kirby Park • 633-2461 • mosslandingharbor.dst.ca.us
Owned and operated by the Moss Landing Harbor District, offers free parking, a small boat/kayak launch ramp, and public access to the Elkhorn Slough, kayaking, hiking trails, bird watching, and wildlife.
Moss Landing State Beach • 831-649-2836 • parks.ca.gov
Offshore fishing, surfing, windsurfing and horseback riding are popular activities. The beach is a favorite place for picnics because the dunes protect it from afternoon winds. This area is an important stop along the Pacific Flyway so birdwatching is popular.
Salinas River State Beach • 831-649-2836 • parks.ca.gov
This is the beach at the Salinas River mouth, located at the south end of Moss Landing. The beach and dunes are part of Monterey Bay’s unique coastal dune system and it is home to many species of birds, including the California brown pelican, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, western snowy plover, western gull, black phoebe, western scrub-jay, California towhee, white-crowned sparrow, and more. The beach is a popular fishing site.
Zmudowski State Beach • 831-649-2836 • parks.ca.gov
This beach is a popular fishing area, featuring perch, king fish, sole, flounder, halibut, bocaccio (tomcod), jacksmelt, lingcod, cabezon, salmon, steelhead and occasional rockfish. It features the Pajaro River estuary. The sandy beach is also popular with bird watchers and equestrians. Horses are only allowed near the waterline. Swimming and water sports are hazardous because of strong rip-currents. Dogs are not allowed at this location.