5 Best Places to Paddle Board in Moss Landing, CA

Discover the tranquility and beauty of nature as you glide through the water in Moss Landing, California.

Uncover the best places to paddle board in Moss Landing, where marine life thrives, and stunning views await at every corner.

Embark on an unforgettable paddling adventure in this charming coastal town.

Are you ready to make a splash?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Moss Landing

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through January. September is the warmest month, averaging 68 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 2 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes: Monterey Bay Kayaks and Kayak Connection. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in Moss Landing

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Elkhorn Slough

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Moss Landing Harbor District (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm channels, tidal currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea otters, harbor seals, shorebirds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Marshes, tidal creeks
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, avoid sensitive areas

Located in Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough is an ecological treasure. Its meandering channels are home to an abundance of wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, and various shorebirds.

Glide through the calm waters, taking in the peaceful marshes and tidal creeks while immersing yourself in nature.

#2 Moss Landing State Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Jetty Road (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents, can be windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, shorebirds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Sand dunes, Monterey Bay
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for changing conditions, respect wildlife

Moss Landing State Beach offers paddleboarders a classic oceanfront experience with its beautiful sandy shoreline and the stunning Monterey Bay as a backdrop.

Expect moderate waves and currents, providing a thrilling adventure while keeping an eye out for the playful sea lions, dolphins, and various shorebirds.

#3 Monterey Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Breakwater Cove Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean swells, variable currents and winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local marine rules, respect wildlife

Nearby Moss Landing, Monterey Bay offers a diverse range of paddleboarding experiences. Accessible from Breakwater Cove Beach, paddlers can explore the coastline while enjoying breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and the charming town of Pacific Grove.

Encounter a rich array of marine life, including sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, and even whales.

#4 Salinas River State Beach

BrendelSignature at English Wikipedia, Sunset Marina, Scaling by stand-up-paddling.org, CC BY 3.0

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Salinas River State Beach Access (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, changing currents, can be windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Shorebirds, dolphins, sea lions
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Sand dunes, Monterey Bay
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Pay attention to currents, respect wildlife

A short drive south of Moss Landing, Salinas River State Beach invites paddlers to experience the open ocean and sandy coastline.

With moderate waves and changing currents, this beach can be both thrilling and challenging. Be prepared for some wind, and enjoy the company of dolphins, sea lions, and various shorebirds that frequent the area.

#5 Marina State Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Marina State Beach Parking Lot (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Colder waters, moderate ocean swells, afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Shorebirds, dolphins, whales (seasonal)
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Sand dunes, Monterey Peninsula
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Dress appropriately for water temperature, watch for changing weather conditions

North of Moss Landing, Marina State Beach is another excellent destination to paddle board. The beach offers moderate ocean swells and is known for its colder waters, so dressing appropriately for the water temperature is essential.

Paddlers can enjoy the expansive coastline against the stunning backdrop of the Monterey Peninsula. Keep an eye out for shorebirds, dolphins, and even seasonal whale sightings.

Moss Landing is the sea otter paddle, Elkhorn Slough at high tide and nothing else quite like it. San Francisco and San Jose cover the bay to the north, Santa Barbara the coast to the south.