While visiting my parents in California for a few weeks this autumn - a state they've called home for eight years now - we did a day trip to visit the sea lions of Moss Landing.
Moss Landing is an unincorporated county of Monterey so it kind of has its own rules and does its own thing. Situated right on the coast, the beach of Moss Landing is an avid wildlife haven. Fishermen, whale watchers and everything in between can be seen out here enjoying the ocean and birdlife that thrives here. Monterey Bay Aquarium's Research Centre is also located here; a prime spot. The waves are also popular for surfing, as is much of this stretch of the Californian coast line.
→ Book a whale-watching tour from Moss Landing.
And, best of all, is the thousands of sea lions who have decided that, thanks to the protected harbour and the abundance of food, Moss Landing is the perfect spot to hang out. I'm not sure if they're here year-round; my parents said they usually see them but that this time was by far the highest number either of them had ever witnessed. Lucky us!
Moss Landing is right in the middle of Monterey Bay, situated perfectly between Santa Cruz on the north and Carmel-by-the-Sea to the south. It is about an hour drive from San Jose and an hour-and-a-half from San Francisco.
→ Check out my detailed guide to a roadtrip down California's Highway 1!
You'll also find a few little local restaurants in Moss Landing where you can stop for lunch. Make sure to try some local artichoke; after all, this area is the artichoke capital of the entire world!
