Moss Landing, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Moss Landing, California offer a variety of scenic outdoor adventures. A top pick is the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve, a must-visit for its diverse wildlife and bird species. The reserve has a five-mile trail network that is moderately challenging, perfect for a day of hiking. Moss Landing State Beach is another popular spot, best known for its sandy shores, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities. If you're up for a unique adventure, you can also kayak along the Moss Landing Harbor, where you can spot sea otters and seals. These best outdoor activities and attractions in Moss Landing are sure to satisfy your craving for scenic beauty and outdoor fun.
Top Spots in and near Moss Landing
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Pescadero, California
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
5.0Pidgeon Point Lighthouse is conveniently located just 50 miles south of San Francisco. Constructed in 1872 and standing at 115 feet, it is among the tallest lighthouse in America. Part of the state park system, it is surprisingly secluded. Numerous parking space were available in the lot with ha...Read more -
Santa Clara County, California
Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail
9.75 mi / 2992 ft gainJust outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain. This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Bike Pescadero Creek County Park
5.012.5 mi / 1350 ft gainPescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...Read more -
Greenfield, California
Marble Peak Bridge via Arroyo Seco Campground
4.65.46 mi / 1506 ft gainThis off-the-beaten-trail adventure has a little bit of everything for everyone and is as challenging as you make it. Many just make it about a mile down to the river for a leisurely day of relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a few cold beverages. Others embark on a 5+ mile adventure up ...Read more -
Loma Mar, California
Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park
With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 and drive up Pescadero Creek Road or take Highway ...Read more -
La Honda, California
Sam McDonald Park Loop
5.012.19 mi / 2192 ft gainThe Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Big Sur's Tin House via Tanbark Trail
4.06.38 mi / 3166 ft gainWhen it comes to the beauty of Big Sur, a half day on Tanbark Trail to the Tin House captures it all. From the redwood forest along Partinton Creek, to the abandoned Tin House, to Highway 1 and coastal views, you can't ask for much more. The hike starts on the east side of Highway 1 - the northe...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Partington Cove Trail
5.01.09 mi / 262 ft gainPartington Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Sur, California.Read more -
Big Sur, California
Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove
4.5Partington Cove which is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is one of Big Sur's hidden gems. It's a very short hike with enough views to show why Big Sur earned the nickname " Little Yosemite." The whole hike can easily be completed in less than an hour, although there are definitely eno...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Foothills Park: Boronda Lake
3.00.93 mi / 0 ft gainSituated in the hills above Palo Alto; Foothills Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors. With hiking, fishing, picnic areas, wide open fields, and expansive views of the Bay Area, this hidden gem is a must visit. Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After ...Read more -
San Jose, California
Alviso Slough Loop
3.08.76 mi / 256 ft gainThis tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week. I g...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Waters Ridge Trail (Closed)
5.07.13 mi / 2776 ft gainThis trail is temporarily closed. For updates, please head to Parks.CA.Gov. Situated on a cliff above Highway 1, the Waters Ridge Trail offers spectacular views of the rugged coast and soaring condors. This hike above the clouds is a small detour off of the Ewaldson Trail, and is a must see! Ac...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Ewoldsen Trail (Closed)
4.54.2 mi / 1500 ft gainThis trail is temporarily closed. For updates, please head to Parks.CA.Gov. The Ewoldsen Trail is one of the more accessible yet challenging hikes in Big Sur. It is a stunning hike through the redwood forest up the mountains of Big Sur to a gorgeous overlook of the Pacific. It is a beautiful ~4...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Bean Hollow State Beach
5.0There are a bunch of places to photograph this beach if you head north on the trail that runs along the beach. There is parking at the beach but it can fill up quickly! The only warning you need is about the tide. Make sure you are watching it the entire time because it can creep up on you and ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
McWay Falls
4.6McWay Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in BIg Sur and can be seen from Highway 1. The trail to the falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer. For all of you history buffs, Mcway Falls is named after Christopher McWay, an early settler and farmer from New York who ventured west in the late 1800...Read more -
Palo Alto, California
Arastradero Preserve: Juan Batista & Meadowlark Loop
3.04.65 mi / 597 ft gainGetting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the st...Read more
