October is one of the best times to experience Moss Landing, California.
Located along the scenic Monterey Bay coastline between Monterey and Santa Cruz, Moss Landing is known for its incredible wildlife, coastal scenery, marine science, beaches, kayaking, whale watching, and relaxed small town atmosphere.
Fall is an especially beautiful time to visit. October brings cooler coastal temperatures, changing wildlife activity, beautiful light for photography, and plenty of reasons to spend a weekend exploring Monterey Bay.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, a weekend road trip along Highway 1, or simply looking for a quieter alternative to staying in downtown Monterey, here are 15 things to do in Moss Landing in October.
No visit to Moss Landing is complete without exploring Elkhorn Slough.
One of California's most important coastal wetlands, Elkhorn Slough is a remarkable place to experience Monterey Bay wildlife and coastal ecosystems.
The slough provides habitat for sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, birds, fish, and countless other species.
You can explore the area by kayak, take a guided wildlife tour, or simply spend time enjoying the scenery and looking for wildlife.
October is a wonderful time to slow down and experience the natural side of Moss Landing.
Moss Landing is one of the best places on Monterey Bay to look for sea otters.
These playful animals can often be spotted in and around Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing Harbor, and other areas along the Monterey Bay coastline.
Bring binoculars and a camera, and give yourself plenty of time to watch them floating, grooming, feeding, and playing in the water.
For wildlife lovers and photographers, sea otter viewing is one of the highlights of visiting Moss Landing.
October is a great month to get out on Monterey Bay for whale watching.
The nutrient-rich waters of Monterey Bay attract a remarkable variety of marine life, and whale watching tours from Moss Landing Harbor provide an opportunity to experience this incredible ecosystem firsthand.
Depending on conditions and the time of year, visitors may encounter humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, orcas, and other marine wildlife.
If you are planning an October trip to Moss Landing, consider adding a whale watching excursion to your itinerary.
Take a walk along Moss Landing State Beach and enjoy the wide-open views of Monterey Bay.
October's cooler weather makes the beach a great place for a peaceful walk, photography, beachcombing, or watching the sunset.
Unlike some of the busier beaches around Monterey Bay, Moss Landing State Beach offers a more relaxed coastal experience.
Bring a jacket, walk along the shoreline, and take some time to enjoy the scenery.
For a closer look at Moss Landing's wildlife, get out on the water.
Kayaking on Elkhorn Slough is one of the most memorable ways to experience the area.
Paddling through the calm waters gives you the opportunity to see wildlife from a completely different perspective. Sea otters, harbor seals, birds, and other animals may be visible throughout the slough.
Whether you are an experienced kayaker or trying it for the first time, a guided kayaking experience can be a fantastic addition to an October weekend in Moss Landing.
Moss Landing has an important connection to the history of Monterey Bay marine science.
The historic Western Flyer is closely connected to the famous 1940s expedition undertaken by marine biologist Ed Ricketts and author John Steinbeck.
Today, the Western Flyer Foundation continues its work involving marine science, education, restoration, and community engagement.
For visitors interested in oceanography, marine biology, history, or the unique scientific legacy of Monterey Bay, learning about the Western Flyer adds another fascinating layer to a trip to Moss Landing.
October brings one of the area's most unique events: the California Seaweed Festival.
The 2026 festival takes place October 24 in Monterey and celebrates seaweed, kelp forests, marine science, food, art, and coastal culture.
The event is a natural fit for Monterey Bay, where marine ecosystems and ocean science play such an important role in the community.
The weekend also includes activities in Moss Landing, making it a great opportunity to stay locally and explore the area.
If you are planning to attend the California Seaweed Festival, consider making Moss Landing your home base for the weekend.
After a day of exploring, you will need a good meal.
Moss Landing has several local restaurants where visitors can enjoy seafood, Thai food, American favorites, breakfast, coffee, and other casual dining options.
One of the best parts of staying in Moss Landing is that you do not have to drive into Monterey every time you want to eat.
Grab breakfast before a day on the water, enjoy a casual lunch after exploring Elkhorn Slough, or settle in for dinner after watching the sunset.
Ask the team at your hotel for local restaurant recommendations during your stay.
October can be an incredible time for photography in Moss Landing.
The combination of coastal scenery, wildlife, beaches, boats, wetlands, sunsets, and changing light creates endless opportunities for photographers.
Bring a telephoto lens for wildlife photography and a wide-angle lens for landscapes.
Some subjects to look for include:
Sea otters
Harbor seals
Birds
Fishing boats
Waves and beaches
Elkhorn Slough
Moss Landing Harbor
Sunsets
Monterey Bay wildlife
Even if you are using nothing more than your phone, Moss Landing provides plenty of opportunities to capture memorable photographs.
Spend some time exploring Moss Landing Harbor and watching the boats come and go.
The harbor is an important part of the local fishing and marine community and is also a launching point for many whale watching and wildlife excursions.
The working harbor gives visitors a glimpse into a side of Monterey Bay that can feel very different from the tourist areas of Monterey and Carmel.
It is also a great place to take photographs and experience the coastal atmosphere of Moss Landing.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Moss Landing is its location.
You can enjoy the quieter atmosphere of Moss Landing while still being close enough to spend a day exploring Monterey.
Make the drive south and visit:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey's historic downtown
Lovers Point
Pacific Grove
Local shops and restaurants
Then return to Moss Landing for the evening and enjoy a more relaxed coastal setting.
October is a wonderful time to take a scenic drive along Highway 1.
From Moss Landing, you can head north toward Santa Cruz or south toward Monterey and Carmel.
The drive provides access to beaches, coastal viewpoints, small communities, restaurants, wildlife areas, and some of California's most beautiful scenery.
Make Moss Landing your base and spend the day exploring whichever direction interests you most.
Sometimes the best thing to do in Moss Landing is nothing at all.
Find a spot along the coast, slow down, and watch the sun set over Monterey Bay.
October's changing light can create beautiful sunsets over the Pacific, making this an easy and memorable way to end a day.
Bring a blanket, grab a camera, and enjoy one of the simplest experiences Monterey Bay has to offer.
Moss Landing is surrounded by opportunities to experience wildlife.
Beyond sea otters and whales, keep your eyes open for harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, shorebirds, and other coastal species.
If you are visiting with children, wildlife viewing can also turn a simple weekend trip into an educational experience.
The entire Monterey Bay region is a living classroom, and Moss Landing puts you right in the middle of it.
After a full day of exploring, you need a comfortable place to relax.
Inn at Moss Landing Point is a boutique hotel in the heart of Moss Landing and a convenient home base for exploring Monterey Bay.
Stay close to Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing Harbor, Moss Landing State Beach, whale watching, restaurants, and Highway 1.
Guests can enjoy:
Complimentary coffee and espresso
Free parking
High-speed Wi-Fi
Comfortable beds and premium linens
In-room refrigerators
Microwaves in select rooms
A convenient lobby market
Air conditioning
Non-smoking accommodations
Easy access to local restaurants and attractions
The Inn is also approximately 18 miles from Monterey, making it easy to enjoy a Monterey day trip while returning to Moss Landing for a quieter evening.
October is an ideal time to slow down and experience Moss Landing and Monterey Bay.
Spend the morning kayaking through Elkhorn Slough. Look for sea otters. Head out on a whale watching trip. Explore Moss Landing Harbor. Walk along Moss Landing State Beach. Enjoy a local meal. Take photographs of the coastline. Visit Monterey for the afternoon. Then return to Moss Landing and enjoy a peaceful evening.
And if you are visiting in late October, consider planning your trip around the California Seaweed Festival and the many marine science and coastal experiences that make this region so unique.
Make Inn at Moss Landing Point your home base for your next Monterey Bay getaway.
Whether you are visiting for whale watching, sea otters, Elkhorn Slough, the California Seaweed Festival, a weekend on Highway 1, or simply looking for a relaxing fall escape, our boutique hotel puts you close to the experiences that make Moss Landing special.
Plan your October getaway to Moss Landing and discover Monterey Bay from a different perspective.
Book your stay at Inn at Moss Landing Point and make your next Monterey Bay adventure a memorable one.
Planning your stay at Inn at Moss Landing Point? Our Frequently Asked Questions page has all the essential details—from amenities and booking policies to local recommendations—so you can feel fully prepared before you arrive.