California Seaweed Festival 2026: Where to Stay in Moss Landing
Planning a trip to the California Seaweed Festival 2026? Make Moss Landing your home base and experience one of the most fascinating coastal communities on Monterey Bay.
The 7th Annual California Seaweed Festival takes place October 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Old Custom House Plaza in Monterey. The free festival brings together researchers, chefs, artists, ocean advocates, innovators, and community members to celebrate seaweed, kelp forests, marine science, food, and coastal culture.
The weekend also includes activities in Moss Landing. On Friday, October 23, the Western Flyer Foundation is offering free dockside tours of the historic Western Flyer near its office in Moss Landing.
If you are looking for a hotel near the California Seaweed Festival, Inn at Moss Landing Point is an ideal place to stay while exploring Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay, and the surrounding Central Coast.
California Seaweed Festival 2026 at a Glance
| Festival Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | California Seaweed Festival 2026 |
| Date | October 24, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Location | Old Custom House Plaza, Monterey |
| Admission | Free |
| Moss Landing Activities | Western Flyer dockside tours on October 23 |
| Recommended Home Base | Moss Landing, California |
| Recommended Hotel | Inn at Moss Landing Point |
The festival is designed to showcase the science, culture, food, and future of seaweed and kelp forests throughout California. Visitors can expect talks, demonstrations, seaweed tastings, chef demonstrations, hands-on activities, art, and opportunities to learn more about Monterey Bay's marine ecosystem.
Why Stay in Moss Landing for the California Seaweed Festival?
While the main festival takes place in Monterey, staying in Moss Landing gives you the opportunity to experience much more than the festival itself.
Moss Landing sits along Highway 1 in the heart of Monterey Bay, surrounded by some of the region's most important marine habitats.
It is also home to Elkhorn Slough, one of California's most remarkable coastal wetlands and a destination known for sea otters, harbor seals, birds, and other wildlife.
Instead of spending your entire weekend in downtown Monterey, stay in Moss Landing and make the California Seaweed Festival part of a larger Monterey Bay adventure.
Stay at Inn at Moss Landing Point
Your Moss Landing Home Base for the California Seaweed Festival
Located on Highway 1 in Moss Landing, Inn at Moss Landing Point is a boutique hotel designed for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of Moss Landing and Monterey Bay.
The Inn offers comfortable accommodations close to some of the area's most popular attractions, including Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing Harbor, and Moss Landing State Beach.
The hotel is also approximately 18 miles from Monterey, making it possible to enjoy the California Seaweed Festival in Monterey while returning to Moss Landing for a more relaxed coastal evening.
Why Guests Choose the Inn
When you stay at Inn at Moss Landing Point, you have a comfortable home base for exploring the Central Coast.
Hotel amenities include:
- Free on-site parking
- Complimentary coffee and espresso
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Comfortable beds and premium linens
- In-room refrigerators
- Microwaves in select rooms
- A full-service lobby market
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking accommodations
- Parking options for larger vehicles
- Several local restaurants nearby
The Inn is also conveniently located near several Moss Landing restaurants, making it easy to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner during your stay.
What to Do During California Seaweed Festival Weekend
The California Seaweed Festival is a great reason to visit Monterey Bay, but it is only one of many experiences waiting for you.
Explore the Western Flyer in Moss Landing
Start your festival weekend in Moss Landing on Friday, October 23, with a free dockside tour of the historic Western Flyer.
The Western Flyer has a fascinating connection to Monterey Bay marine science and the famous 1940s expedition undertaken by John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts.
The Western Flyer Foundation continues to use the vessel as part of its marine research, education, and community programs.
For anyone interested in ocean science, marine biology, or the history of Monterey Bay, this is an especially fitting experience to pair with the California Seaweed Festival.
Explore Elkhorn Slough
No visit to Moss Landing is complete without exploring Elkhorn Slough.
The slough is one of the largest remaining coastal wetlands in California and provides habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife.
Keep an eye out for:
- Sea otters
- Harbor seals
- Sea lions
- Birds
- Fish
- Dolphins and other marine life
Kayaking and wildlife viewing are also popular ways to experience the slough.
Go Whale Watching in Moss Landing
Moss Landing is an excellent starting point for a Monterey Bay whale watching adventure.
The nutrient-rich waters of Monterey Bay attract whales and other marine life throughout the year. Depending on the season, visitors may encounter humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, orcas, and other species.
After spending a day learning about seaweed, kelp forests, and ocean ecosystems, getting out on Monterey Bay to see the wildlife firsthand is a natural addition to your itinerary.
Visit Moss Landing State Beach
Take a walk along Moss Landing State Beach and enjoy the wide-open views of Monterey Bay.
The beach is just a short distance from the Inn and provides a beautiful place to watch the sunset, take photographs, or simply slow down after a busy day.
Explore Monterey
Of course, you should plan time to explore Monterey while you are here.
The California Seaweed Festival takes place at Old Custom House Plaza near Monterey's historic waterfront, giving you easy access to attractions including Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
You can spend Saturday at the festival, explore Monterey's waterfront, and then return to Moss Landing for the evening.
A Perfect California Seaweed Festival Weekend
Friday, October 23
Check in at Inn at Moss Landing Point
Arrive in Moss Landing and settle into your room.
Explore the local area, grab a meal at one of the nearby restaurants, and, if available, take part in the Western Flyer Foundation's free dockside tour.
Saturday, October 24
California Seaweed Festival in Monterey
Head to Old Custom House Plaza for the California Seaweed Festival from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Explore the exhibits, listen to speakers, enjoy seaweed-inspired food, and learn more about the science and culture surrounding Monterey Bay's marine environment.
After the festival, explore downtown Monterey, watch the sunset, or return to Moss Landing for a quieter evening.
Sunday, October 25
Explore Moss Landing
Before heading home, spend the morning exploring Elkhorn Slough, looking for sea otters, or taking a walk along Moss Landing State Beach.
If you have additional time, consider adding a whale watching trip or exploring more of Monterey Bay.
Why Choose a Moss Landing Hotel Instead of Staying in Monterey?
There is nothing wrong with staying in Monterey, but Moss Landing offers a different kind of Monterey Bay experience.
If you enjoy nature, wildlife, marine science, photography, beaches, and the outdoors, staying in Moss Landing puts you closer to the environment that makes this region so special.
You can visit Monterey for the California Seaweed Festival, then return to Moss Landing and enjoy a more relaxed coastal setting.
At Inn at Moss Landing Point, you are also close to Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing Harbor, and Moss Landing State Beach, giving you plenty to explore before and after the festival.
Plan Your California Seaweed Festival Getaway
The California Seaweed Festival is more than a one-day event. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible marine environment that surrounds Monterey Bay.
Spend Friday exploring Moss Landing and the Western Flyer. Spend Saturday learning about seaweed, kelp forests, marine science, food, and coastal culture at the festival in Monterey. Then spend Sunday exploring Elkhorn Slough, looking for sea otters, or enjoying the beach.
Where Should You Stay for the California Seaweed Festival?
Stay at Inn at Moss Landing Point.
Our boutique Moss Landing hotel gives you a comfortable home base for exploring Monterey Bay, Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing Harbor, Moss Landing State Beach, and Monterey.
Whether you are traveling to the California Seaweed Festival for the science, food, art, marine conservation, photography, or simply because you love the ocean, Moss Landing is a wonderful place to make your home base.
Book Your California Seaweed Festival Stay
California Seaweed Festival 2026
October 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Old Custom House Plaza | Monterey, California
Make a weekend of it and stay at Inn at Moss Landing Point.
Come for the California Seaweed Festival. Explore Monterey Bay. Discover Elkhorn Slough. Watch sea otters. Go whale watching. Walk the beach. And experience Moss Landing from the heart of the community.