The state beach is a sand beach with surfing, windsurfing and horseback riding. Because of the strong rip currents, it's not a real user-friendly swim beach for families. Water recreation is considered dangerous. The location is an important Pacific Flyway. Moss Landing State Wildlife Area, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Sanctuary and Bennett Slough are a few places you can bird watch.
For tourists passing through, one of the most popular things to do is eat at Phil's Fish, a popular road stop appealing to fresh fish lovers who can buy it live, and have it cooked on the spot. We've eaten there and think the food is pretty good. It's fresh, crisp, and though many dishes are deep fried, the oils seem fresh and the the fish is cooked at optimum temps. Shrimp, clams, oysters, calamari, salmon, halibut, lobster and crab are some of the fish you usually see on the menu. All foods are cooked in traditional style and you can order hearty chowders, bread, slaw, salads, fries and chicken nuggets for the kids.
Do you long for Cioppino? Made with Clams, Mussels, White Fish, Calamari, Dungeness Crab, Prawns and Scallops, guests are invited to bring in your own pot, give them an hour and they'll cook you a great meal, or pick up Cioppino in a bucket ready to go, fresh or frozen. Full Order bring your pot (1 gallon feeds 4 people) costs around $59.95, subject to change. Smaller sizes are also sold.
Location: Phil's Fish Market & Eatery, 7600 Sandholdt Rd., Moss Landing, CA Phone: (831) 633-2152 (philsfishmarket.com)