Salinas River State Parks on the Beach - Guide to Salinas River State Beach

Salinas River State Beach in Moss Landing, California (in Monterey County)

Salinas River State Beach is a beach located at the South end of Moss Landing, California. It can be accessed from the Potrero exit off of Highway 1, in Moss Landing. It is part of the 99 miles of Monterey County coastline. Visitors to this beach are better off coming for nature watching, beach combing, fishing, photography, and taking a walk, rather than swimming and surfing. Water conditions are often adverse; the temperature is too low, the waves are too strong, and the surf is unpredictable. In addition, there are no lifeguards present.

Among the species found on the beach and its dunes are, but not limited to, California brown pelican, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, western snowy plover, western gull, black phoebe, western scrub-jay, California towhee, and white-crowned sparrow.

The beach and dunes at Salinas River State Beach are part of Monterey Bay's unique coastal dune system and is home to many species of birds, including the California brown pelican, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, western snowy plover, western gull, black phoebe, western scrub-jay, California towhee, white-crowned sparrow, and more. The beach is a popular fishing site.

Dune Hiking Trail in Salinas River State Beach

Entrance to Salinas River State Beach in Moss Landing, California (in Monterey County)

Dune Trail

2 miles round trip
Mile-long Dune Trail explores some of Monterey Bay's intriguing sand dunes and links two coastal access points of Salinas River State Beach. The dunes back the state beach, a popular fishing spot.

East of the dunes are croplands and wetlands in the former Salinas River channel, which extends south from Moss Landing to the Salinas River Wildlife Area; in 1908, farmers diverted its course in order to create additional farmland.

Dune Trail begins south of the harbor of Moss Landing, often a surprisingly good place to watch for wildlife: sea otters paddle here and there, sea lions bask on a narrow finger of sand, pelicans are abundant on air and land and sea.

From the harbor, walkers can follow a 0.5 mile dirt road (closed to vehicles) south to the Salinas River State Beach access and parking area off Potrero Road, where Dune Trail officially begins.

The path is over soft sand, seasonally colored by lupine, Indian paintbrush and California poppy. Hikers get mostly inland views, though the path does crest a rise for a peek at the coast. A mile out, you have the choice of retracing your steps or returning via the beach.

Please heed all posted warnings and don't walk over those areas of the dunes' complex undergoing environmental restoration.

Directions to trailhead: From Highway 1 at Moss Landing, exit on Portero Road and follow it 0.5 mile to the parking lot at Salinas River State Beach.

The other trailhead is off Molera Road. Follow signed Monterey Dunes Way 0.5 mile to the beach.

Warning: Both trailheads have been the site of vehicle break-ins. Lock your car and take your valuables with you.

Location of Salinas River State Beach

The Salinas River State Beach is located at 36°58'42"N 121°56'15"W. The Salinas River State Beach address is 10721 Potrero Rd, Castroville, CA 95012. The beach is located one mile south of Moss Landing. Take Potrero Road from Highway 1. Salinas River State Beach can be contacted at 831-649-2836.

Here is a driving map to Salinas River State Beach.

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Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Salinas River State Beach.