RV Rental Moss Landing, CA

Located in the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey County is a paradise for nature-lovers, with a plethora of parks, forests, and sanctuaries to explore during your RV rental vacation. Moss Landing is located at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough Reserve, one of California’s largest coastal wetland areas. The sheltered slough is one of the calmest spots on the Pacific Coast to kayak or standup paddleboard, or you might want to take a scenic docent-led boat tour to explore this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.

If you prefer exploring by foot, venture off onto one of the slough’s well-paved hiking trails that range in length from just under a mile to a little over two miles, and meander through oak woodlands, tidal creeks, and freshwater marshes. Elkhorn Slough is a prime habitat for hundreds of plants, animals, and birds, so keep an eye out for diverse marine wildlife. If you’re an avid birder, there are waterfowl, migratory shorebirds, and over 450 potential bird species to spot here in one of California’s best birding areas.

Moss Landing State Beach is a great spot to watch a sunset. If you’re traveling with pets, you’ll find a dog-friendly beach behind the MBARI building all the way to the Jetty. The Moss Landing Harbor is a popular spot to moor with over 600 slips available for recreational boaters and commercial vessels. Catch a chartered whale-watching cruise or deep sea fishing trip out of the harbor into the sparkling Monterey Bay, or get a closer peek at sea mammals when you paddle out to one of this region’s epic surf spots.

One of the best parts about a motorhome rental from Moss Landing is being able to park and set up camp with ocean or redwood views as the backdrop. If you’d like to have the beach and restaurants within a few minutes walk, a great option to consider is the Moss Landing KOA Express, which is located right at the charming harbor. All sites at this RV park offer full hookups, and if you stay here, you’ll also be able to enjoy other amenities and activities like cable TV and access to fishing areas.

Many of the state and national parks around the area also have campgrounds where you can be immersed in nature and have access to incredible hiking trails. Los Padres National Forest and Pinnacles National Park are both in Monterey County, as is world-renowned Big Sur, which is approximately an hour away. One campground to consider here is Pfeiffer Big Sur, just plan ahead of time as it’s extremely popular and reservations fill up six months in advance (even during the winter season). There are no hookups provided here, but each campsite is situated on or near the Big Sur River and has a fire pit with half-grill and picnic table. Freshwater and hot showers are only a few steps away.

The quiet village of Moss Landing is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with several eclectic storefronts and galleries to browse. The Shakespeare Society of America offers an impressive collection of artwork, a rare book and reference collection, museum, and memorabilia. When hunger strikes, Moss Landing is a great place to catch fresh fish straight off the boat, restaurants serve up a diverse range of seafood and dishes with a Mexican twist or browse nearby fruit and vegetable stands to sample locally grown produce like strawberries and artichokes.

A short 20-minute drive in your travel trailer rental from Moss Landing will take you to the coastal cities of Santa Cruz or Monterey. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the oldest and last of the great seaside amusement parks in the United States, offering great carnival rides as well as games, shops, miniature golf, and concerts on the beach. You won’t want to miss a visit to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to more than 550 marine species ranging from penguins to jellyfish to coral to sea otters. From here you can explore historic Monterey, Cannery Row, and Fisherman’s Wharf, buzzing tourist areas with specialty shops, restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores, plus fishing, diving and sight-seeing tour companies.

The John Steinbeck Museum is a must-see for fans of one of the best-known and most revered American literary figures. Another fantastic attraction in this region is Carmel-by-the-Sea, an upscale European-style town nestled above a picturesque white-sand beach, featuring boutiques, restaurants, wineries, art galleries, golf courses, and a California Mission. Set out on a road trip along California’s stunning central coast. Unique wildlife, outdoor adventures, and delicious food are just a few of the many highlights you’ll experience on a road trip in a Moss Landing camper rental.