SALINAS RIVER STATE BEACH: This is a wonderful
place for observing birds of all sorts. It is a habitat to many species
of wild birds, including Western meadowlarks, hawks, jays, valley quail,
finches, towhees and sparrows. Shore birds that winter along the bay
can also be found on the dunes of Salinas River State Park. Horse back
riding is permitted at the River beach. While Salinas River Beach has
some of the regions most interesting sand dune formations, they are
not open to the public except for the trail that follows the Salinas
River for about two miles. Because the waves and rip currents can be
very dangerous swimming and wading is prohibited and dogs are not allowed
on this beach.
CLIMATE: The climate of the Central Coast
varies some. Usually the temperatures are moderate year round, with
a guarantee of fog and heavier marine layers during the months of June
through August. The best weather can be found during late summer or
fall and as with most coastal areas, and rain is likely to occur some
during the winter months. Layered clothing is recommended.
BEACH ACTIVITIES:
Horseback riding
Fishing
Bird watching
Walking
Jogging
Beachcombing
Photography is popular because of the dunes and species of
birds
LOCAL FLAVOR: Moss landing is on the outskirts
of the Monterey Peninsula and is only about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz,
so there are an array of things one can do going in either direction.
Popular activities at Moss landing are kayaking, surfing, windsurfing,
sailing, horseback riding, whale-watching tours, hiking and camping.
Moss Landing is also a popular place to enjoy a picnic lunch and just
like Salinas River Beach, a wonderful place to view wildlife.
OTHER NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row
Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf
John Steinbeck Library
Monterey Museum of Art
Laguna Seca Speedway
17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach Golf Resort
Monterey Recreation Trail
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Carmel Mission and Basilica Museum
Mission San Antonio de Padua
Monterey State Historic Park
Boronda History Center
Center for Photographic Art: The former offices of Ansel Adams
worked exhibits
National Steinbeck Center
Forest Outdoor Theatre of Carmel: Live productions and Shakespeare
Extensive art gallery exhibits in both Monterey and Carmel
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
