ZMUDOWSKI STATE BEACH: This is a long, sandy beach that
spans across 177 acres and is backed by sand dunes and in the distance,
large agricultural fields. The natural boundary between Monterey County
and Santa Cruz County is “the Pajaro River,” flowing into
Monterey Bay at Zmudowski Beach. South of Zmudowski is Moss Landing
State Beach. The beach is a popular fishing area, featuring perch, kingfish,
sole, flounder, halibut, bocaccio (tomcod), jack smelt, lingcod, cabezon,
salmon, steelhead and occasional rockfish, to name a few.
SURF, TIDES, CLIMATE, WATER TEMP: Tends
to have strong rip currents year round. The weather can be changeable,
ranging from a thick marine layer/fog to sunny skies. Layered clothing
is advised.
BEACH ACTIVITIES: The sandy beach is also
well liked with equestrians and bird watchers and horses are only allowed
near the waterline. Swimming and water sports are hazardous because
of strong rip currents and prohibited. While Zmudowski is not technically
a nude beach, however, it is not uncommon to see nude bathing there,
so if you wish to take children, you should perhaps proceed with caution.
LOCAL FLAVORS: There is not much of a local
scene at Zmudowski, so for other activities, you will need to go south
into Monterey or North to Santa Cruz.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Look toward Moss Landing or Monterey
Boreas Yacht Race/ Moss Landing
BBQ, National Estuaries Day/ Moss Landing
Monterey Bird Festival/ Moss Landing
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Public Open House
LODGING:
RV Camping at Moss Landing State Beach
Hotel accommodations in Seaside, Monterey, or Santa Cruz
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
