Framed by landmark smokestacks that tower over the community, look west to see a beautiful harbor with boats, a rock jetty leading to the Pacific Ocean and a community with a post office, antique shops, restaurants and quaint homes. Popular for fishing excursions, surfing, bird watching with boat tours through the Elkorn Slough (Whisper Charters, 831-372-7616), kayaking, dining and antique hunting, the small town provides a nice side trip, though it does not offer much in the way of overnight accommodations. For that, you'll need to check into nearby Monterey or stay north in Santa Cruz 30 minutes away. 

Though we've only tried the popular Phil's Fish Market (7600 Sandholdt Road, 831-633-2152 / www.philsfishmarketcom) where people line up cafeteria style and order from the menu or purchase fresh from the tanks in the lobby, the food is flavorful with specialties in deep fried items and chowders. It's not a fancy place, looking like a huge, tin covered hangar with tables where you often end up sitting next to someone you don't know when the usual crowds overflow. It is one of several choices you'll want to check out on your visit. 

Moss Landing was named after Captain Charles Moss, a Texan who established shipping facilities and a pier to develop commercial water traffic from the area in the mid 1800s. The gold rush was partially responsible for this port's development.  Demand was great for all types of products and coastal harbors and ports sprang forth rapidly to capitalize on this new market to the north seeking goods. Among the cargo was produce from the Watsonville and Pajaro Valleys. The produce came from up Elkhorn Slough at Hudson's Landing on flat bottom boats and even a ferry down the slough to Moss Landing for shipment to the gold boom town of San Francisco. 

Oyster farming, commercial fishing and a whale processing plant were several industries already established before the rush.  The Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in the late 1800's and became the primary vehicle for moving goods quickly.  A similar fate met ports to the south and north, though the Port of Los Angeles grew to become possibly the largest in the nation. A harbor was constructed in the 1940's, serving commercial fishing boats. Historic photographs from Moss Landing's past which can be viewed by the public on the walls of the Moss Landing Post Office.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories are several companies located in Moss Landing. Once a year, Moss Landing's population climbs to more than 10,000 as tourists and locals alike flood into town for the Moss Landing Antique Street Fair.  Held the last Sunday of every July since 1971, thousands of antiques and collectibles are sold at  the largest outdoor market on the Central Coast. Local shops share their space with over 200 vendors that provide everything from antiques to food, with a special treat, a fish fry and artichokes. 

Other events include Boreas Yacht Race and BBQ,  National Estuaries Day,  Monterey Bay Bird Festival and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Public Open House. RV camping is available at Moss Landing State Beach.