Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Tours

Photo by Laury Kelly
Photo by Laury Kelly
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Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve was established to celebrate, protect and preserve the area's natural assets. Go for a walk and look out for birds and other wildlife.

You'll soon see why this Watsonville nature reserve is a hit with travelers. If you're searching for other things to keep you busy, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing State Beach, and Palm Beach are in this area too. They won't take very long to get to from Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Plan a trip to see Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Aqua Breeze Inn

Aqua Breeze Inn

2.5 out of 5
Westside Santa Cruz
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Oct 11 - Oct 14
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Dallas (DFW) to San Jose (SJC)
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Perfect spot to stay and be close to the boardwalk. You could hear the fun happening during park hours and when the park closed, it was quiet. Great place to stay. We will definitely come back.

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

CordeValle

CordeValle

5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Sep 1 - Sep 8
found 7 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
Beautiful property and delicious dinner!

Reviewed on May 18, 2025

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Oct 11 - Oct 14
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Dallas (DFW) to San Jose (SJC)
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
This was a really lovely stay. Away from the noise of Santa Cruz, we relaxed in the pool, played pickle ball, and enjoyed the onsite bar/restaurant/music. Ideal for adults looking for a quiet few days away where you can park the car and stay put until checkout.

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Popular places to visit

The beach and dunes at Salinas River State Beach are part of Monterey Bay’s unique coastal dune system and it 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.

Salinas River Dunes Nature Preserve

Explore the great outdoors at Salinas River Dunes Nature Preserve, a lovely green space in Castroville. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Salinas River Dunes Nature Preserve
The beach and dunes at Salinas River State Beach are part of Monterey Bay’s unique coastal dune system and it 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.

Salinas River State Beach

Explore the great outdoors at Salinas River State Beach, a lovely green space in Monterey.

Salinas River State Beach
The beach and dunes at Salinas River State Beach are part of Monterey Bay’s unique coastal dune system and it 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.

Salinas River Mouth Nature Preserve

Explore the great outdoors at Salinas River Mouth Nature Preserve, a lovely green space in Monterey.

Salinas River Mouth Nature Preserve

Island Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Island Beach during your trip to Moss Landing? Wander the beaches and seaside in this romantic area.

Island Beach

The Shakespeare Society of America

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at The Shakespeare Society of America in Moss Landing. Wander the marina and beautiful beaches in the area.

The Shakespeare Society of America

Moss Landing State Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Moss Landing State Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Moss Landing. Wander around the natural setting in this romantic area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Moss Landing State Beach

Best Lodging Options Near Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa

Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa

Castroville
Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa
Luxurious guest house with Great Views of Monterey Bay

Luxurious guest house with Great Views of Monterey Bay

Castroville
Luxurious guest house with Great Views of Monterey Bay
Inn At Moss Landing Point

Inn At Moss Landing Point

3 out of 5
8425 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing, CA
Inn At Moss Landing Point
Captain's Inn at Moss Landing

Captain's Inn at Moss Landing

3.5 out of 5
8122 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA
Captain's Inn at Moss Landing
Serene, rural home with furnished patio, countryside views, grill & W/D

Serene, rural home with furnished patio, countryside views, grill & W/D

Watsonville
Serene, rural home with furnished patio, countryside views, grill & W/D
Capurro Ranch at Moss Landing - Moss Landing House - 5BR with cottage at Elkhorn Slough

Capurro Ranch at Moss Landing - Moss Landing House - 5BR with cottage at Elkhorn Slough

Moss Landing
Capurro Ranch at Moss Landing - Moss Landing House - 5BR with cottage at Elkhorn Slough
WaterVeiw - 2-person Shower - Fireplace

WaterVeiw - 2-person Shower - Fireplace

Moss Landing
WaterVeiw - 2-person Shower - Fireplace
Main Floor - Historic House - Double Shower - Fireplace

Main Floor - Historic House - Double Shower - Fireplace

Moss Landing
Main Floor - Historic House - Double Shower - Fireplace
WaterVeiw - 2-person Shower - Fireplace

WaterVeiw - 2-person Shower - Fireplace

Moss Landing
WaterVeiw - 2-person Shower - Fireplace
See all 457 properties in Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.