The research facilities here overlook the Old Salinas River Channel, south of the town of Moss Landing (the headline photo must have been taken from a boat). The facilities are not open to the public, but local birders have been permitted to check out the cypresses and other vegetation on the road into the facility. Because this is an operating teaching and research facility, visitors are not generally welcome.

Moss Landing Marine Lab abuts the Moss Landing Cemetery, which is open to the public when the gates are open. Moss Landing Marine Lab also has a gate, so there are times even locals are not permitted entry.

Moss Landing Marine Lab is operated by San Jose State University, California, as a teaching and research facility [see link above for details]. The site is not open to the public, but students and visitors have found that its location, overlook the tidal Old Salinas River Channel, is excellent for waders (in season) and for spring and fall passerine migrants.