You’re driving down Highway 1, windows down, smelling that salt-heavy air of the Monterey Bay. Suddenly, these two massive, 500-foot concrete fingers poke out of the horizon. They look like they belong in a sci-fi movie or maybe some forgotten industrial wasteland.
Those are the stacks.
If you’re wondering where is Moss Landing Power Plant, you’ve basically found it the moment you see those towers. It sits right at the midpoint of the Monterey Bay curve, exactly halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey. It’s impossible to miss. Honestly, it’s the most iconic—and controversial—landmark in this stretch of California.
The Exact Spot: 7301 State Highway 1
Technically, the address is 7301 State Highway 1, Moss Landing, CA 95039.
If you want to get nerdy with the numbers, the coordinates are approximately $36^\circ 48' 17.54'' \text{N, } 121^\circ 46' 55.19'' \text{W}$. But you don’t need a GPS to find it. Just follow the coast.
The plant is sandwiched between the Elkhorn Slough—one of California's largest wetlands—and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a weird contrast. You have sea otters and harbor seals lounging in the water just a few hundred yards from a massive industrial complex that once held the title for the largest power plant in the world.
Getting There from the North (Santa Cruz/San Jose)
If you're coming from the San Francisco or San Jose area, you’ll head south on US-101. Eventually, you’ll hit CA-156 West, which dumps you right onto Highway 1 North.
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Keep an eye out after you pass through Castroville (the "Artichoke Capital of the World"). You’ll cross a bridge over the water, and the plant will be looming on your right.
Getting There from the South (Monterey/Carmel)
Coming from Monterey? It’s a straight shot north on Highway 1. It’s about a 20-minute drive. You’ll pass the Sand City big-box stores, then a whole lot of cabbage and strawberry fields.
The stacks will grow larger and larger until they’re right in your face.
It Isn't Just a "Power Plant" Anymore
Wait. There is a catch.
Most people still call it the Moss Landing Power Plant, but the way it works has changed. It used to be a massive natural gas-fired station. It still has gas units (Units 1 and 2 are the operational ones), but the big news lately has been about batteries.
Basically, the old turbine buildings have been gutted and filled with thousands of lithium-ion battery modules. It’s now the Vistra Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility.
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Instead of just burning gas to make power, it acts like a giant "power bank" for California. It sucks up extra solar energy during the day and spits it back out when everyone turns their AC on at night.
Why Everyone is Talking About It in 2026
You might have seen the news. In January 2025, a massive fire broke out in "Building 300," which is one of the battery storage areas.
It wasn't just a small spark. It was a multi-day event that released toxic smoke and forced about 1,500 people in the area to evacuate.
Right now, as we sit in early 2026, the site is a massive cleanup zone. The EPA is actually overseeing the removal of those batteries—we're talking over 100,000 modules that have to be individually de-energized and hauled away.
What you’ll see today:
- The Stacks: They are still there, but they don't smoke like they used to.
- The Tents: You’ll see large white containment tents. These are used to protect the damaged batteries from rain while crews work.
- Security: There is a 24/7 private fire brigade on-site now because, frankly, the community is pretty nervous about another "thermal runaway" event.
Local Perspective: Is it Worth the Stop?
Actually, yes. But not for the plant itself.
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Moss Landing is a tiny fishing village that happens to have a giant neighbor. If you pull off the highway, don't just stare at the fence.
Go to Phil’s Fish Market. They moved to a new spot on Castroville Blvd, but the original vibe is still around the harbor. Or check out the Sea Harvest Restaurant right next to the North Harbor boat launch.
You can rent a kayak at Monterey Bay Kayaks and paddle right past the plant’s cooling water intake pipes. It’s a trip to see a 300-pound sea otter floating in the shadow of a 500-foot concrete stack.
Safety and Access
Can you tour the plant? No.
Vistra Corp, the owner, keeps the gates locked tight, especially with the ongoing EPA cleanup. There are no public tours. Most of the area around the plant is industrial or protected wetland.
The best view is from the Moss Landing North Harbor parking lot. It's free to park for a few minutes if you just want to snap a photo of the stacks. If you want to stay longer or launch a boat, there’s usually a $10–$12 fee.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you are planning to drive by or visit Moss Landing, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Wind: If you see any smoke or unusual activity (unlikely, but possible during the cleanup), pay attention to the wind direction. Locals are still very sensitive to air quality issues following the 2025 fire.
- Bring Binoculars: The Elkhorn Slough is a bird-watching goldmine. You can see the industrial plant in one eye and a Peregrine Falcon in the other.
- Avoid Highway 1 at Rush Hour: The "Moss Landing bottleneck" is real. Traffic can back up for miles on Friday afternoons as people head from the Bay Area down to Monterey.
- Support the Locals: The town has taken a hit with the fire and the environmental concerns. Grab a coffee or some clam chowder while you’re there.
Next Steps for You:
If you're heading out there, check the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) Line 28 schedule if you aren't driving. It’s the only bus that drops you right near the plant at the Highway 1 / Dolan Road stop. Also, take a quick look at the EPA’s Moss Landing Community Involvement Plan online if you want the latest updates on the battery removal progress before you go.