Kayaking with the otters - Elkhorn Slough

If there is one outdoors activity you're going to do in the Bay Area this year, this is the one I'd recommend: Kayaking Elkhorn Slough.

Elkhorn Slough is located between Santa Cruz and Monterey, and it is worth the drive for you San Franciscans. You can rent a kayak at Kayak Connection and hit the water without a guide. If you are into the birds (and there are over 340 species that live and/or stop by here on their migration path), you can take a birding tour through KC or on a pontoon boat with Elkhorn Slough Safari. I'd say just renting the kayak by yourself or with a friend is a great way to start, though.

You're supposed to keep a distance from the wildlife, but there is so much wildlife that it is hard to do. The otters come swimming up to the kayaks to check out the paddlers, then they just float there on their backs nibbling on crabs and looking ridiculously cute. There are also harbor seals aplenty, but they are usually sleeping on the beach in the sun, resting up for their nocturnal adventures. Along the muddy shore, watch the clams squirt water up through holes, making their presence known, as various birds go diving for them with long, pointy beaks.

After kayaking, head to the Whole Enchilada in Moss Landing for some delicious Mexican food in a lively atmosphere.

If you'd like to read more about Elkhorn Slough, check out my past stories on the subject:
The SF Chronicle
The Santa Cruz Sentinel