Point Arena is a small coastal city located in Mendocino County, California. Mendocino County is a county located on California's north coast, north of the San Francisco Bay Area and Sonoma County and west of the Central Valley. To learn more about the history of Point Arena..
Mendocino County has some of the most spectacular views in the world, and has an abundant of opportunities to see nature at its very best. On your way to Point Arenas' Historical Wharfmaster's Inn, you will venture through twist and curves with heart warming and soul inspiring panoramic views at nearly every turn. At times you will venture on Shoreline Hwy 1 high above the Pacific Ocean with views of burly trees, eye capturing coastal flowers, beautiful rock formations rising high above the oceanic waters, soaring seagulls, and possibly a family of sea otters basking in the sun, or perhaps a whale sighting.
Each year the majestic California Gray Whales pass by the Point Arena Lighthouse as they migrate to and from the warm lagoons of Mexico. Once almost extinct, these whales are once again increasing their numbers, and can easily be seen from vantage points along the California coastline. The Point Arena Lighthouse, on a point of land that juts out two miles into the Pacific, is an excellent place to view these magnificent animals.
Here whales are commonly observed just off headland rocks, appearing almost to scrape the rocks in passage. They are particularly close inshore on the return migration from Baja when females may be seen loitering by the rocks nursing their calves. To learn more about Whale Watching.
Fun for the entire family! A private preserve housing majestic African animals in large open field. Private Tours Daily.
Thousands of years of history await you in Mendocino County! Explore the rich history of the Native American Pomo Tribe, which dates back almost 10,000 years. Understand the impact of Spanish and other European explorers who arrived on our shore as long as 500 years ago. Learn about the mixture of cultural traditions that gives the area its unique flavor and history. Mendocino County is also known for its towering redwood forests and rugged, beautiful coastline. While here, visitors can learn how our timber and maritime past helped shape this region. Many Mendocino County towns retain the feel of a hundred years ago, and our fine museums and historical sites preserve artifacts that represent a diverse California history. We encourage you to experience Mendocino County's remarkable heritage.
Situated along the rugged Mendocino County coastline just north of the town of Point Arena the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument is a unique and spectacular area that includes over 5 miles of undeveloped federal coastal lands, coastal bluffs, 2 miles of the Garcia River and its estuary, sandy beaches and dunes, and the 5 acre Sea Lion Rocks.
The Point Arena-Stornetta Unit was added to the Monument on March 11, 2014 by Presidential Proclamation.
Although European explorers had sailed past the rugged northern coast of California for centuries the forbidding rocks and small coves deterred them from venturing ashore.
The discovery of gold in the middle of the nineteenth century changed that and sailors from all over the world risked life and limb to join the mad rush to San Francisco and then on to the gold fields.
This historical area encompasses approximately six acres at the very tip of a narrow peninsula. The point rises sixty feet above the Pacific Ocean, which surrounds the point on three sides.
The Light Station represents an important aspect of the economic development of the Point Arena Area. Coastal traffic increased substantially during the 1860's.
While staying with us at the Point Arena Historical Wharf Masters Inn you can visit numerous city, county, and state beaches in and around the area. These parks and beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with panoramic views, unique sandy and rocky beaches, providing memories to last a lifetime! Remember to bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and please be sure to read all hazards posted at the various beaches. Be sure to remain on designated trails at all times in order to preserve the natural habitat, and to avoid ticks or poison oak.
You can find plenty of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails throughout the parks and beaches. To learn about the exciting places to visit in and around the area, click on the links below.
Manchester Beach - The park has 760 acres of beach, sand dunes, and flat grasslands, with nearly 18,000 feet of ocean frontage. The beach line curves gently to form a "catch basin" for sea debris, which accounts for the volume of driftwood found here. Five miles of gentle, sandy beach stretches southward towards the Point Arena Lighthouse.
Schooner Gulch - The beach and headlands preserve a scenic spot along the Mendocino Coast and offers a stunning perch for watching sunsets, or merely sitting in the grass as the afternoon sun glistens on the waters below. Fishing, picnicking, and surfing are popular activities here.
The Sea Ranch Public Access Points - Six Sea Ranch access trails provide trail head parking areas, restrooms and a short hike to outstanding coastal access points. Each of the six access trails provides access to the beaches by footpaths, staircases or trails. The Sea Ranch also has a beautiful 18 hole luxury golf course.
Town Of Mendocino - Mendocino is located 50 minutes north of Point Arena. This beautiful little town is filled with shops, restaurants, art galleries, beaches, and more. This historic town is a popular stop on the North Coast with it's many things to do and see.
Town Of Gualala - Located 20 minutes south of Point Arena. Gualala is a larger community featuring any shops, dinning, art galleries and ocean access. There are also kayaking tours and rivers to play in.
Go for a private ride on spectacular California's Manchester Beach. Miles of unspoiled sand and surf. Rocks, driftwood, creeks, birds and sea stacks dot this vast expanse of beach. Or take a private guided horseback ride through a beautiful mountain redwood forest in the inland coastal mountains of Elk, California. The Ross Ranch is a family business owned and operated by John & Tobi Ross, life long residents of the Mendocino Coast. We have excellent horses that are matched to your riding abilities. Our horses receive the finest care.
Bring your poles, or rent one at the Dupont Mercantile and head out to the Wharf Master's Pier. The pier is a very popular spot for fisherman of all ages. There are plenty of other places as well in the area and a variety of ocean and fresh water fish.
Nearby beaches offer the hiker solitude and scenery. Elk Beach, Alder Creek, Manchester Beach Mote Creek, Schooner Gulch, Bowling Ball Beach, Anchor Bay, Gualala River, and The Sea Ranch are just a few of the coastal access points.
The Skunk Train is located in Fort Bragg, about 1 hour north of Point Arena. Take a scenic 3 - 31/2 hour on the Historic Skunk Train through the majestic redwood forests of Mendocino County. Be sure to pick up a brochure in our lobby for more information and pricing or click here to visit their web site.
Located just about 1 hour north of Point Arena you will find 47 acres of beautiful gardens and gracefully resting on the cliffs of the sea. Amazing ocean views and plant life will delight you and provide plenty of picturesque opportunities. Bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes.
Just 45 minutes inland from Point Arena you can satisfy your palette and enjoy some of the great flavor of Mendocino County. Boonville, a small town in the valley, has a few restaurants and shops to browse, including the very famous Boonville Brewery. You can pick up a winery guide in our lobby.
Point Arena being a quaint little "artsy" town at heart, is home of the historical Arena Theatre which is a 1928-vintage vaudeville theater and film palace, restored in 1995 to an Art Deco style, state-of-the-art entertainment venue with generous support from local artisans and financial donations. Discover the dynamic culture of the area and visit these favorite points of interest. You can click here to visit the Arena Theater to see movies and schedule of events.
The Garcia River Casino provides hours and hours of adult entertainment. Enjoy all the latest slots, live entertainment, free karaoke, and benefits when you join the Players Club. Call to ask about Garcia River Stay and Play Special.
The Garcia River Casino offers a "Stay and Play" Voucher to all Wharf Master's Inn Guests (21 or older). Be sure to ask the hotel receptionist when you arrive at the Inn. You will receive 20% Off at the River Grill Restaurant (located in the casino) and $10 in Slot Reward Play. The Garcia River Casino offers Gaming, Live Entertainment, the Riverside Grill Restaurant and much more. Check out their website at: www.thegarciarivercasino.com .
Here are a few useful links listed below. Feel free to take any of our brochures, pamphlets or area maps to help make your stay a very special and memorable adventure.