Location: Point Arena
Top Things to do in Point Arena
The 5 Best Free Things to do in Point Arena, California (CA)
Point Arena (formerly, Punta Arenas and Puntas Arenas) is a small coastal city in Mendocino County, California, United States. Point Arena is located 32 miles (51 km) west of Hopland, at an elevation of 118 feet (36 m) . The population was 449 at the 2010 census, down from 474 at the 2000 census, making it one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state. Its main street comprises part of State Route 1, California's coastal artery. Along with a number of other Mendocino County coastal communities, Point Arena is associated with the hippie and subsequent counterculture groups. Reportedly, the economy is largely geared toward servicing the summertime tourist industry. The City is near the headquarters of the tribal lands of Manchester Band of Pomo Indians of the Manchester-Point Arena Rancheria. The City is adjacent to the recently formed Point Arena Stornetta Public Lands National Monument. Hiking Trails can be accesses at the Point Arena City Hall Parking. Spectacular coastal prairie and ocean views await. Of special note is Arena Cove and pier with huge ocean front bluffs showing power of the interface of the Tectonic plates.
Restaurants in Point Arena
1. Point Arena - Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By 58mads
On my RV road trip along the coast from N. Calif to Oregon, I stopped to see the Point Arena light house. The short drive from Highway 1 takes you by a cliff side area called the Pt. Arena-Stornetta. Wow! What an unexpected surprise. It's BIG, accessible to walk and enjoy the breathtaking rock formations, cliffs and of course the view of lighthouse only a short distance further on. This place is terrific for photo enthusiasts. My favorite spot is the natural arch cut by years of wind and waves. You have to watch your step as you make your way closer, but it's worth it.
2. Manchester Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
This 650-acre expanse has huge sand dunes, driftwood and a profusion of wildflowers.
Reviewed By TravelPlenty5 - Los Angeles, United States
I hate to mention this beach because it is a fantastic experience, clean and pristine. Manchester is a very small town full of Mexican drug cartel operatives and violent gangbangers, so be careful here. There is a very good KOA campground. The state park has been taken over by selfish state government workers and their friends, who closed the park so they can live in a beautiful facility, but the beach is still open and accessible.
3. Schooner Gulch State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By SDMRT
This is one of the very few areas on the wild Pacific Coast where a person can get down on the sand and experience the area where the tectonic plates formed the fantastic geological landscape in this part of California. The reef rock is just below foot at low tide and the layers of rock run vertical in the cliffs. Really an amazing sight!
4. Point Arena Pier
5. Garcia River Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 69 reviews
Garcia River Casino features great dining and entertainment, plus hundreds of your favorite slot machines! Take Riverside Drive in Point Arena then first left on Windy Hollow Road. Drive 1.8 Miles to the Casino.
Reviewed By maryhY9941DN - Whittier, United States
the special on Friday night is prime rib. have had other meals and they are good. restrooms are clean
