Location: Point Arena
Top Things to do in Point Arena
What to do and see in Point Arena, California (CA): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. B Bryan Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 314 reviews
B Bryan Preserve is committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock. Located on 110 acres, the preserve features upscale lodging along with tours by reservation. Critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra along with Kudu, Roan and Sable antelope are thriving in large open fields.Make us your base for discovering the Mendocino coast. The small town of Point Arena has a working pier on one end and a historic lighthouse on the other with African Hoof Stock in the middle.
Reviewed By DreamAndDiscover - Oakland, United States
We've been wanting to visit for years and finally had a chance. We took the VIP 10am tour with Zane, and had extended family from ages 72 to 9. We all thoroughly enjoyed learning about the animals, riding in the vintage Land Rover and feeding the giraffes. Zane is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the animals and our elementary school age daughters were impressed that he could answer all but one of their numerous questions! We were really fortunate to have traveled to Kenya for a safari - seeing the animals again brought back wonderful memories. This preserve is well organized and well kept. Highly recommend a visit to this wonderful preserve!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Point Arena Lighthouse & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 439 reviews
The Point Arena Lighthouse stands as an iconic figure on the American Pacific Coast. No other lighthouse offers such a fully interactive experience in the exchange between history, science and natural beauty. Sometimes brilliantly sunny, other times fog-shrouded and mysterious, always ruggedly beautiful, the lighthouse is a place to find something different, a place where the romance is real and the experience is profound. Surrounded by water on three sides, and shouldered adjacent to the Point Arena/Stornetta Public Lands, the Point Arena Lighthouse is the premier visitor destination in Mendocino County. Visit the Light Station Store and Outdoor Museum and celebrate our 150th year! It is also one of the best whale watching spots on the North Coast, with the annual Gray Whale migration from late November through May, Humpbacks throughout the year, the occasional pod of transient Killer Whales and even Blue Whales. Watch for the spouts, tails and breaches from the trails and gazebo.
Reviewed By robint514 - Danville, United States
I agree with the reviewers. If you are in the area, this is worth a trip. The docent at the top of the lighthouse was friendly and provided a lot of interesting information. We imagined what it must have been like for the lighthouse families who lived out here at what must have seemed like the edge of the U.S.
5. 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!
6. 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
