Stunning rock formations, amazing views, ecological protections, and a deep cultural history characterize Point Arena, located about three hours north of San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway.
State Route 1, also known as Highway 1 is the main arterial road cutting through the tiny town. The town population is under 500, while the nearby Manchester Band of Pomo Indians of the Manchester Rancheria tribal reservation is estimated at between 500-800.
Like many towns dotting highway 1, Point Arena appears suddenly and vanishes just as quickly. Miles and miles of fields and ocean views transition into random white picket fences and a smattering of houses, spiritualism gift shops, yoga retreats, and head shops, only to suddenly fade into fields and ocean views once more. What makes Point Arena distinct from the other tiny towns in the region, like Gualala, Manchester, or Elk, is the historic Point Arena Lighthouse.
Point Arena sits on the San Andreas fault. The first lighthouse, built in 1870, was heavily damaged by the 1906 earthquake and had to be demolished. In 1908 a new lighthouse was built to withstand future earthquakes. Components like the 1908 lenses, updated in the 1970s, are on display at the museum. Visitors can buy items in the gift shop to support the historical society that preserves the lighthouse, or they may opt out of visiting the lighthouse at all and choose to roam the fields and cliffs nearby for free.
The lighthouse is surrounded by coves and marine preserves to the north and south, and west off the coast, while inland includes state park land and a private African animal preserve. Whale watching is available at different times of year, depending on the seasonal migratory patterns of Humpback, Blue, and Gray whales. Pastoral fields surround the winding road to the ocean from highway 1 the lighthouse. Depending on the time of year, visitors can expect to see cows, sheep, and white, yellow, purple, or pink wildflowers.
The historic Arena Cove fishing pier is a great place to stop for dining, drinks, coffee, fishing. Get tips from the locals on the local animal preserve, the Pomo reservation casino, or just enjoy some local gossip over dinner or breakfast.
The Wharfmaster’s Inn sits on the hill and overlooks the pier, the beach, and the small shopping center. The facilities are older, but renovations are in progress.
