If you are visiting the Mendocino County area, you may want to consider driving up to Gualala and Point Arena, two charming coastal towns. Both of these towns offer plenty to see and do, and a visit to these areas will provide you with the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Visiting both towns will provide you with a unique opportunity to see what life was like for Native Americans in this area.
For a fun family day trip, try driving to Point Arena and Gualala. Point Arena was incorporated in 1908, and the township stretched from the Gualala River to Elk Creek. Upon arriving, you will see the lighthouse. You can even take a walk on the sandy beaches. The city is also home to colorful wildflowers. Here you can see the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re camping, try heading over to Gualala Point Regional Park on Highway 1. You’ll find a trail that follows the river and skirts the bridge. There are restrooms with flush toilets and electrical outlets. The park also has two coin-operated showers. Arena Theater offers live music and telecasts of major theater productions, including the Metropolitan Opera and London National Theatre. Regardless of your preference, you will be sure to have a great time while visiting Gualala and Point Arena.
In addition to the lighthouse, the town also has several other attractions to explore. The Point Arena Lighthouse, built in 1870, was rebuilt following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. This historic lighthouse is now the oldest lighthouse on the Pacific coast. During bad weather, you may be the only person visiting. If that’s the case, you can visit the lighthouse itself and experience its enchanting views of the coastline.
The ruins of the Lighthouse and historic homes are among the many attractions that you’ll find in Gualala and Point Arena. The Point Arena Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument is the only land part of the monument that’s not a lighthouse. The monument’s pristine coast is home to the endangered Point Arena Mountain Beaver. It is a great place to take your family and explore the local culture.
Near San Francisco, the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands are a unique setting for an afternoon of hiking. Nearby, you can find a rich performing arts community. This area also contains Native American and early Californian history. The public lands are also home to the only land-based portion of California’s Coastal National Monument. If you haven’t yet visited this area, you can make the most of your trip by exploring the Point Arena-Stornetta public lands.
There were 225 households in Gualala and Point Arena, with an average density of 166.7 housing units per square mile. Of these, 87 households were owner-occupied, while 105 were rental units. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.4%, while the rental vacancy rate was 8.7%. The average household size was 2.48 persons, while the family size was 3.30. These are the two major factors that make the communities so attractive.