01
Best overall pick
Point Arena–Stornetta Unit, California Coastal National Monument
Just North Of Point Arena • Wind-Swept Coastal Bluffs • Signature Coastal Hike
Expansive ocean views, sea arches, and open pastureland make this the defining hike for the Point Arena area.
Starting from Lighthouse Road, the Stornetta bluffs deliver instant scenery with cliffs, offshore rocks, and crashing surf in nearly every direction. The paths are mostly gentle but feel wild, crossing open grasslands where you may spot raptors, wildflowers in season, and migrating whales offshore. It is easy to tailor your outing to the time you have, from a quick viewpoint stroll to a longer ramble along the headlands.
02
Most iconic views
Point Arena Lighthouse Coastal Trail
Lighthouse Road Headlands • Historic Lighthouse Walk • Most Photogenic Walk
A short but memorable coastal walk that pairs big surf and cliffs with one of the most striking lighthouses on the West Coast.
The lighthouse headland is ideal when you want a dramatic setting without committing to a long hike. Trails trace the edge of the cliffs, offering changing perspectives on the lighthouse, rocky coves, and the restless Pacific below. Come early or late in the day for softer light, fewer people, and a chance at spotting whales from the point.
03
Geology standout
Schooner Gulch and Bowling Ball Beach
South Of Point Arena On Highway 1 • Pocket Coves And Tidepools • Best For Tide Pooling
A short, steep trail leads to one of the coast’s quirkiest beaches, famous for its round sandstone “bowling balls.”
From the pullouts along Highway 1, narrow trails drop through brush and trees to reach small, wave-carved coves. At lower tides, walk north along the sand to find the spherical rock formations scattered across the shoreline like a natural sculpture garden. Plan around the tide chart, as the walk is more rewarding and safer when the tide is on the lower side and more of the beach is exposed.
04
Quietest coastal loop
Pelican Bluffs Preserve Trail
Blufftop Preserve South Of Town • Protected Coastal Preserve • Quiet Wildlife Escape
A mellow loop over protected bluffs, with sweeping views, seasonal wildflowers, and a far more relaxed feel than many coastal lookouts.
The Pelican Bluffs trail offers a compact hike that still feels unspoiled, with a simple loop tracing the edge of the cliffs above secluded coves. Benches and viewpoints invite you to linger, scan for pelicans and other seabirds, and listen to the waves below. It is an easy choice for families or anyone wanting a scenic outing that stays away from traffic and crowds.
05
Best long wander
Manchester State Park Beach Hike
Manchester State Park, South Of Point Arena • Wide Open Beach And Dunes • Longest Beach Ramble
Miles of sand and low dunes create a meditative out-and-back walk with room to roam in almost any season.
From the park access, follow sandy paths through low dunes to reach a broad, often nearly empty beach that seems to run on forever. You can head either direction along the shoreline, turning around whenever you are ready, with the sound of the surf as your constant background. On blustery days it feels wild and elemental; on calmer evenings it is one of the best places nearby for a long, reflective sunset walk.