Things To Do
The Sea Ranch Lodge
Sea Ranch is an architectural landmark filled with a community of homes designed to blend in with the natural landscape! We first went here for Ben's birthday and stayed in a Japanese Tea House. You can learn more about The Sea Ranch here: https://www.tsra.org/ Sea Ranch is home to some of the most beautiful Airbnbs on the CA coast. The lodge itself has amazing coffee, upscale food, wildflower-laden ocean bluffs, and a unique custom chess board that the bride and groom have used a few times! Nearby Black Point Beach is a popular surf spot. Do not miss this as a stop (or stay!) on the way to Point Arena.
Salt Point State Park
Amazing state park for climbing, hiking, or even diving for abalone! Recommended boulders: Triceratops V4 (pictured), Tufatoni Traverse V4, The Wave V2, and Blockhead V3. Also, just explore and climb! There is so many unnamed climbs waiting for psuedo-first ascents.
River Bend Kayaks
Rent some kayaks and struggle downstream to the ocean (windy!) or peacefully bird watch upstream towards the campgrounds. Even better, find the rope swing and cliff jump. Check the depth though, we've jumped here when it was 15' deep and 30' deep, so there is a big range depending on runoff!
Point Arena Lighthouse
While the lighthouse is the main attraction, we recommend hiking on the stunning bluff trails that are just south of the lighthouse in the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands. Also, if you want to find abalone shells, the best place around is just to the north of the lighthouse in a little cove that seems to drop them off at your feet!
Sea Ranch Chapel
This whimsical chapel is worth a quick stop as you drive through Sea Ranch. If it was bigger, Em might have chosen it as a venue!
Russian Rivermouth
There is a nice cafe with views here but the main attraction is the view of the mouth of the Russian River. It's on the way up and a good place to stop. More importantly, Ben will be very jealous if you surf the waves that form where the river meets the Pacific!
Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery
The first pit stop for us on the way up from the Bay Area and a favorite one! Get some ice cream, homemade cheese curds, coffee, or baked goods in the big red barn.
Surf Market
One of Gualala's two(?) grocery stores and more popularly known as a place to get great bbq and tri tip on the weekends!
Izakaya Gama
Small japanese restaurant in Point Arena, highly recommend!
Point Arena Fishing Pier
This pier is a great spot to look for the perfect abalone shells to make jewelry with! You can also fish and even surf, if you are more experienced.
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Fort Ross is a historical landmark and the location was the hub of Russian fur trading settlements in the early to mid 1800s! There are historic structures and ocean views but Ben recommends it for one reason: Fort Rosstafarian V6! Send photos of your send :)
Fishetarian Fish Market
Em's bodega bay stop: the one place to get gluten free fish and chips. Bodega Bay is a hub for seafood restaurants, oysters on the half shell, and crab boils.