General
   The first settlers, the Kashaya Pomo Indians, referred to the area as qhawála·li, "water coming down place", a name appropriate for the redwood-flanked Gualala River which empties into the Pacific Ocean from the forested surrounding hills creating a wide river mouth teeming with nature.

   Known for the diversity of landscape and people, the Sonoma and Mendocino County coastline offers something for anyone who enjoys the active outdoors, romantic evenings or quiet relaxation surrounded by some to the most beautiful countryside in the world.

   Miles of rocky shoreline and beaches allow for hours of tidepooling, fishing, surfing, sea kayaking and more.  Abalone diving, salmon and trout fishing attract fishermen countrywide.  Take a peaceful kayak or canoe trip down the Gualala River that meanders through the redwood forests.  Boat rentals are available year round.

   The Sea Ranch offers a beautiful eighteen-hole golf course open to the public.  Narrow and windy Highway One is one of the favored bicycling routes, but should be ridden with caution.
   Choice is the key to dining in the area.  Uniquely prepared local fish and seafood highlight the menus of many of the restaurants and almost all of the dining establishments have breathtaking views.

   Highway One acts as the lifeline and main street to the towns up and down the coast.  Unique shops filled with treasures from local artisans, and a eclectic collection of gifts offer a fine selection for even the most discerning shopper.

   The beauty and quality of life has long enticed a wide spectrum of residents, creating an interesting cross-section of loggers, trades-people, writers, artists, and professionals.  From this blend of personalities, a cultural scene rich in high quality theater, music and art emerges to fill the evenings.

   Tempered by ocean breezes, the North Coast enjoys comfortable weather year-round.  The deep blue of the sky mirrored in the vast expanse of the Pacific creates one gorgeous day after another.

Housing
   At any given time, there are approximately 125 to 150 single-family homes available for purchase from approximately $145,000 to $650,000, or more.

   Long-term rentals range from $700 to $1500 plus.  There are very few apartments available for rent along our coast, and there are often periods of a three to four-month wait for a rental vacancy.

Climate
   Northern California is prone to a wide variety of weather, but here's what might be considered "normal".  Annual rainfall: 40" to 70" typically occurring November - May.  Temperatures: winter, 35°F- 65°F; summer, 50°F- 75°F.

   Be prepared for a range of temperatures during any given period.  The coast experiences prevailing northwesterly breezes off the Pacific, which cools the temperatures on the immediate coast.  Inland areas often experience much higher temperatures than the coast.  Gualala and its immediate surrounding area is considered a "banana belt" as the unique geography enjoys less fog and more sunny days than coastal areas to the north and south.

Health and Emergency Services
   24-hour on-call physicians are available at the local Redwood Coast Medical Services clinic.  911 emergency services are served by a local ambulance district with access to helicopter transport to neighboring hospitals.  In addition, there is a wealth of alternative health, wellness and bodyworks professionals in our coastal area.

Camping & Recreation
   Local recreation and camping opportunities abound.  The area offers a world-class, 18-hole Scottish-style golf links, kayaking, sports fishing, abalone diving, basketball and tennis courts, hiking, beachcombing, bird and wildlife watching with abundant subjects for photography, sketching and painting, or just relaxing!

Arts & Entertainment
   The Redwood Coast boasts a lively, diverse, well-respected arts community.  Gualala Arts built and maintains a top-notch art center, which hosts shows and classes year-round.  In addition, Gualala Arts presents the renowned annual Art in the Redwoods festival the third weekend in August.  In addition to a number of exceptional arts & crafts galleries and shops, local artists present a Studio Discovery Tour in September.  Arena Renaissance Company presents live performers and Deco-style Arena Theater lovingly restored by donations and volunteers.  For those ready for an evening at home, there are video stores in the area.

Clubs & Service Organizations
   Lions and Lioness Clubs, Rotary and Soroptimist are all active in our communities.  There are numerous clubs and activities for people interested in art, environmental issues, gardening, computers, reading, music, ceramics, yoga, aerobics, etc.

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Events On The Redwood Coast

January
   "Berlin & Beyond" Film Festival
Mendocino Crab & Wine Days

February
   RCMS  Be Our Guest  Food & Wine Affair

March
   Traditional St. Patrick's Day dinners in Gualala & Elk
Redwood Coast Whale & Jazz Festival

April
   Spring Break-Easter Events
Redwood Coast Earth Fair

May
   PAHS boosters Club Golf Event
Soroptimists' Architectural Tour & Wine Tasting
Gualala Arts' Saturday Art Fest

June
   School Graduations
RCHS "Dog Days and Cat Naps of Summer" Raffle & Silent Auction
Redwood Coast Health & Wellness Fair

July
   Adventure Rents' Moonlight Flotillas & River Beach Picnics
Point Arena Lighthouse Moonlight Tour & Wine Tasting
Gualala Arts' Saturday Art Fest
Independence Day Celebrations: Parade, Street Fair & Fireworks - Pt. Arena
Annual Acorn Picnic - Gualala
Kite Flying Festival - Pt. Arena Lighthouse
SF Mime Troup - Arena Theater in Point Arena
Sand Castle Contest - Anchor Bay
Living History Day - Ft. Ross State Historic Park

August
   Fisherman's Harbor & Seafood Festival - Arena Cove
Adventure Rents - Moonlight Flotilla & River Beach Picnic
Pt. Arena Lighthouse Moonlight Tour & Wine Tasting
Gualala Arts Art in the Redwoods Festival
Gualala River Watershed Celebration
Great Day in Elk
Redwood Coast Riders "Beat the Heat" Motorcycle Poker Run
Gualala Arts' Studio Discovery Tour

September
   Gualala Arts' Studio Discovery Tour
Pt. Arena Lighthouse Moonlight Tour & Wine Tasting
Oz Farm Harvest Festival

October
   Redwood Coast Scarecrow Country
Gualala Arts' Saturday Art Fest

November
   Gualala Rotary Harvest Hop
Community Fall Festival
Gualala Arts Thanksgiving Indoor Holiday Crafts Sale

December
   Redwood Coast Wine & Mushroom Fest Events
Sea Ranch Lodge Camp Mushroom
Christmas on the Coast Events:  Renaissance Madrigal Feast,
Holiday Hospitality Open House Nights, Holiday Caroling & Concerts,
Holiday Lighting Displays.

ONGOING EVENTS
   Monthly Winemaker's Dinners at Sea Ranch Lodge & Village,
seasonal farmer's market,
local fundraiser dinners & dances,
auctions & golf tournaments,
picnics and pancake breakfasts.
Art openings & exhibits, films, and live entertainment.

Visit www.redwoodcoastchamber.com for details.

*2003 REDWOOD COAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Map Guide Information.