Gualala and Point Arena are being discovered by travelers who seek a peaceful getaway in an unsurpassed natural setting with a casual atmosphere. The region also boasts an active arts community, great food and interesting history.
 

Although it is wonderful to sip cappuccino or a glass of wine in one of Mendocino's fine cafes, or window shop its delightful stores, some travelers may want a more intimate connection with the area's natural wonders.

To experience the natural beauty of Mendocino by kayak, bicycle, charter boat, horseback or scuba gear can add a whole new dimension to the coast.  Thanks to several local companies, such adventures are safe, easy and inexpensive.

For instance, during the gray whale migration season, from late December through April, visitors can take a two-hour whale watch cruise from Anchor Charters.  Seeing the enormous mammals up close in their element is an unforgettable experience.

Charters also are available for salmon fishing during the season and rock and bottom fishing year around.  Most charters furnish poles, tackle, bait and all other necessities.

For an even closer look at the ocean, Lost Coast Kayaking in Little River, and Adventure Rents in Gualala in southern Mendocino County, offer guided kayak trips.  The trips vary from two hour to full day excursions that explore sea caves, hidden coves and coastal estuaries.  The stable craft are of a sit-on-top design.  Guides offer instruction before every trip and all gear, including wetsuits, is included.  Adventure Rents also rents bicycles and Dive Crazy Adventures offer diving and fishing charters and skin and scuba diving classes.

Catch A Canoe and Bicycles, Too rents kayaks, canoes and outriggers for paddling on the serene Big River, just south of the village of Mendocino.  Since the river is a tidal estuary, paddling upstream is easy when timed with an incoming tide.  Paddlers can explore the river for several miles and wood ducks, great blue heron, osprey, harbor seals and river otters are often seen.

The company also rents mountain or road bikes to explore the town of Mendocino, logging roads and trails and quiet back roads.

Horseback riding can be a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the breathtaking coastline and beautiful redwood forests of Mendocino County.  There are several companies offering guided trail rides through the redwoods or on the beach.  Ross Ranch in Elk gives private, guided rides in the Elk Mountains or on Manchester Beach.  Richochet Ridge in Fort Bragg offers beach and redwood riding vacations and 13 miles east of Fort Bragg at Back Kountry Trail Rides, visitors can ride beneath a canopy of redwoods.

After an exciting day of activity, visitors can relax with a cappuccino or glass of wine and reminisce about the day's adventures and expeditions.

Adjacent to the pier is the Arena Cove commercial center, which includes lodging, restaurants, and gift shops which feature many locally made items.  Travelers can enjoy meals or cocktails with an ocean view and on sunny days outside seating is available.

Offshore, scuba divers can enjoy the Arena Rock Underwater Preserve, an area of abundant marine flora and fauna, as well as the sunken wreck of a freighter.  Learn more about the area's outdoor recreation.

When the swell is up, a good number of surfers use the harbor as a base for some of the best surfing in Northern California.

The old lighthouse just north of town, rebuilt after the 1906 San Francisco quake, still shines a warning to keep ships off the dangerous rocks and shoals.  The light is now automated, and the old Coast Guard facilities have been turned into a maritime museum and several guest cottages run by a local non-profit organization.  Visitors may climb the light tower and view the broad agricultural terraces that run down to the sea or admire the ancient Fresnel lens that remains in place in the light room at the top.