Schooner Gulch State Beach is nestled just three miles south of Point Arena along California’s stunning Mendocino Coast. It is a coastal canvas where rugged headlands, dramatic rock formations, and rolling tides create a wild, unforgettable seascape.
What Makes This Park Unique
Schooner Gulch spreads across more than 50 acres of cliffs and sandy beach. It stands out for its geological wonders. Most famously, Bowling Ball Beach showcases smooth, spherical sandstone concretions that emerge at low tide. Steeped in layered history, the area was once home to Central Pomo communities, later serving as a timber milling outpost and even hosting a small school. Today, its remote charm and tidal mysteries draw beachcombers, photographers, and solitude seekers alike.
Top Activities and Amenities
Beach Access & Hiking Trails
A small parking area off Highway 1 provides access to two trailheads. One trailhead descends to Schooner Gulch Beach. The other leads to Bowling Ball Beach. These short but moderately steep paths offer sweeping ocean views and access to tide-swept flats filled with unique formations—a photographer’s and naturalist’s haven alike.
Picnic Area & Restrooms
While there are no formal facilities, visitors can bring a blanket and picnic among the coastal pines or driftwood-strewn sand. A well-maintained restroom near the parking lot provides basic convenience for day users.
Fishing & Surfing
Fishing from the rocky shore attracts anglers who have a valid California license. Surfing is occasionally possible, notably during swells. However, the remote conditions and strong tides demand caution.
Wildlife Viewing & Scenic Views
The bluff-top vantage offers sweeping panoramas of crashing waves, distant headlands, and migrating whales visible from late winter through spring. Shorebirds and marine life frequent the tide pools; fall and winter bring dramatic skies that illuminate the beach’s rare rock formations.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Parking is free but limited—arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
- Dogs are allowed on leash—but keep them away from fragile tidepools and nesting shorebirds.
- Watch tide charts carefully—Bowling Ball Beach features only appear at low tide.
- Wear sturdy shoes—the descent to the beach can be slippery and steep.
- No lifeguards on duty—swimming and surfing here are best left to experienced adventurers.
- Pack out everything you bring; there are no trash cans or services on-site.
- Weather changes quickly—dress in layers and be prepared for coastal fog or sun.
Local insight: Visit just before low tide. Wander among the bowling-ball formations. Photograph their smooth silhouettes against surf-lit horizons. In spring, catch migrating gray whales from the bluff while orchids and wildflowers peek from coastal grasses. Wrap up your day with a picnic overlooking rugged cliffs as the tide rolls in, casting golden light across this hidden Mendocino treasure.