S OUTH COAST: GUALALA G

Gualala sits at the dramatic convergence of rolling coastal hills, the Pacifi c Ocean and the Gualala River. The southern coastal gateway to Mendocino County, Gualala is a delightful resort area and a favorite whale-watching spot. Its name comes from the Pomo Indian name for the river, “ah kha wa la lee,” which means “where the water fl ows down.” People from out of town usually call it GWA-la-la, but locals pronounce it wa-LA-la. Once a logging town, Gualala’s primary economic activity is now tourism. It also serves as a commercial center for the surrounding area. Gualala is an ideal spot for viewing the elusive “green fl ash” that can sometimes be seen for a second or two as the sun sinks into the ocean.

South Coast’s “Banana Belt”

Mendocino’s “banana belt” stretches south from Anchor Bay through Gualala and down to Sea Ranch, just across the county line in Sonoma County. Visitors to this area often enjoy warm and sunny weather while the rest of the coast is shrouded in chilly fog. The warmer weather and more frequent sunshine can be attributed to Point Arena: the protrusion of land into the ocean there, less than 20 miles north of Gualala, provides both fog-break and protective shelter for the coastline to the south.

7 Gualala Arts Center

The Gualala Arts Center is the “heart of the arts” for the Sonoma-Mendocino coast. With several galleries showcasing both local and visiting artists, the exhibits feature a wide and ever-changing range of artistic media from oils and watercolors to sculptures and textiles. There is always a full schedule of events going on at the Center, including monthly art exhibit openings, live theater, lectures, concerts, an annual auto show and youth programs. It also o ers excellent workshops and classes, with instructors brought in from around the world. The Center hosts a number of festivals each year, including the Sonoma-Mendocino Coast Whale & Jazz Festival in April and May, the Fine Arts Fair in May, the Summer Chamber Music Weekend in July, the Art in the Redwoods Festival in August and the Festival of Trees in November. For a current list of events check their website. The Center is also available for weddings, memorials or business conferences. When visiting call ahead or go online to see what exhibits and classes are available, and be sure to tour the grounds when you visit. Admission is free.

WHERE: 46501 Old State Hwy, Gualala MORE INFO: 707-884-1138, GualalaArts.org

8 Gualala Point Regional Park

Open daily from dawn till dusk, Gualala Point Regional Park is popular with day hikers and picnickers, as well as overnight campers. This lovely park encompasses almost 200 acres of peaceful meadows, dramatic coastal forests and delightful sandy beaches. The Gualala River runs lazily through it, and o ers limited seasonal fi shing (check the local regulations). The park has an intimate, well-maintained campground situated among the majestic redwood trees and adjacent to the river.

9

Bonham Trail to Cooks Beach

Sandy beaches are rare on the southern Mendocino Coast, which gives Cooks Beach special appeal. A blu trail leads out to the Bonham Overlook, and the other o ers a brief walk through bishop pine forest to access the beach. The short trail makes this an ideal spot to carry in a picnic lunch and enjoy the wind-protected, large pocket beach. Leashed dogs are welcome here, and it is a great family beach. It makes a fantastic spot to watch the sun go down, and perhaps get a chance to see the elusive green fl ash at sunset. There are tidepools near the southern end of the beach that are accessible during low tides, and it is possible to view sea lions, seals, dolphins, and migrating whales (in season). Summer waves tend to be calm.

GualalaArts.org

Gualala Point Regional Park o ers 2.9 miles of coastal trail along blu s, through meadows, and above the Gualala River. Gualala Point Beach is easily reached via a dirt trail or ADA accessible paved path, and in general the trails throughout the park are fairly fl at. Dogs are permitted on leashes no longer than 6 feet in length, and must be licensed. There are picnic areas scattered throughout the park, some with barbecues, and restrooms with fl ush toilets. The park has an informative Visitors Center featuring exhibits that showcase the history of Northern California, turn-of-the-century logging, and Native American displays. There are also intricately hand-carved poles from Russia.

WHERE: 1 mile south of Gualala on Hwy 1.

MORE INFO: 707-785-2377, camping reservations 707-565-2267, Monday through Friday 10 AM to 3 PM , Sonoma-County.org/parks/pk_glala.htm

The trail is managed by the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy (RCLC). Caution should be taken in the water due to the presence of rip currents. Parking is limited. There is no cell reception at this location. WHERE: About 2 miles north of Gualala on Hwy 1. Take County Road 526 and look for the sign saying Bonham Trail to Cooks Beach.

MORE INFO: rclc.org.