Schooner Gulch State Beach, State beach near Point Arena, California.
Schooner Gulch State Beach is a California state beach with rocky cliffs, sandy coves, and a creek running into the ocean. Two separate walking trails from the highway parking area lead to different parts of the shoreline.
The beach got its name in the 1800s from schooner ships that sailed these waters carrying lumber from northern California. This maritime tradition shaped the coastal region for many generations.
The Pomo tribes lived along this coast for many generations, gathering shellfish and performing sacred ceremonies in the area. Visitors walking the beach today can sense the deep connection between the land and the people who lived here.
Two walking paths from the main parking area lead to different sections of the beach, with one trail going to Schooner Gulch Beach and another to the northern Bowling Ball Beach. Plan your visit during low tide to see the full coastal features.
At low tide the northern section reveals perfectly round sandstone balls arranged in grid-like patterns along the shoreline. These unusual formations look almost man-made but are entirely shaped by natural forces.
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