In March 2014 President Obama signed a proclamation to establish the first shoreline addition to the California Coastal National Monument. The Point Arena Stornetta National Monument Unit protects approximately 1,665 acres of spectacular public lands along the Mendocino coast. Under interim rules, daytime use of the area is permitted, and dogs on leash or “under other physical restraint” are allowed on trails. Admission is free.

The area is ideal for daytime activities—hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching—with views that stretch across the South Coast. The trails wind through coastal bluffs, tide pools, onshore dunes, and coastal prairies while passing through the Garcia River estuary and its mouth. You’ll likely spot seabirds and marine mammals throughout the day. Stornetta Public Lands is bordered to the north by Manchester Beach State Park, one of the longest public accessible beaches in California, so you could easily combine visits if you’re spending the day in the area.

Parking options give you flexibility depending on which trails you want to explore. You can pull out along Lighthouse Road at several designated spots, or park at the end of Miner Hole Road where it meets Highway 1—just watch for posted signs marking private property boundaries. There’s also parking available at Point Arena City Hall if those other areas are full. Porta-potties are provided at the monument, though there’s no water on-site, so bring what you’ll need.

The monument itself grew from President Clinton’s 2000 establishment of the California Coastal National Monument, which originally protected more than 20,000 rocks, islands, exposed reefs, and pinnacles along California’s 1,100-mile coastline. The Point Arena-Stornetta unit expanded that vision to safeguard the area’s scientifically valuable coastal resources and their unique habitats. The bluffs provide particularly good vantage points for watching migrating whales if you visit during the right season.