See the light (or spend a dog-friendly night) at Point Arena

Just 15 miles north of Gualala, don’t miss the 115-foot-high Point Arena Lighthouse, perched on a narrow peninsula and dating to 1879 and rebuilt after tumbling in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. For a unique overnight experience, book accommodations in one of four lighthouse-keeper cottages converted into dog-friendly vacation rentals (be sure to reserve far in advance).

Nearby Stornetta Public Lands, a 1,600-acre, pristine public treasure, is a must-visit destination showcasing off-shore islands, sea stacks, reefs, blowholes, tidal pools and other dramatic features along with profuse bird life. In much of the preserve, which is part of the California Coastal National Monument, your well-behaved dog who always comes when called can wander with you without being tied to a leash.

For more on dog-friendly Point Arena, click here.