Places of Interest

The Chapel is a non-denominational sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal. Open daily to the public, 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. The grounds surrounding the chapel as well as the structure itself were the gifts of Sea Ranch residents, Robert and Betty Buffum. Dedicated in memory of Kirk Ditzler, a navy aviator, zoologist, and artist, the Chapel is maintained and cared for by a foundation. Visit thesearanchchapel.org​ for more information.

Built around 1880 by German immigrants, the completely restored Knipp-Stengel Ranch barn overlooks the Pacific Ocean on Highway 1. At 160 feet long by 60 feet wide, this imposing landmark dominates the landscape in the center of The Sea Ranch. The building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. The ranch is now the playhouse of the Sea Ranch Thespians

The Sea Ranch has a long and vibrant history - from the Pomo Indians, to the modern day architects who gave Sea Ranch the identify and form that it has today. The Sea Ranch Association leaves no stone unturned to capture and preserve the history of the land and the people on it, in the form of books, articles, audio compilations, photographs and prints, clippings all available in well cataloged archives. Here's a great start to satisfy your curiosity.

The 195-acre Gualala State Park has open meadows mixed with coastal forest. The park contains a campground, trail system, coastal vistas, and sandy beaches. The park is located adjacent to the Gualala River, which offers limited seasonal fishing. Please check current regulations. The day use area of the park has a Visitors Center, picnic tables (some with BBQ's) and restrooms with flush toilets.

The Point Arena Lighthouse stands as an iconic figure on the landscape of the American Pacific Coast offering a fully interactive experience in the exchange between history, science and natural beauty. Grab your picnic basket and spend the day climbing to the top of the lighthouse, taking in the view of the vast ocean, the migrating whales, taking the guided tour and shopping at the cute souvenir shop. Also inquire about the moon-lit night tours.

The B. Bryan Preserve is often referred to as Point Arena's "Quadraped zoo". In reality it is not a zoo, but a private preserve housing majestic African animals in large open fields and committed to breeding and preservation of African hoof Stock for over a decade. The animals range from critically endangered to endangered and include various species of zebra, giraffe, and antelope. Visit bbryanpreserve.com or call (707) 882-2297 to make reservations for tours.

The unique stone orbs that give Bowling Ball Beach its name are quite visible during low tide and are known to geologists as Concretions - hard bodies may form in sediment before they become sedimentary rocks. Make sure you check the tide-tables and the information here and here for directions and parking. The beach is not visible from Highway 1 and the sign is small and easy to miss. The small parking area on the side of Highway 1 can only be accessed while driving south and it comes up quickly after a climbing left turn. If you hesitate to pull over you will have to drive some distance to find an area to turn around, drive north past the parking area to find another safe place to turn around and then try again.

From 1906 to 1967, everything from cars to batteries to bottles, cans, and appliances were unceremoniously pushed over the cliffs into the ocean — a common practice of seaside cities for centuries. Mother Nature responded to this abuse with a nice surprise in the form of smooth, colored sea glass treasure in a rainbow of colors. While a fair distance away from the house, a visit to Glass beach makes for day long adventure. Search for rare ruby reds (from pre-1967 auto tail lights) or sapphire gems from apothecary bottles. Snap a photo, but leave the glass behind for others to discover. Check here for directions and parking instructions

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is located adjacent to Salt Point State Park. Edward P. Kruse donated the land to the people of California in 1933 as a living memorial to his father, a founder of San Francisco's German Bank. The land was part of a large ranch established in 1880, on which the Kruse family raised sheep and carried on logging and tanbark harvesting operations.