Point Arena / California / United States

Point Arena is becoming one of the more well known surfing destinations in Northern California. With that said it is also one of the most dangerous beaches, and best left to only the most advanced of surfers. This is due to its one of a kind break conditions as well as dealing with locals who are opposed to the sudden influx of visitors. Despite all of this, Point Arena is definitely on the map as a world class surfing spot that shouldn’t be passed up.

South of Mendocino, Point Arena is the site of two different breaks created by the pier. Winter (November through January) is the best time to attempt Point Arena with medium to low tides. Point Arena is also famous for the inside exposed rocks that have been a cause for many destroyed boards and injuries.

On the north side of the pier is a traditional outside right, which breaks at 6 ft . This right is also very steep, yet also has protection from fierce northwesterly winds, resulting in a fast, yet long ride into the channel. The south side of the pier creates a left that is more like a peeling wave, open to north and northwesterly winds, and is capable of housing 10 ft swells.

Away from the water, Point Arena is growing as a tourist destination – where diving, fishing, and hiking are commercial boomers. Hotel accommodations and restaurants are not hard to find – but perhaps a little overpriced. Point Arena can be accessed off of Highway 1.

Your biggest concerns are the rocks in the water and the locals on the shore. Only the advanced should attempt these waters, and it is probably best not to go unless you know someone who lives there.