Gualala Point is part of the Sonoma Beach Park System. It overlooks the Gualala River and the Pacific Ocean. When we purchased our beach house in 2013, we were in awe of the extended views of the river and ocean. These views, which are the same as the park are the original thoughts of why we named our home Gualala Point.

The town of Gualala itself is very similar to the way Santa Barbara was, back in the late 50's and early 60's. It is a quiet little beach town with a couple of gas stations, a half dozen restaurants, 2 markets, a bank and other local businesses. This is what attracted us to the town itself and the people who live in town are friendly and yet outgoing. Gualala is aprx 125 miles north of San Francisco and 50 miles north of Bodega Bay, just across the Mendocino County line. Mendocino and Fort Bragg are 60 miles further north. Inland lies a series of small towns and numerous wineries.

But the real attraction of this house is the quiet and relaxation it offers. From the upper deck, you see the views to the southwest of the Gualala River. To the immediate west, the Pacific Ocean, seen thru the kitchen and living room windows. Our kitchen is fully stocked with utensils needed to prepare a fine family meal. Total relaxation of using the barbecue on the upper deck and sitting back in a lounge chair breathing in the ocean air, is a feeling that has to be experienced to be able to describe. Whale watching, Eagles soaring and deer are common sights. Gualala offers many forms of recreation such as kayak rentals, golfing at nearby Sea Ranch, shopping in town, a gourmet market for food and drink, hiking in the state park and more. Town is within walking distance and there is a gourmet pizza place called Upper Crust that will not disappoint pizza lovers.

The house itself offers ample space which can easily sleep 8 people. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs and a downstairs game room, where an 1875 Brunswick Majestic pool table resides. This room has a tv/cable along with a sound system. The walls are lined with original movie posters, rock posters and surfing items from the 50's and 60's. There is an outdoor patio that directly connects to the game room, which offers ocean and river views.

The living room, which in my eyes feels like a ski chalet with large glass windows and vaulted ceilings offers an openness to the infinite ocean and river views. Hardwood floors lead you to a 55" TV along with glasses and movies. There are aprx 200 dvd movies to choose from, blu ray, hd and regular dvds. The main bedroom is large and airy. It also has a dvd player and cable. There is a small desk for people to use their computers and a printer is available. The house has wi-fi and internet, of course. All of the bedrooms are color themed . All have their own TV's with either a dvd player or cable. There are 2 bathrooms, one with a shower and the other with a bathtub.

Heading downstairs for a game of pool, you can experience what the cowboys in the old west did, over 100 years ago. The precision of this pool table, which originally belonged to a member of the Al Capone gang, was found in a Chicago warehouse. It was shipped to California and reassembled at Gualala Point.

For those who enjoy local surroundings, 3 miles to the north is Anchor Bay. There is a campground there that houses one of the most beautiful beaches in California, a favorite destination with many of the locals. Cooks beach offers a very pretty and private beach experience, as well.

Continuing to travel another 10 miles north, you will find the quaint town of Point Arena. PA offers good surf by the pier. The Stornetta Land Reserve and Lighthouse are a sight to behold. Point Arena has a number of restaurants and a very modern movie theater, set into an older building. Besides movies, live plays and music are also events that the theater offers. Lighthouse tours are available

For other outdoor activities, the Gualala/Point Arena areas offer surfing, kayaking, boating, diving, fishing, hiking and walking trails, bike riding, various beaches and state parks. This part of Northern California is still wide open and looks and feels like small town California. Anchor Bay offers a Thai Food restaurant and a beautiful private beach. Cooks Beach in Gualala is also a quiet cove with a beautiful beach. Point Arena offers the Pier for food and xlnt surf. Breaks left and right. Stornella reserve and Point Arena lighthouse are two items of beauty. Point Arena is 13 miles north of Gualala.

See you at Gualala Point

Ray and Pauline Polson