Pelican Bluffs Preserve

On May 19th 2018 a new coastal park opened south of Point Arena. Thanks to the efforts of the Mendocino Land Trust and funds from the California State Coastal Conservancy, 73 acres of open space has been protected from future development. This spectacular place has a small Bishop pine forest, open meadows with wildflowers, a small stream, and other habitats that support many species. Dramatic white limestone cliffs line the waterfront and are visible from the bluff top trail.

This new park is called Pelican Bluffs Preserve and it has a new (small) parking lot and 2.2 miles of trail called the Pelican Bluffs Coastal Trail. A loop trail explores the preserve’s various habitats and another trail extends along the bluff’s edge to the south on an adjacent property. It is this southern extension that leads to the only beach access from the bluff. This unofficial beach access is located approximately 1000 feet from the intersection with the loop trail where a section of the bluff leans back to create a more gradual slope. An old road on that property ends where the route down the bluff begins. There is no beach access from the preserve itself and the cliff edges are dangerous so stay back.

The entrance to the Pelican Bluffs Preserve parking lot is on Highway 1 about one mile south of the general store in Point Arena. The parking lot and preserve is open dawn until dusk daily (no camping). Note that bikes are not allowed on the trails, but dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.

Address

26300 Shoreline Highway
Point Arena, CA 95468

Other Names

Pelican Bluffs Reserve

Owner

Trust

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking, Walking, Whale Watching, Birdwatching

Amenities

Trails, Benches, Picnic Tables, Accessible Parking Lot & Pathways

Links

Point Arena Surf Report
California Pacific Ocean Temperatures
California Title Tables