The Secret Spot Along The Northern California Coast You’ve Surprisingly Never Heard Of

A lot of people are familiar with the gorgeous Point Arena Lighthouse and surrounding area, but how many of us are familiar with the name "Stornetta Public Lands"? This incredible stretch of coastline actually includes Point Arena and was designated in 2014 as part of the California Coastal National Monument, which ensures the protection of islets, reefs and rock outcroppings along the coast. Read on to hear about why the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands are so awesome.

This protected land in Mendocino County features rocky coastline and iconic Northern California scenery.

The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands are the only land based segment of the national monument visitors are allowed on.

This piece of land features dramatic rocky coastline, fields of vibrant wildflowers, and surging waves.

In addition to the really interesting flora in the area, this land is the natural habitat of sea lions, beavers, shore birds and raptors.

It includes 1,665 acres just north of the small town of Point Arena. It ensures that this beautiful coastline will be will be preserved for future generations under the authority of the Antiquities Act.

The public is allowed to use the land for bird watching, fishing, picnicking, nature photography, and wildlife observation, but overnight camping and parking is prohibited.

From these public lands, you can see the Point Arena lighthouse, a historic and scenic spot that is great for whale watching, among other things.

This Historic Point Arena Lighthouse is bordered by part of the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands and visible from the monument area. The original version of the lighthouse was built nearly 150 years ago, and reconstructed almost from scratch after a devastating earthquake in 1906. It now reportedly draws about 40,000 visitors per year, and is a striking and iconic photographic subject.

Be sure to check out the museum on site.

This area draws about 1.75 million visitors per year, mostly from the Bay Area and Sacramento regions.

It's an outdoor enthusiast's dream location and represents the best of Northern California.

You will definitely enjoy visiting this beautiful slice of Northern California's landscape.

Have you visited the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands? If so, what did you think? For more Northern California coastal highlights, we think you might like This Natural Wonders Road Trip That Will Show You Northern California Like You Have Never Seen It Before.