| Schooner Gulch State Beach | |
| Map: | California |
| Location: | Mendocino County, California |
| Length: | <1 mile |
| Type: | Beach |
| Free Label 1: | Patrolled by |
| Free Label 2: | Hazard rating |
| Free Label 3: | Access |
Schooner Gulch State Beach is a public beach located in Mendocino County, California. It is located approximately 50 miles northwest of Santa Rosa.[1] The park is famous for Bowling Ball Beach, where visitors can view natural spherical sandstone concretions at low tide. The beach offers a scenic spot along the Mendocino coast and a stunning place for watching sunsets. Visitors to the beach come to surf, fish, and picnic.[2] Hiking is also a very popular activity at this beach, and there are multiple trails along the coast.[3]
The long-abandoned settlement of Schooner Gulch, California was located in the area, but no trace remains within the park.
The Point Arena State Marine Reserve & Point Arena State Marine Conservation Area are two marine protected areas that extend offshore from Point Arena, which is three miles north of Schooner Gulch State Beach. Sea Lion Cove State Marine Conservation Area and Saunders Reef State Marine Conservation Area lie south of Point Arena. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.