Point Arena and Arena Cove
A study of the coast and its relation to the city.
Landis Bennett
Geography 133
University of California, Berkeley
December 4, 1997
The city of Point Arena in Mendocino county has had a long time connection with the coast. The point and Arena Cove located just south of it supported the birth of the region and continue to support its existence. The history of the area shows the connection between the residents and the ocean. This connection is explored with particular attention to the geographical features of this region and the reasons why Point Arena and Arena Cove are located in the ideal place for a city such as Point Arena to develop. From its logging town and shipping port history through its tourism subsistence today, the coast is the reason for this city.
Along the rocky northern coast of California about 130 miles north of San Francisco is the small city of Point Arena. Located in the southern part of Mendocino county along State Highway 1, Point Arena is one of only four incorporated cities that exist in that county, and, at a population of just over 400 people, one of the smallest cities in the United States. The coastal access is provided by means of Arena Cove where a wharf with a crane is able to lower boats to the water. The rough, rocky coastline obstructs any type of boat ramps. Arena Cove is the only access for boats between Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg. Arena Cove and Point Arena have played a leading role in the history of the city, the cause for its settlement, the economic draw of its early days, and the reason people still live there and visit today.
E-mail the author, Landis Bennett, at landis@ocf.berkeley.edu