Manchester State Park
State Park · Manchester, California
Manchester State Park is a wild, windy stretch of the Mendocino County coast near Point Arena, reached from Highway 1 on the northern side of the Garcia River. It has miles of shoreline, long beaches heaped with driftwood, low dunes and grassland behind them, and a rugged, remote feel with very few other visitors (confirm). Alder Creek and the mouth of the Garcia River meet the sea within the park, and there is a primitive campground set back from the shore - confirm its size and fees. The San Andreas Fault runs offshore here, a fact worth knowing for its earthquake history. The Point Arena Lighthouse and the town of Point Arena are nearby, but this is no sunbathing beach: fog, wind, cold water, sneaker waves and rogue waves make the shore dangerous. It suits beachcombers, photographers and campers who want solitude, not swimmers or visitors short on time. Bring layers, food, water and a full tank, because services are few and distances are long.
Kinney Rd, Manchester, California, 95459, United States
Hours are commonly sunrise to sunset, which fits a day-use coastal park. There is no staffed entrance that we know of, so confirm hours, any fee box and campground check-in with California State Parks before you go. The campground is primitive and reportedly set behind the dunes, so reserve through the State Parks system if required and confirm what is open. Fog, high winds, winter storms and wildfire smoke can close roads or make the park unpleasant. Night walks on the beach are unsafe because of waves and logs, and the nearest services are in Point Arena, so arrive with daylight left and enough fuel.
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