Bowling Ball Beach Trailhead

Hiking area · Mendocino County ·

Bowling Ball Beach Trailhead

Hiking area · Mendocino County ·

Spherical sandstone formations visible at low tide; steep trail

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28500 Coast Hwy, Point Arena, CA 95468 Get directions

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25 Best Beaches in California to Visit This Year

"This section of Schooner Gulch State Beach becomes visually striking at low tide when near-perfect rows of large, spherical sandstone concretions sit atop the sand — formations created as the coastline eroded rather than boulders deposited by the tide. Reaching the shore from Highway 1 requires a bit of a scramble, and nearby Point Arena offers treats at Franny's Cup and Saucer (noted for an "out-of-this-world gingersnap") and clam chowder at Pier Place on the Point Arena Fishing Pier." - Adeline Duff Adeline Duff Adeline Duff is a writer and editor who specializes in beauty, wellness, and travel. A former Travel + Leisure editor, she discovered her passion for exploring the beauty habits of other cultures while working for the brand. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-beaches-in-california

Bowling Ball Beach Trailhead

Josiah R.

Google

Parking can be tricky, but if you get a spot make sure that when you leave the highway and stay *right* (north) to get to Bowling Ball Beach *and not* to the left which takes you to Schooner Gulch. Also, the "bowling ball" shaped stones are only visible at low tide, so be sure to check the tide charts.

Alex K.

Google

Overgrown and there are TWO trails. The large one to the left takes you to Schooner’s Gulch and NOT the bowling balls. Keep walking up on the parking lot and you will see a trail on the right…that goes to the bowling balls. No restrooms.

Crystal P.

Google

We got there an hour before low tide. Gotta go online and check the times for that. Hike from car to the bottom of trail was about 5 mins one way. Very steep downgrade at the end of trail. Wear hiking boots! No public bathroom. Hike back up is very steep incline. I had to stop twice to catch my breath.

Nicholas B.

Google

Limited parking, so arrive early. Ensure you pick the right trail: the trail on the left (south end of the parking area) goes to Schooner Gulch, the trail on the right (north end of parking area) goes to a stairwell that leads to the beach where you can walk a short distance north to reach the bowling balls. The stairs were in poor condition due to a massive buildup of driftwood, but the beach is still accessible. Really cool site at low tide with great tide pools!

Claire B.

Google

Such a gorgeous beach! It’s absolutely stunning. Not much in terms of parking (only alongside the road) and there are no bathrooms. It’s a bit tricky getting down to the ocean you have to traverse a river filled with broken logs. Watch your step!

Claude-Orphée L.

Google

Definitely worth stopping to walk and do some rocks watching and cliff and rock formations are dope!!!!! 😯

angela S.

Google

Perfect day! Gorgeous beach and very nice trails. Stop here!

Scott S.

Google

Secluded little treasure. Felt a bit alien to be honest. Definitely worth a visit.

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

25 Best Beaches in California to Visit This Year

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-beaches-in-california

Bowling Ball Beach Trailhead

Josiah R.

Google

Alex K.

Google

Crystal P.

Google

Nicholas B.

Google

Claire B.

Google

Claude-Orphée L.

Google

Definitely worth stopping to walk and do some rocks watching and cliff and rock formations are dope!!!!! 😯

angela S.

Google

Perfect day! Gorgeous beach and very nice trails. Stop here!

Scott S.

Google

Secluded little treasure. Felt a bit alien to be honest. Definitely worth a visit.

Bowling Ball Beach Trailhead

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25 Best Beaches in California to Visit This Year

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25 Best Beaches in California to Visit This Year