It is the century old Wharf Master's House that is the centerpiece of our inn. It is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places, has been lovingly restored, and is available for visitors to rent as a vacation house.
Click here to learn more about the historical Wharf Master's Inn & House in Mendocino County and the local area.

A Beautiful Location

The Wharf Master's Inn is located on California's infamous rugged and unpredictable Northern California Coast. Many ships and lives have been lost due to the treacherous nature of the currents in this area, and it is said that the seas in this region are the most dangerous in the Western Hemisphere.

The sheltered location of the Wharf Master's Inn makes it an ideal destination any time of the year. Our luxurious rooms feature fireplaces, two person spa tubs, four post feather beds, private balconies, satellite television, and more.

One of California's smallest cities, Point Arena is distinguished as a state historical district on meandering Highway 1 in southern Mendocino County. From the slopes of the coastal ridge to the sea spray of the Pacific Ocean, the town enjoys a moderate climate with misty fog carried on coastal breezes interspersed with warm, sunny days. The Wharf Master is the best choice for hotels in Point Arena and Mendocino.

Arena Cove, Point Arena CA

Due to the remoteness of its location, and the navigational dangers of the area, this part of Mendocino County's coastline has remained pristine, with the human hand weighing lightly on the landscape. Local flora and fauna has flourished over thousands of years, and the historic Wharf Master's Inn is a great place to view all forms of wildlife including migrating gray whales, beautiful harbor seals, bird species such as tundra swans, cormorants, albatross, great blue heron, egrets, spotted owls, red tail hawks and more. Deer, bobcats, raccoons, jack rabbits and other native species thrive in this animal friendly environment free of pollution and overcrowding. During season, it is possible to get fresh salmon or crab caught locally, and served the same day.

Our Seasons

Rare Coastal Wildflowers Local Spring Creek Along The Road To The Cove

The four seasons are distinctly apparent here with weather patterns exciting and unpredictable. In the summer you may encounter beautiful blue skies with 300 mile visibility that can turn into thick fog within a few minutes. A highlight of the summer season is Point Arena's annual 4th of July parade which fills the town with colorful music, cheers and balloons. The fireworks display is a dramatic, sky-high show staged on the Point Arena Pier at Arena Cove. Perched on the cliff above the cove, the Wharf Master's Inn is the perfect spot to experience this dramatic fireworks presentation. Fall colors of changing leaves fill the landscape, which glisten as light rain showers start passing through the region. The fall typically affords the visitor to the coast some of the best weather this area has to offer, with the recorded number of sunny, clear days from September through December significantly higher than any other season. Winter time is truly exciting, with major storms moving through that provide needed rain creating a lush, green landscape, and filling the local rivers and streams with water and nutrients. Guests to the coast are enthusiastic about watching these storms pass through, and the Wharf Master's Inn provides guests with a remarkable view for experiencing a major storm while keeping warm next to a cozy fire, perhaps sipping a glass of wine from their private balcony. Spring is a magical time on this part of the coast, as the wild flowers that bloom encompass every color of the rainbow. Some perennials you will see here are: White Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium), Coast Onion (Allium Dichlamydeum), Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis Margaritacea), Sea Pink (Armeria Maritima), Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja species), Hair Grass (Deschampsia Caespitosa), Live-forever (Dudleya Farinosa), Coastal California Poppy (Eschscholzia California Maritima), Bule Coast Gentian (Gentiana Affinis), Coastal Wild Strawberry (Fragaria Chiloensis), Wild Iris (Iris Douglasiana), Creeping Daisy (Lessingia Filaginifolia), Coast Goldenrod (Solidago Spathulata), Narrow Leafed Mule Ears (Wyethia Angustifolium), and many more!

The Area

Mendocino and Sonoma Counties are world famous for their wineries. While here, you can visit vineyards and tasting rooms close by that include Kendall-Jackson, Husch Vineyards, Navarro Vineyards, Fetzer, and Korbel, to name a few. Local attractions are many and include the famous Point Arena Lighthouse, the second tallest lighthouse in California, and the only one of significant height in the state one can climb to the top of. It is located at the tip of a narrow peninsula, surrounded by the ocean, and is a perfect place to watch migrating whales in season. There is an interesting maritime museum located in their historic fog signal building, and is a perfect afternoon excursion. Adjacent to the Point Arena Lighthouse, is some of the most spectacular coastal park lands available for hiking and fishing. If you feel like a drive, perhaps you would like to take a trip to Montgomery Woods, and see the largest redwood tree in the world. The historic Skunk Train is fun for everyone, and can be boarded in Fort Bragg, just 45 minutes north of the Wharf Master's Inn, and taken to the town of Willits. Once there, you can tour the Mendocino County Museum, and newly created Railroad Museum. Another fun destination is about one hour south of the hotel, Fort Ross State Park. Fort Ross was established in 1812 by Russians as an outpost for sea otter hunters and a permanent trade base. It was the southernmost outpost of a Russian presence in the Pacific Northwest. The Russians remained at Fort Ross until sea otters became scarce in 1841. Now, it is open to the public for tours and offers visitors the opportunity to experience what life must have been like in the early 1800's. There is also a wonderful museum there to explore.

Point Arena Lighthouse Bowling Ball Beach Fort Ross CA

More than a century of new world history and old world sophistication in a quiet corner of our busy world await you at the Wharf Master's Inn. This is a wonderful location for romantic interludes, family reunions, business conferences, gala weddings or a secluded honeymoon. Take a break from your normal rat-race, and enjoy a well earned vacation here. Take a soak in your private Jacuzzi tub or special order a deep tissue massage in the privacy of your room.

Window shopping is a favorite pastime for visitors to the Mendocino Coast. Boutique shops, art galleries and specialty stores abound, with something new to discover at every turn.

Hwy. 1 Coastline

Mouth Of Russian River

There are many superb restaurants nearby, and the proximity of the ocean places an emphasis on the concept of "fresh seafood." On Main Street, many Point Arena businesses are housed in historic buildings, some dating back to the 1800's. Among them is the beautifully restored Arena Theatre, a site where vaudeville shows once livened the downtown scene and where audiences are currently entertained with movies and live performances. The small city also features excellent gourmet dining, shops and galleries.

We invite you to please come experience the historic Wharf Master's Inn, and all it and the surrounding area has to offer. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time!

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