Point Arena (Arena Cove) is one of the best setups north of San Francisco, tucked at the south end of the Point Arena township. It's a rock-ledge reef with two options either side of the pier: a left on the south side and a punchy right off the point to the north. The inside holds sharp, dry rocks, so this is a wave for expert surfers rather than a casual session.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from the south through to the north (S-N) and is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 6.1 m / 20 ft. It needs a clean, roughly head-high swell to start breaking, and the bigger the better, the right off the point in particular wants some size in the six-foot-plus range before it fires. Autumn, from September through November, is the season, and both the waves and the crowds stay fairly consistent.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind. North winds blow sideshore but stay semi-clean, while a south wind is the one to avoid. On tide, mid tide is the call, with a rising tide generally the better window.
Local Tips
Expect a busy lineup when it's on, though the atmosphere is friendly. Bring a shortboard for the smaller, punchier days and a gun when it gets big. Given the size it can reach and the sharp reef waiting on the inside, this is expert terrain.
Access
From Highway 1, head west onto Port Road, where there's a car park with free parking.
