Schooner Gulch-Moat Creek is located about three miles south of Point Arena and boasts public access via Moat Creek, which is a collaboration between the Surfrider Foundation and the State Coastal Conservancy. To get there, it’s just a short walk from the dirt parking lot to a small, tucked-away reef that usually comes alive during clean southwest swells. The spot is somewhat sheltered from the prevailing northwest winds, making it a decent option in the springtime. It’s worth noting that the beach here is pretty small, which might limit your sunbathing opportunities at high tide.

The surf at Moat Creek works best when the swells come from the south or north and can handle sizes around 2 feet (0.6 meters) up to about head high. The waves break over a mix of rock ledge and sand, creating a mushy peak that can come in from both the left and the right. Mid tide is the sweet spot for this location, so keep that in mind when planning your session. The rocky beachbreak at Schooner Gulch, meanwhile, is only surfable when conditions are small and clean, thanks to the shallow, wooded canyon backdrop. This spot has the advantage of rarely being crowded, so you might enjoy a more laid-back vibe while you’re there.

At low tide, be prepared for lots of seaweed and some rock obstacles that can make paddling out a bit more challenging. However, the cool tidepools that appear are a nice bonus to check out while you’re there. So, if you’re looking for a spot with some unique features and a chance to catch some decent waves, Schooner Gulch-Moat Creek can be worth the visit.