Manchester State Park (California)

Manchester State Park
Campsite at Manchester State Park, September 2010
Show map of California Show map of the United States
Location	Mendocino County, California, United States
Nearest city	Manchester, California
Coordinates	38°58′26″N 123°42′45″W / 38.97389°N 123.71250°W / 38.97389; -123.71250
Area	5,272 acres (21.34 km2)
Established	1955
Governing body	California Department of Parks and Recreation

Manchester State Park (also known as Manchester State Beach) is a state park of California, United States. It includes 18,000 feet (5,500 m) of protected beachfront on the Pacific Ocean in Northern California on State Route 1, 7 miles (11 km) north of Point Arena. The park features sand dunes, flat grasslands and five miles of gentle, sandy beachfront.^[1] The park is noted for steelhead and salmon fishing in the park's two streams, Brush Creek and Alder Creek, as well as the driftwood that collects in the catch basin created by the gently curved coastline. The 5,272-acre (2,134 ha) site was established as a California state park in 1955 and takes its name from Manchester, California, seven miles north of Point Arena.^[2]

Aside from the coastal views, Manchester State Beach consists of grazing lands with flocks of sheep, and herds of cattle. Blue Irises, baby blue eyes, lupines, poppies, and sea pinks are featured in the park’s variety of wildflowers. Just off shore, the San Andreas Fault runs into the waters of the park.

From October to April, Humpback whales and Gray whales can be spotted offshore during the annual migration. Right off the coast of Arena Point, experienced divers can dive from boats to view kelp forests and other marine life found in the park's protected waters.^[3]

Camping is available on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are required and group campgrounds are available until the 16th of November.^[4]