Escape the everyday by making plans to stay at one of our Gualala vacation rentals. Quiet and quaint, this small town on the Northern California Coast welcomes with friendly locals and beautiful natural vistas.
View 29 more homes
Yes, 52 of our Gualala homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).
Browse dog-friendly homes >Yes. 148 of our Gualala vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Gualala team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >Sitting along California Highway 1 on the Pacific coast, Gualala is easily reached from US 101. It's south of Mendocino, Albion, and Elk, with Sonoma County bordering just below. At 115 miles north of San Francisco, Gualala is out of reach of the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Over the coastal ridges to the east is Northern California wine country; its neighbors are the similarly quiet Anchor Bay and Sea Ranch.
Say it aloud - "wha-la-la." That's how this seaside gem is pronounced, and it's just as delightful to visit as it is to say. The name comes from a Kashaya Pomo phrase that refers to the downward flow of the Gualala River into the ocean, which is a spot where gray whales migrate two each year.
Start off your day whenever you want, because there's no reason to be in a hurry here! Fix yourself a fabulous breakfast in the kitchen of your Gualala vacation home, then take your pick from relaxing and revitalizing activities like biking, fishing, and golfing at Sea Ranch Golf Links.
Explore the small town's natural beauty on foot via the Gualala Bluff Trail, a newer path with stellar sea views. Look at herons or hummingbirds, and don't forget your camera. Dip your feet or take your dogs for a swim in the river. Visit Gualala Riverwood Park and look up at towering California Redwoods. There are also many trails just a few miles south in nearby Sea Ranch.
Gualala restaurants are often warm and comforting, offering casual dining with a laid-back attitude. Visit Trinks Cafe during the day for fresh sandwiches and coffee or come in the evening for one of their specialty weeknight dinners. After a day exploring, you'll return to one of our Gualala vacation rentals happy!
The Northern California Coast is all about escaping the hustle and bustle of the state's crowded cities. It's rustic and wild, yet serene at the same time. If you're looking for a taste of sophistication, take a day trip inland to heaven - a.k.a. wine country.
Get up early and take a leisurely drive south on California Highway 1, then turn east onto State Route 116 toward Duncan Mills, a charming village offering Cape Fear Cafe for a nice breakfast, as well as vintage shops and art galleries. Continue on 116 toward Guerneville, home to many must-visit Russian River wineries. Make the most of your drive with a tour at Korbel followed by lunch at their gourmet deli - then bring back a bottle of a local varietal to enjoy at your private seaside lodge.
This small town is a real treat for a weekend getaway or low-key respite during your road trip. Make your visit unforgettable with a stay at one of our Gualala vacation rentals!
Photo credit: Zemistor via Flickr
