Entire apartment

Oceanfront Studio with views of the Pacific Ocean & Direct Access to the Beach S

Photo gallery for Oceanfront Studio with views of the Pacific Ocean & Direct Access to the Beach S

Property grounds
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Jetted bath, hair dryer, towels, soap
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Ocean view

Explore the area

View map
Gualala, CA
  • Cooks Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Bowling Ball Beach
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Gualala Point Regional Park
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Gualala

Located in Gualala, this apartment is by the ocean, a 3-minute drive from Cooks Beach and 7 minutes from Gualala River. .This beach apartment is 4 mi (6.5 km) from Studio 391 Fine Art Gallery and 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from Alinder Gallery of Photography.

What's nearby

  • Cooks Beach - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Gualala Arts Center - 11 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Sea Ranch Golf Links - 11 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Bowling Ball Beach - 14 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Gualala Point Regional Park - 16 min drive - 10.1 km

Getting around

  • Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 128 min drive

Restaurants

  • Trinks
  • ‪Cove Azul Bar An Grill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Vue Kitchen - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Gualala Seafood Shack - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Anchor Bay Thai Kitchen - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Oceanfront Studio with views of the Pacific Ocean & Direct Access to the Beach S

Your room is a soothing 2nd story Studio good for two people (no dogs/pets) in an oceanfront Inn 90 feet above the bluff. This oceanfront Inn is a longtime and well-established small business; family-owned, managed and operated, that is now tapping into VRBO's clientele.

The Studio has complimentary WiFi, a queen-size bed, leather couch and armchair, table for two, kitchen with the basic necessities, private bathroom has a jetted Jacuzzi tub with an overhead shower, and a private balcony facing the Pacific Ocean. No landline or TV; bring your IPad or laptop for any online in-room entertainment.

The private kitchen has a refrigerator; stove/oven; microwave; single-serve Keurig coffee/tea machine; assorted pots & pans, assorted serving dishes; and dinnerware (plates/glasses/cutlery) set up for four. No condiments. No separate restaurant nor any meals served or available onsite.

Free parking onsite. No dogs / pets allowed. No TVs or landlines.

We are on the water side of Scenic Highway 1, right at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the cove. Please note that the online map locator may not be accurate. We are oceanfront. Once you are here, you don't have to still drive or hike to the beach. You can see, hear and sometimes even smell the ocean from your room right on the cliff bluff.

A community room for all our guests is accessible onsite nearby with more stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from a 6-sided wraparound deck overlooking the cliff. The community room has a circular fireplace, semi-kitchen facilities (e.g. microwave, toaster oven, dinnerware, coffeemaker, sink - no stove/oven), board games, puzzles, binoculars, magazines and books.

We do have several Ring security cameras onsite for your security as well as ours. They are motion activated and set up in the parking lot, outside each building (we have 5), overlooking the meadow and at the gate to access the beach stairs. There are no cameras inside any unit or inside any common area, except for the office/lobby.

All guests have direct access to Anchor Bay Beach down below via 134 steps! Yes, 134!!

The Studio is located in a property that, while officially a part of Gualala, is physically located in the village of Anchor Bay, at the 5-mile Scenic Highway 1 marker of the Southern Mendocino Coast.

Anchor Bay village has a coffee shop, local market, laundromat and a great Thai restaurant.

About 4.5 miles South towards the downtown Gualala area, there are multiple art galleries, Gualala Art Center, restaurants, bakery, pizza parlor, two supermarkets, two gas stations, two churches, clinic, post office and a bank.

Just 5 miles South is the town of Sea Ranch in Sonoma County with 6 public beach access points and trails and two restaurants.

Heading North in about 6 miles is Bowling Ball Beach / Schooners Gulch. And 10 miles North is the City of Point Arena with its Historic and active lighthouse and the Stornetta Lands National Public Monument hiking trails.

About one hour's drive further North is the quaint town of Mendocino, and another twenty minutes or so brings you to the City of Fort Bragg. In between is Anderson Valley, our own version of Napa Valley, with lots of wineries and breweries.

Just driving along California Coastal Highway 1 is magical all unto itself!
Make yourself comfortable in this apartment, which features a fireplace. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. The bathroom has a jetted bathtub and a hair dryer.
This smoke-free apartment features books, games, and snorkeling nearby. Recreational activities include surfing/body boarding nearby, hiking/biking trails nearby, and kayaking nearby.
Guests will find features like internet access, onsite parking, and a car charging station.

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Cable/satellite channels
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 30 steps to reach entrance
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the bay
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Electric car charging station
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Recycling
  • Towels (changed on request)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Minors 13 and above allowed as 1 of 2 guests max.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number #126620

Oceanfront Studio with views of the Pacific Ocean & Direct Access to the Beach S Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 57 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness
A quiet, lovely escape! Miren is a wonderful host and it was a pleasure to meet Sophie (the dog). The place is full of character - meaning yes, it's a bit quirky and possibly outdated with lots of work to be done, however it was a quiet, comfortable stay with all the accommodations and necessary comforts. We stayed in the Swan room partially because of the bathtub. The bathtub is a glorious vintage (really) jacuzzi soaking tub underneath a large windowed area. The water ran hot, the jets worked fine, but the grout has been stained and could be replaced in some spots, but it wasn't dirty.We spent an evening in the Whale Watch community room, playing board games and listening to music. We travelled in the low season so no one was there to do the same, but it was a great central hang place.The private access beach was a true gem. The stairs are perilous, but worth the risk to have your own little cove to relax in.This place would be great for a small group gathering for several days. Plenty of different rooms with different accommodations and the community room is under utilized, but would be great for groups. All in all, it's a gem of a stay, but it's not a 5* resort. If you can handle age, love vintage (especially great furnishings!), enjoy quiet (though there is road noise being ON Hwy 1) this inn is a perfect stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tanya B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent EVERYTHING!! Thank you Miren!!! We’re definitely coming again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jon G.

Liked: Cleanliness
For the money, this is a great place to stay on the north coast. You are just a staircase away from a beautiful beach. We were in the Swan studio suite: great view from the balcony, well-equipped, and clean. Miren was a very friendly, attentive host, with great communication. The whole inn has bit of a "faded glory" feel to it: furniture and decor are dated, and the mattress wasn't great. But again, for a place right on the beach in this area, this was a great place and a great price. We'd happily stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Patricia M.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness

A little piece of paradise

We had a wonderful stay! The room had everything we could have hoped for, and the view was absolutely amazing. Miren was a fantastic host; knowledgeable about the area and full of great recommendations. We would definitely come back!
View from the Swan room
Had the beach to ourselves!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rod M.

Liked: Cleanliness
very nice, perfect for our couple night get away
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Larry L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great value

Great place for the price. Bathroom could use some talc and jacuzzi tub did not work otherwise great.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Carla T.

This is an older property and quite rundown. 4 stars for cleanliness in the room which has a definite vintage vibe. 1 star on the grounds which have not been maintained… at all. If you want to unplug (no tv, but good wi-fi) and plan to explore off sight this is a good fit for the price.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Just Right

My sister and I had a couple of days of much-needed rest and relaxation at the Whale Watch Inn. Everything inside our studio room was beautifully clean and in good repair. Outdoors, the property is not formally landscaped and groomed, which produces a friendly, casual atmosphere. The ocean view is delightful! I would definitely return.
The view from Whale Watch Inn grounds.
Whale Watch Inn buildings.
Wonderful shower in the Swan room!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sundeep P., Castro Valley, CA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Great ocean front stay

The property was as described and is in a quiet location overlooking the ocean. The grounds are very nice. Miren was very helpful and helped us with getting an extension cord so we could charge our EV.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Eva W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet Getaway

We had a wonderful relaxing weekend at Whale Watch Inn. We stayed in the Swan Room. Quiet, secluded studio with private balcony. Wonderful, jetted tub!!! Just what we needed to unwind from a busy lifestyle. Thanks Miren!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn K.

Liked: Cleanliness

A quiet place in Anchor Bay

A beautiful property run by lovely people.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Bruce V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beach Access

Nice property, central location, climbed down to their beach access as ell as going to boulder beachHost extremely nice & helpfulExcellent thai food restuarant close by
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hannah A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful Getaway

It was wonderful to stay in this studio with a view of the ocean, a fireplace, and very welcoming host! It's a very short drive from the town of Gualala which has groceries, a couple good restaurants, and cute shops! The kitchen is equipped with the basics and the tub is spacious :)
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth N., San Francisco, CA

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet & quaint

Great to have a kitchen, comfy bed, plenty of space with a lovely view of the ocean and direct access to a small beach walking down the steps on the cliff.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Paul R., SF Bay Area

Liked: Cleanliness

WHALE WATCH INN

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS, QUIET AND PEACEFUL.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quaint but grand!

Great view and friendly, knowledgeable host!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful and Romantic location

My boyfriend and I had a great time and want it to be our special place for the future
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shenandoah K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful and peaceful getaway

We had a wonderful time enjoying Sea Ranch for the first time. Miren was an excellent host and the property is quiet, relaxing, and lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Miren #1 Hostess

We enjoyed our stay very much. Just what we needed! Peace, tranquility, no stress!Beatiful views, beach, property. Miren helps set this place apart from others with her warm welcome and wonderful sense of humor. We thank Miren for making our trip extra special. We'll be back soon!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing!!

We loved every moment!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful place to stay

Clean, great communication, close to trails, definitely will be back
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., Cloverdale, Ca

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet Getaway

Miren was so kind and attentive. Loved the room and property. We will definitely make it a regular getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great view

Great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025