Twenty-seven miles up the road from Sea Ranch, Point Arena Lighthouse (perhaps best known for its role in the 1992 movie Forever Young) is built on a finger of land that juts precariously into the Pacific. The lighthouse, two miles down a small road from the town of Point Arena, is accompanied by four small red-roofed buildings that provide overnight rooms for a bona fide beacon experience. Climbing the 145 spiraling stairs up the lighthouse offers spectacular views; at the top, a staffer spins tales that illuminate the history of this storied spot.

TIP: On the drive back to the Sea Ranch region—at mile-marker 10.50—there's an unnamed pullout on the western side of the highway that leads to a perfect whale-watching parking area. In cold weather, stay in the car with the heat on and your eyes peeled for blow spouts. (Bring binoculars.)

Point Arena Lighthouse, 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena; 707-882-2777. Admission is $5; open everyday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.