The name Gualala comes from the Kashaya Pomo Indian phrase, “ah Kha wa la lee” which means, “where the water flows down,” which is not surprising since the Gualala River flows into the Pacific Ocean right across from the center of town. Located in the Southernmost edge of Mendocino County and perched on bluffs high above the Pacific, the small and beautiful village of Gualala is home to the Gualala Arts Center where ongoing art openings and exhibits, concerts and live theatrical productions, lectures, classes and community events are hosted. As a nature lover’s paradise, one can find river otter, osprey, egret and heron along the Gualala River and whales, sea lions, pelicans, and osprey along the Pacific coastline. Gualala also offers an array of interesting galleries and shops.
Annual events include the Redwood Coast Whale and Jazz Festival (1st weekend in April), the celebrated Art in the Redwoods Festival (3rd weekend in August), and the Studio Discovery Tour (1st two weekends in September). Two privately owned campgrounds are available on either side of the Gualala River.