The thousands of acres of public land are a boon to the hunter. Shelter Cove and the Pacific Ocean are a haven to the diver, boater, fisherman and beachcomber. The forests are home to man and wildlife alike, with hiking and cycling trails and camping facilities. The Benbow Golf Course is a challenging par 70 and open to the public. There are four distinct seasons, but all are mild.
Summers are warm, sunny days and cool nights.
Winters are moerate, with rainy days interspersed with sunny days and cooler nights. There are some nights of frost at the coldest extreeme. Medical facilities include a 20 bed modern hospital, five doctors, three dentists, an optometrist and a good ambulance service. Fire protection is excellent with well trained volunteer fire departments and the California Department of forestry. Schools are good, with six elementary facilities, a Junior High and four year High School.