[2] It is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northwest of Gualala,[5] at an elevation of 105 feet (32 m).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 3.5 square miles (9.1 km2), all of it land.

The climate of Anchor Bay is Mediterranean, characterized by warm, dry summers, at times exceeding 78 °F or 25.6 °C, and mild, rainy winters, with lows at night falling below freezing at times.

In the state legislature, Anchor Bay is in the 2nd Senate District, represented by Democrat Mike McGuire,[24] and the 2nd Assembly District, represented by Democrat Chris Rogers.

[25] Federally, Anchor Bay is in California's 2nd congressional district, represented by Democrat Jared Huffman.