Fort Bragg – The Coastal Gem of Mendocino

Located just 10 miles north of Mendocino, Fort Bragg is the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Northern Californian coast. Though it has a quaint atmosphere, the town is bustling, with over 30 lodging options and more than 60 restaurants. Most of these establishments can be found in Downtown Fort Bragg. Locals and tourists alike love stopping by Cowlick’s Hand Made Ice Cream for a frosty treat, and dining on vibrant lunch and dinner dishes at the Mayan Fusion Restaurant. After having your fill, you can explore the town’s many sights and attractions, including the Sea Glass Museum, Ananse Village Antiques, and the Triangle Tattoo Museum.

Fort Bragg is the ultimate retreat for visitors who love the outdoors. Don’t miss a trip to the famous Glass Beach, where the shore is lined with glistening colored glass pebbles. The Main Beach at MacKerricher State Park also provides scenic views of the rocky coastline, and is a prime spot for whale-watching in the fall and spring. Boardwalks provide access to teeming tide pools. Pomo Bluffs Park is another excellent shore side area to obtain fantastic views of the sea and Noyo Harbor Beach.

Just off Highway 1, close to the Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery, you’ll find the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Here, you can walk through paths lined by lush flowers, many of which are rare species. The gardens extend to a ridge that overlooks the ocean. Be sure to also catch a ride on the Skunk Train, which will take you on a breathtaking trip through the redwood forest.

Fort Bragg is Northern California’s gem of the coast. It offers something for everyone, which is why it is a vacation destination so many visitors return to again and again.