Fort Bragg’s beaches are an important part of the city’s history and identity. For thousands of years before European settlement, Native peoples, including the Pomo, used the Mendocino Coast’s beaches and shoreline to gather shellfish, seaweed, salt, and other resources. In the mid-1800s, as Fort Bragg developed from a military post established in 1857 into a thriving lumber town, its coastline became essential for shipping redwood lumber and supplies. Over time, the beaches evolved from working waterfronts into popular recreational destinations.
We added about 3.5 hours to our drive to visit the iconic Glass Beach, but left feeling a bit disappointed. While it’s still a scenic spot, there wasn’t much glass to see anymore.
It seems like most of the sea glass has disappeared over time. I can’t help but wonder if visitors have been taking pieces home. Either way, it didn’t quite live up to the expectations.
The beach was easy to get to once you park. Definitely good for kids and pets because there is a bunch of open space and in the cove the waves aren’t big at all. No bathrooms or rinse station so be prepared.
We actually loved this beach because of the adventure getting to it. **It is not easily accessible or easy to find the access**
The path was muddy, overgrown, and takes an adventurous attitude to trek it. You need to scale a steep wall at the bottom utilizing ropes (on site) to go up and down. Probably not great for a beach day with loss of goodies and in sandals. Great place to walk and see some new scenery in solitude.
Al Kuehnast
Fort Bragg’s beaches are an important part of the city’s history and identity. For thousands of years before European settlement, Native peoples, including the Pomo, used the Mendocino Coast’s beaches and shoreline to gather shellfish, seaweed, salt, and other resources. In the mid-1800s, as Fort Bragg developed from a military post established in 1857 into a thriving lumber town, its coastline became essential for shipping redwood lumber and supplies. Over time, the beaches evolved from working waterfronts into popular recreational destinations.
Louise
We added about 3.5 hours to our drive to visit the iconic Glass Beach, but left feeling a bit disappointed. While it’s still a scenic spot, there wasn’t much glass to see anymore.
It seems like most of the sea glass has disappeared over time. I can’t help but wonder if visitors have been taking pieces home. Either way, it didn’t quite live up to the expectations.
JSt
Want a place to sit in your vehicle meditating to the crashing waves, or trails along the cliffs? This is your spot.
Chef Wills
The beach was easy to get to once you park. Definitely good for kids and pets because there is a bunch of open space and in the cove the waves aren’t big at all. No bathrooms or rinse station so be prepared.
Kristin Havelka
We actually loved this beach because of the adventure getting to it. **It is not easily accessible or easy to find the access**
The path was muddy, overgrown, and takes an adventurous attitude to trek it. You need to scale a steep wall at the bottom utilizing ropes (on site) to go up and down. Probably not great for a beach day with loss of goodies and in sandals. Great place to walk and see some new scenery in solitude.