Fort Bragg, CA

Travel Guide

Glass Beach featuring rugged coastline
North Coast California
North Coast California
Glass Beach which includes a pebble beach
Glass Beach showing a pebble beach

Marvel at the iconic recycled sea glass on the beaches and explore the varied museums of this former military garrison.

Fort Bragg is a popular destination on the Mendocino Coast due to its intriguing history and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. This former military garrison has many activities, parks and museums. Travel through the coastal parks for the town’s most picturesque scenery.

Enjoy the sunny, warm summers with a trip to Pudding Creek Beach. Sunbathe or picnic on the powdery sand at the mouth of the creek. The beach has an antiquated wooden bridge and scenic nature trails.

Stroll along the three bays of the iconic Glass BeachOpens in a new window to see the myriad colors of the shiny pebbles. The beach is a former trash site, where car batteries, headlights and other plastic and glass items have been eroded and smoothed by the ocean’s waves.

Pick up the various translucent objects and imagine what they were in a former life. Leave the colorful items to be discovered by other visitors. Explore the intriguing displays of the Sea Glass Museum, a little south of town, for a better understanding of this fascinating phenomenon.

In the central part of Fort Bragg is the Guest House Museum, which chronicles the history of the town and the Mendocino region. For a more modern theme, visit the Triangle Tattoo Museum just across the road. Learn about tattoos across different cultures and consider getting a tattoo in this parlor.

Fort Bragg is known for its spectacular coastal scenery. Explore the trails meandering around the cliffs of Porno Bluffs Park, the Mendocino Coast Botanical GardensOpens in a new window and MacKerricher State Park.

Located in Mendocino County, Fort Bragg is in the northwestern region of California. Fly to San Francisco International Airport and head north for 180 miles (290 kilometers) to get here. Get around the area by bus or rental car. Nearby towns and landmarks include MendocinoOpens in a new window, Eureka and the Jackson State Forest.

With glass beaches and a military past, Fort Bragg is an exceptional town on the Mendocino Coast.

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.
Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.
2 out of 5
763 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA
Stay at this hotel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (902 reviews)
"Great room"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.
Seabird Lodge
Seabird Lodge
3.5 out of 5
191 South Street, Fort Bragg, CA
The price is ¥19,070 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
¥19,070
¥23,600 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa lodge in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Great location, nice kitchenette unit and great having a hot tub nearby. Wonderful breakfast"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Seabird Lodge
Harbor Lite Lodge
Harbor Lite Lodge
2.5 out of 5
120 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA
The price is ¥33,096 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
¥33,096
¥38,126 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach motel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, a conference center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,206 reviews)
"Very clean and Quiet. Updated rooms and fabulous views."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Harbor Lite Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Jughandle Coast Vacation Home
Jughandle Coast Vacation Home
Fort Bragg
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Skunk Train and Glass Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (163 reviews)
So many beds!
"Plenty of spaces for a good sized group! Very clean …. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Jughandle Coast Vacation Home
Charming Tiny House nestled in the redwoods, less than a mile from the beach.
Charming Tiny House nestled in the redwoods, less than a mile from the beach.
Fort Bragg
Stay at this apartment in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Glass Beach and Skunk Train are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Quiet hideaway
"We had a short one night stay. Very tidy property. Host was amazing. Great gated yard to tuck in the bikes at night."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Charming Tiny House nestled in the redwoods, less than a mile from the beach.
NOT JUST ANOTHER BED IN A BOX!!!   AMAZING & ROMANTIC
NOT JUST ANOTHER BED IN A BOX!!! AMAZING & ROMANTIC
Fort Bragg
Book a stay at this beach cottage in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
Very ce
"Very nice, private w amazing views"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

NOT JUST ANOTHER BED IN A BOX!!! AMAZING & ROMANTIC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Fort Bragg

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
374
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
342
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
84
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Jason

lots of fun things to do, very laid back vibe, great shopping, beaches, and eateries

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fort Bragg has very cute downtown area the beaches are beautiful and try the North Coast Brewery Brewery everything there was amazing

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

There are so many beautiful beaches and quaint shops

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots of good food. Not as much shopping as I would have liked. Skunk Train was fun.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We were there to look at property as we are ready to retire there. We love the area and I have been going there for nearly seventy years.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The ocean town was excellent even though it rained the whole day

Cities near Fort Bragg