We'd found the cutest 1 bedroom 1 bath cottage through AirBNB. In the case of Fort Bragg, skip the motel/hotel chains and do a search of aggregators. There are a lot of private rentals that are nicer and cheaper!
We couldn't believe our luck in finding this place!
The cottage is surrounded with beautiful gardens, one of which is a vegetable garden where the owner let us pick some fresh veggies for our meals.
Two outdoor areas, one private for the cottage, another common firepit area where guests could congregate.
But the selling point that put us over the top?
They had GOATS! Many of which wandered around the property and
hesitate to join you on your patio if they thought there was a goat treat handout to be had. I was in goat heaven!
We paid $1364 for 8 nights. That's $194.85 per night! And I kinda doubt you'll find a motel/hotel chain that offers goats as one of your amenities...
They kept us entertained during our stay, that's for sure!
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The Inn at Newport Ranch
Set on more than 2,000 acres about 11 miles north of central Fort Bragg, The Inn at Newport Ranch is rustic luxury at its best. With just 10 rooms, the seaside hotel is ideal for a quiet, romantic escape. There are plenty of picnic spots on the bluffs to soak up the scenic surroundings and even a mixed fir and redwood forest within the property's bounds. Guests can hike miles of trails or book a two-hour UTV tour of the spectacular property; a picnic lunch can be
added. Seasonal mushroom foraging excursions are another sought-after option. A full breakfast is included in the stay, as are in-room snacks. Reserve a table for dinner to see what the chef is cooking with local ingredients, including some grown in the on-site gardens.
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Noyo Harbor Inn
For a historic stay, book a room at Noyo Harbor Inn, set on the scenic Noyo River. Built in 1868, the inn has been meticulously restored with wooden Arts and Crafts details, and offers 15 rooms, a restaurant with a deck overlooking the river, and a spa. From here, you're minutes away from Noyo Headlands Park, Glass Beach, and shopping in downtown Fort Bragg.
Little River Inn
It’s perfectly reasonable to stay a bit outside of Fort Bragg's city limits in the name of a good hotel, and to that end, I’d recommend Little River Inn, which has welcomed guests since 1939. The property, which fans out from the original Victorian building, overlooks the Pacific and is located about 13 miles south of Fort Bragg, just past the adorable town of Mendocino. Cozy up next to your in-room fireplace, have a drink at the iconic Whale Watch Bar, and you’re on your way to a perfect stay.
Mendocino Grove
Another one worth the drive is Mendocino Grove, a top California glamping resort located about 11 miles south of Fort Bragg. The camp has dozens of furnished safari-style canvas tents, complete with down comforters on beds and leather butterfly chairs on the wooden front decks. While you’re still roughing it a bit with limited electricity in the tents, you do get your own fire ring (just ask for the campfire valet if you’re struggling to get things started). Additional amenities include a picnic table, two modern (and shared) bathhouses for a hot shower, daily yoga sessions, and hammocks and bocce ball courts on the grounds.
The accommodations above are all local resident recommended.
Get settled into your accommodations and begin to explore downtown Fort Bragg.
First stop for us was the Mendicino Chamber of Commerce to get the lowdown on Fort Bragg, get some maps, etc.
The people there are super friendly and helpful and can answer any questions you may have about what to see and do as well as upcoming events.
345 N. Franklin Street in Fort Bragg. Open 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM Monday-Friday
Mendicino Chamber of Commerce
Diane at Transformative Body Therapy is beyond fantastic. 250 N Main St Ste, D Fort Bragg.
Services Offered
Aromatherapy massage
Deep tissue massage
Hot stone massage
Myofascial massage
Reflexology massage
Sports massage
Swedish massage
Therapeutic massage
It had been awhile since Jay had a massage so I decided to start the trip off right by pampering him with a massage since there was a spa right in downtown Fort Bragg.
We highly, highly recommend Diane! She's a legitimate natural intuitive healer who "reads" your body as she works on you.
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Monday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Tuesday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Thursday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Although we couldn't find any walking tours we did find this scavenger hunt that gives you a tour of Fort Bragg while you play it, so we took that.
You play the game on your smartphone with your group as the game guides you through the city.
Tour downtown Fort Bragg. See the fascinating Glass Beach. Explore the coastal trail. See the charming downtown and much more.
Your group of 2 to 6 people works together to solve the 18 challenges on the scavenger hunt and it's suitable for all ages. You can do the scavenger hunt at any time that's convenient for you since you do it on your Smartphone and it's not a guided tour.
You'll walk about 2.5 miles so wear comfortable shoes. Or you can bike it, which is what we did.
The Scavenger Hunt took us to Fort Bragg's claim to fame...
Glass Beach is located in the coastal town of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County and is accessible via Highway 1.
The beach is known for its abundance of sea glass, predominantly white and clear pieces with some small green specks. It is a historic dumping site that has transformed into a beach layered with beautiful sea glass, including rare ruby reds from pre-1967 auto tail lights and sapphire gems from apothecary bottles.
It's free to visit but there's a short walk to the area and you sort of climb down to the water and it
can be muddy at times.
Glass Beach is one of Fort Bragg’s most hyped attractions, but it’s not worth the crowds and chaotic parking situation. While it’s a beautiful beach on its own, there are equally pretty beaches nearby without the hassle.
The main draw—the sea glass—is pretty underwhelming in person. You have to search hard to find small pieces, and it’s nowhere near as impressive as Instagram photos make it seem.
The colorful sea glass you see online is mostly gone after decades of visitors pocketing pieces (which is illegal).
If you want a nice beach day, skip Glass Beach and head to one of the less crowded alternatives like Ten Mile Beach or Portuguese Beach instead.
Lunch: At Laurel Deli. 401 N Main St Ste 502 Fort Bragg.
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Any deli with a full-sized steam locomotive sitting in it is okay by me!
The Laurel Deli is located in the depot building. Once the train depot, the massive wood structure is now an indoor mall and museum illuminating the “great train era” when trees and lumber were shipped inland via rail.
Open for breakfast and lunch, the café has indoor table service with an American diner menu. Hearty sandwiches, salads, soups, and special of-the-day entrées will satisfy most hunger. Laurel Deli is known for its pies and other house-made sweet treats. If you like something sweet for breakfast, try the cinnamon roll; it’s enormous, so you might want to share.
Not surprisingly this deli as a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The quality of the food was way above what we expected it to be and the menu selection was extensive.
Open 7 days a week
Breakfast: 7 am to 11 am
Lunch: 11 am to 2 pm
303 Main St N, Fort Bragg
The International Sea Glass Museum in Fort Bragg is a treasure trove that draws visitors into a world of polished glass wonders. Founded in 2009 by retired sea captain Cass Forrington, the museum has grown to showcase what is likely the world’s largest and most diverse collection of sea glass—over 150,000 pieces displayed across three rooms, with rare colors like red, lavender, and ice blue featured prominently. Exhibits are thoughtfully organized by color and origin, and include unique items such as bottle stoppers, marbles, and even pieces that glow under black light.
Admission is FREE (donations appreciated), and you can browse both the captivating displays and a gift shop filled with handcrafted jewelry made from local sea glass.
Another museum worth visiting is Guest House Museum.
The Guest House Museum in Fort Bragg is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion built in 1892 by the Fort Bragg Redwood Company as an elegant residence and showpiece of high‑quality old‑growth redwood construction. Originally designed to accommodate logging executives and VIP guests from San Francisco, the house featured modern conveniences uncommon for its time—such as hot and cold running water, electricity, seven fireplaces, ornate woodwork, and stained glass. After serving in various roles for Union Lumber and later Boise-Cascade and Georgia- Pacific companies, it was donated to the city in 1985 and has since become the headquarters of the Fort Bragg - Mendicino Coast Historical Society.
Summer Hours:
Mon – Fri; Noon – 3pm; Sat, 10am – 4pm; & Sun, Noon – 3pm
While some listings note a suggested $2 entry fee per person for general admission other sources indicate that admission is free and donations are accepted.
Evening: Dinner at Cucina Verona in downtown Fort Bragg. 124 E. Laurel Street, Fort Bragg,
A local recommended Cucina Verona - a nice Italian ristorante.
Cucina offers table service inside and outside on the patio.
Special “family nights” are an engaging and delicious way to share a meal. On family night, everything is served family-style, just like mama’s kitchen. The libations menu is a treasure chest of local and Italian wines and beer.
Great Bruschetta
Cannoli
Riccota and spinach ravioli
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If you're up for a little nightlife after dinner, head to Tall Guy Brewing for some live music and dancing before calling it a night.
362 N Franklin St Fort Bragg
Great live music and we danced the rest of the night away.
Fort
Bragg
I've been to southern California multiple times to visit my cousins there and to be honest, I found southern CA to be...well...different. As in - was what became California an alien-inhabited rock that fell from space and landed on our west coast?
So I was pretty apprehensive about another trip to California. Thankfully I discovered there's a huge difference between northern and southern CA. It didn't take me long to fall in like with northern CA as there's a huge difference between the two.
Fort Bragg is located along the North Coast of California, approximately 24 miles west of Willits. Originally founded in 1857 as a military garrison, it was named after Army officer Braxton Bragg and later incorporated as a city in 1889. The area was historically inhabited by the Pomo tribe, who were hunter-gatherers along the northern California coast.
Today Fort Bragg maintains a small-town charm with a vibrant arts scene, local boutiques, restaurants, and farmers’ markets. Fort Bragg combines natural beauty, history, and unique cultural experiences, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a scenic Northern California getaway.
Plan for at least a long weekend to explore major attractions. We spent 7 days there and although our specific travel destination was Fort Bragg, the town of Mendicino is so close to Fort Bragg that I've included Mendciino in this post. Fort Bragg is much more touristy than Mendicino is.
Primary Airport Option
Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa is the nearest commercial airport to Fort Bragg, located about 84.5 miles away, with a driving distance of roughly 112 miles, taking around 2.5 hours by car.
STS is a medium-sized airport offering direct flights from several major airlines, making it convenient for travelers who want a regional airport with manageable traffic and easier navigation compared to larger airports.
Rental cars, shuttle services, and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available for the drive to Fort Bragg.
I highly recommend renting a car as like most of CA, you need a car to get around.
Search car rentals at Charles M Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (STS), CA.
Since our last couple of trips Jay has gotten his pilot's license and instrument rating now so we flew private plane (the only way I'll fly now) into Mendicino Airport, 8 miles from Fort Bragg and had a rental car waiting for us at the airport.
There are a few discounts for the Fort Bragg area but they're few and far between.
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Morning: Breakfast at Eggheads.
326 N Main St Fort Bragg
Old fashioned, fresh, hand prepared, quality breakfast, brunch and lunch. Small town vibe.
Be prepared for a wait, the line forms on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. You'll be given a buzzer to signal you when your table is ready...so you can do some shopping while you wait.
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Try their crab omelet. YUM!
Their eggs benedicts, breakfast burritos, French toast, and the cinnamon raisin bread are also customer favorites.
Mon 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fri 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sat 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sun 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
One of the gals at the Chamber suggested we check out the Skunk Train if we wanted to do something quirky, fun and to see the sights outside of the city.
Skunk Train offered railbike tours. We'd railbiked once before so didn't want a long trip that took up a major portion of the day. We elected to take the 2.5 hour, 7 mile Pudding Creek tour.
Their Pudding Creek Railbikes include fare for two people on a side-by-side electric Railbike, with a certified guide leading you on the historic Skunk railroad from the coast to Glen Blair Junction, with a 50 minute stopover at Glen Blair Junction. There are picnic tables to eat at but not much more.
OUR REVIEW:
The Skunk Train railbikes are very overpriced for what they are. At $255+ per two-person railbike (plus at least $28 in additional fees), you’re paying over $280 for less than an hour of actual railbiking.
The “2.5-hour experience” includes 50 minutes at Glen Blair Bar Junction, 30 minutes of setup and watching an explainer video, and only 40 minutes on the bikes.
The Pudding Creek route isn’t very scenic until the very end. It’s mostly brush and stagnant ponds with some fern-covered sections.
Another drawback: You’re stuck going as slow as the bike ahead of you, the electric bikes require minimal effort, and there’s no guided commentary, fun facts, or real interaction beyond setup. You get pastries and coffee at the midway stop, then it abruptly ends once you’re back.
It’s essentially an expensive Instagram moment. For that price, do sea cave kayaking or wine tasting instead.
Money $aving Tip: This was not an inexpensive trip - normal price $302.10 per 2 people - but we found a deal that saved us 26%, knocking the price down to $223.56 for 2 people. (But still overpriced for what it is)
18220 North Highway 1,Fort Bragg
We didn't get back to Fort Bragg until around 2 pm so as late as it was, we decided to tour the botanical gardens.
Explore diverse habitats, vibrant blooms, and breathtaking ocean bluffs. The Gardens offers a stunning array of flora, from native species to exotic cultivars. Not just a feast for the eyes, the Gardens also provides an array of horticultural education, as well as creative ways to connect with the natural world and practice environmental stewardship.
It’s one of the only botanical gardens in the country right on the ocean, making it extra special to wander from flower-filled paths to stunning coastal views.
Explore diverse habitats, vibrant blooms, and breathtaking ocean bluffs. The Gardens offers a stunning array of flora, from native species to exotic cultivars. Not just a feast for the eyes, the Gardens also provides an array of horticultural education, as well as creative ways to connect with the natural world and practice environmental stewardship.
The mild climate makes it a garden for all seasons with manicured gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, fern-covered canyons, rhododendrons, dahlias, begonias, magnolias, conifers, heathers, and more.
Plan for at least a 1.5-hour visit if you want to see the entire 47-acre botanical garden. To enjoy a more relaxed and less crowded experience, consider arriving before 11:00 AM or after 2:00 PM.
MCBG features over 4 miles of trails, all main trails are made of hard-packed fine gravel. The main pathways are approximately 4 feet wide, with some narrower secondary trails branching off. Be sure to wear proper shoes as some of the trails and paths have uneven surfaces.
It's about a half-mile walk to the ocean and a half-mile walk back from the ocean to the main entrance. We recommend bringing reusable water bottles and clothing layers to make the most of your visit.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers hands-on workshops, wildlife walks, botanical lectures, nature challenges, and more—inviting curiosity at every turn.
The Garden Store and Nursery are open daily year-round. Rhody's Garden Café is open seasonally, spring through fall. There is never an admission charge to shop or dine.
Admission
Admission tickets are available online or at the main entrance. We strongly encourage you to purchase tickets in advance if you plan to attend one of our special events, workshops, or walks. Discounted tickets for guests of MCBG Members can be purchased in person at the Gardens.
The regular admission to the Botanical Gardens varies by date and generally runs around $9 for a child and $24 for an adult.
Evening: Dinner at Mayan Fusion. 418 N Main Street, Fort Bragg
Outdoor Patio
Best fish tacos ever!
Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cake & Ice Cream
Another restaurant recommended to us by a local. Until you try Chef Silver’s Mayan Fish Tacos, your taste buds are being deprived.
Through his food, owner and Chef Silver Canul conveys the Mayan culinary and cultural traditions of his childhood home, on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
The menu has familiar Mexican dishes such as tacos and enchiladas. Try some of the Mayan-style dishes like sauteed Mayan sweet white corn, empanadas, papatzul (a fabulous Mayan dip), Yucatan cioppino, cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork in banana leaves), and so many more.
The kids’ menu is varied and reasonably priced. You’ll also find your favorite local wine, beer, and Silver’s extensive tequila selection.
Our meal came with entertainment. Mayan Fusion is pet friendly on their patio and they'd given this little guy a prime rib bone. He went to town on the prime rib bone like there was no tomorrow! Jay and I were chuckling watching him.
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When he finished his bone he gave his owner this adorable look (photo above) like "OK I'm ready for seconds now! Bring on another bone!" As you can see there's virtually nothing left of that prime rib bone! That little dog was adorable and kept us entertained during our entire dinner.
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Morning: Breakfast at one of Fort Bragg's hidden gems, sandwiched between the CVS pharmacy and a laundramat.
120 S Main Street, Fort Bragg
The specialty here is Mexican breakfasts, including substantial, customizable breakfast burritos, wonderfully smooth refried beans, and fresh fruit juices and smoothies. The chilaquiles are excellent — order them “divorciados,” with both red and green sauce — and are widely considered the best in Mendocino County. There are
also “American” options, like berry-banana crepes with cream cheese and French toast with Fort Bragg Bakery’s cinnamon raisin bread. Portions are large, reasonably priced, and served on oilcloth-draped tables in the restaurant’s small dining room.
Nestled among the towering redwoods and rugged cliffs of Fort Bragg, lies a hidden gem: the Ten Mile Dunes.
Despite the name, the dunes are not ten miles long, though they are one of California’s longest dune systems. The name comes from the Ten Mile River on the dunes’ northern boundary, and the river’s mouth is ten miles north of the Noyo River in Fort Bragg. To reach the Ten Mile Dunes, drive north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, past the entrance to MacKerricher State Park. You’ll find a large pullout on the left-hand side of the road. At the northern end of the pullout, there is a trail marker and a trail to the dunes.
Keep an eye out for a small parking lot on the left (west) side of the road, marked with a sign that reads “Coastal Access.” This parking lot is mainly used as an access point for MacKerricher Beach and is the trailhead for the Ten Mile Dunes.
From the parking lot, you will need to follow a trail that parallels Highway 1, heading northwest until you reach the start of the Ten Mile River Bridge.
At this point, the trail breaks off to the left and descends towards the beach. The trail is a bit brushy in some areas, but soon transitions to sand. After about 100 meters, you will come to an unmarked split.
The obvious path leads to the right, descending down to a more established road trace that runs next to the Ten Mile River. The other trail splits off to the left, climbing uphill into sandy terrain. This is the trail you will want to take to head up into the dunes.
Once you reach the dunefield, you will find yourself in an open landscape of dunes, with no established paths.
The Ten Mile Dunes are known for their impressive size that reach up to 130 feet in height - which made them ideal for the new activity (to us) we were about to try - sand sledding.
This unique activity involves either lying on a piece of board face down or sitting on it while gliding down a sand dune. Basically it's like snowsledding but on sand and you wax the bottom of your sled to make it easily glide down the dune.
Sandboard wax provides an additional protection layer between your sled and the terrain, which repels sand particles, making your ride faster and protecting your board from damage.
While the dunes themselves don’t have a dedicated rental shop you can rent sand sleds
from outdoor gear stores in nearby Mendocino
County towns like Fort Bragg, Mendocino, or Eureka. You'll want to get some wax as well to take with you to the dunes.
We had a blast sandboarding! You might want to bring some form of eye protection along so you don't get sand in your eyes.
Visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the dunes, beachcombing along the coast, birdwatching, fishing in the Ten Mile River, and horseback riding on the dunes themselves.
We went tidepooling after sandboarding.
It's amazing what the ocean deposits in these tidal pools - starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, little crabs, mussels, even little fish. It's kind of like a treasure hunt seeing what each successive pool holds! They're like little marine ecosystems.
We were so engrossed in tidepooling we lost track of time and before we knew it lunchtime had rolled around.
Afternoon: Lunch at Jenny's Giant Burger. 940 N Main Street, Fort Bragg
Harbor seals sunbathing
We'd brought our kayaks along so booked a guided sea cave tour at 2 pm through Kayak Mendicino.
Leaving Van Damme cove, our first 2 caves are filled with sea stars and vibrant algaes. The paddling is smooth and easy and the naturally formed channels allow us to stay well out of the wind and surf. We round the corner and exchange looks with Harbor Seals, viewing them in their natural state. Heading north and hugging the sandstone cliffs, the black oyster catchers screech and call each other to announce
our arrival and their meal for the day. Narrow coves and passageways lead over the clear blue green shallow water as we make our way towards our last cave. Two dark chambers stretch eastward and let us savor different views of the openings. Colorful invertebrates make their home here and the dripping fresh water offers a cooling rinse. One more cove and channel and we turn around and paddle and float easily back with the current. Thoroughly enjoyable and even more interesting than the kayaking we normally do!
This guided cave tour is open to all ages and no previous kayaking experience is required. All gear is provided.
$80/per person
Kids 12 and under $40
Fort Bragg offers several excellent kayak rental options that cater to explorers o f all experience levels. For a calm, self-guided paddle, Kayak Noyo rents sit-in single and tandem kayaks right from the Noyo River harbor, even offering pet-friendly options with dog PFDs for an additional fee.
If you’d prefer instruction-based paddling—maybe learning some skills—the locally operated Liquid Fusion Kayaking offers lessons, private tours, and calm river paddles perfect for families.
We had some time to kill before dinner so visited the Point Cabrillo Light Station.
Point Cabrillo Light Station is a gem along the Mendocino Coast. Built in 1909, this picturesque lighthouse stands proudly on cliffs overlooking the ocean. When you visit, you’ll step back in time and explore a piece of maritime history.
The lighthouse is fully restored and offers informative exhibits. You can learn about its history, the lives of the lighthouse keepers, and the role it played in navigation. The views from the lighthouse are simply breathtaking.
On the morning of January 5, 2023, a series of waves broke through the back doors at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, flooding the interior of the gift shop and museum.
Mud, gravel, rocks and ocean water coated the floor from the back doors to the front door, and museum exhibits were pushed to the east side of the fog signal building. The southern back door was up against the easternmost wall, and the northern back door was hanging onto the wall by a thread. Seawater had clearly splashed around the building quite a bit, because mud was found near the top of the windows in the museum, near seven feet high.
Left: The two clips in this video show a calm ocean evening in November, compared with a wave that swamped through the lighthouse all the way to the front door on January 5, 2023.
State Parks employees were downstairs assessing the damage when a second set of waves hit the lighthouse.
Thousands of dollars of gift shop inventory was lost, and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse gift shop and museum was closed from January 5 through January 27. Many of the museum displays will need to be replaced, along with replacing the destroyed double doors. Overall, the cost of this storm damage is in the tens of thousands.
The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is now back open to the public every day from 11am – 4pm, staffed by the incredible volunteers that make this place so special.
This State Historic Park occupies a spectacular headland extending out into the Pacific. There is a
parking area inside the gate off Point Cabrillo Drive, adjacent to the restored Kearn farmhouse. Enjoy the half mile downhill walk to the Light Station buildings. Note: there is parking for disabled persons in front of and behind the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House (the first residence) at the bottom of the hill.
There are two paths to the Station. The dirt path begins at the north end of the parking lot and takes you through the introduced grassland and coastal prairie. The paved access road to the south is an easier walk. Please use established trails and keep dogs leashed and under control at all times.
As you stroll down this road, the Point Cabrillo Light Station is arrayed before you. The Light Station includes:
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The Lighthouse, which is an active duty Aid to Navigation, containing the original Chance Brothers classic 3rd order Fresnel lens.
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Three restored Lightkeeper homes; the first house is a period museum of a lightkeeper’s house in the 1930s; the other two houses are comfortable vacation rental homes.
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The restored Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop, which houses the Marine Science Exhibit with its 240 gallon saltwater aquarium.
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Three restored storage buildings behind the residences; two of these have been converted to lovely vacation rental cottages, the other is a public restroom.
The main floor of the Lighthouse, the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House and the Marine Science Exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 4pm year-round. The State Historic Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The main floor of the Lighthouse is dog-friendly.
For 2026, Point Cabrillo Light Station — a California State Historic Park — charges a $5 donation per adult for access to its museums, marine exhibit, and gift shop.
What’s included in the $5 donation
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Lighthouse Museum (main floor)
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Assistant Lightkeeper’s House Museum (1930s period home)
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Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop (houses the tidepool aquarium and Marine Science Exhibit)
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Gift shop (open daily, 11 AM–4 PM)
Children under 16 are admitted free of charge.
Park grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, but the $5 donation is for the museum and exhibit areas.
Take a walk along the trails surrounding the light station. The paths offer stunning ocean views and opportunities to spot marine life. Keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, and various birds.
Evening: We stopped in to Sea Pal Cove Restaurant for dinner.
32390 N Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg - located in the heart of Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg.
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Great little coastal seafood eatery serving Fish & Chips, Prawns & Chips, Fish Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers, BLTs, Grilled Cheese, Clam Chowder, Cioppino, Coleslaw, Sea-zer Salad, French Fries, Fried Desserts (Snickers, Milky Ways, Twinkies), Fried Cheesecake.
Sea Pal Cove features outdoor seating overlooking the harbor, where you can watch fishing boats come and go throughout the day and night.
Seven Days a Week | Sunday through Thursday 10am to 10pm | Friday & Saturday 10am to 11pm
Our guest for dinner. Or were we his?
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Morning: Breakfast at one of Fort Bragg's hidden gems, sandwiched between the CVS pharmacy and a laundramat.
120 S Main Street, Fort Bragg
The specialty here is Mexican breakfasts, including substantial, customizable breakfast burritos, wonderfully smooth refried beans, and fresh fruit juices and smoothies. The chilaquiles are excellent — order them “divorciados,” with both red and green sauce — and are widely considered the best in Mendocino County. There are
also “American” options, like berry-banana crepes with cream cheese and French toast with Fort Bragg Bakery’s cinnamon raisin bread. Portions are large, reasonably priced, and served on oilcloth-draped tables in the restaurant’s small dining room.
Nestled among the towering redwoods and rugged cliffs of Fort Bragg, lies a hidden gem: the Ten Mile Dunes.
Despite the name, the dunes are not ten miles long, though they are one of California’s longest dune systems. The name comes from the Ten Mile River on the dunes’ northern boundary, and the river’s mouth is ten miles north of the Noyo River in Fort Bragg. To reach the Ten Mile Dunes, drive north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, past the entrance to MacKerricher State Park. You’ll find a large pullout on the left-hand side of the road. At the northern end of the pullout, there is a trail marker and a trail to the dunes.
Keep an eye out for a small parking lot on the left (west) side of the road, marked with a sign that reads “Coastal Access.” This parking lot is mainly used as an access point for MacKerricher Beach and is the trailhead for the Ten Mile Dunes.
From the parking lot, you will need to follow a trail that parallels Highway 1, heading northwest until you reach the start of the Ten Mile River Bridge.
At this point, the trail breaks off to the left and descends towards the beach. The trail is a bit brushy in some areas, but soon transitions to sand. After about 100 meters, you will come to an unmarked split.
The obvious path leads to the right, descending down to a more established road trace that runs next to the Ten Mile River. The other trail splits off to the left, climbing uphill into sandy terrain. This is the trail you will want to take to head up into the dunes.
Once you reach the dunefield, you will find yourself in an open landscape of dunes, with no established paths.
The Ten Mile Dunes are known for their impressive size that reach up to 130 feet in height - which made them ideal for the new activity (to us) we were about to try - sand sledding.
This unique activity involves either lying on a piece of board face down or sitting on it while gliding down a sand dune. Basically it's like snowsledding but on sand and you wax the bottom of your sled to make it easily glide down the dune.
Sandboard wax provides an additional protection layer between your sled and the terrain, which repels sand particles, making your ride faster and protecting your board from damage.
While the dunes themselves don’t have a dedicated rental shop you can rent sand sleds
from outdoor gear stores in nearby Mendocino
County towns like Fort Bragg, Mendocino, or Eureka. You'll want to get some wax as well to take with you to the dunes.
We had a blast sandboarding! You might want to bring some form of eye protection along so you don't get sand in your eyes.
Visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the dunes, beachcombing along the coast, birdwatching, fishing in the Ten Mile River, and horseback riding on the dunes themselves.
We went tidepooling after sandboarding.
It's amazing what the ocean deposits in these tidal pools - starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, little crabs, mussels, even little fish. It's kind of like a treasure hunt seeing what each successive pool holds! They're like little marine ecosystems.
We were so engrossed in tidepooling we lost track of time and before we knew it lunchtime had rolled around.
Afternoon: Lunch at Jenny's Giant Burger. 940 N Main Street, Fort Bragg
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If you want a sensational GIANT old fashioned burger like we used to get years ago and taste like a burger is supposed to taste, then you want to head to Jenny's.
They specialize in burgers, fries and shakes and the staff keep the order counter and grill running like a well oiled machine.
Open 7 days a week from 10:30 am to 9 pm.
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Harbor seals sunbathing
We'd brought our kayaks along so booked a guided sea cave tour at 2 pm through Kayak Mendicino.
Leaving Van Damme cove, our first 2 caves are filled with sea stars and vibrant algaes. The paddling is smooth and easy and the naturally formed channels allow us to stay well out of the wind and surf. We round the corner and exchange looks with Harbor Seals, viewing them in their natural state. Heading north and hugging the sandstone cliffs, the black oyster catchers screech and call each other to announce
our arrival and their meal for the day. Narrow coves and passageways lead over the clear blue green shallow water as we make our way towards our last cave. Two dark chambers stretch eastward and let us savor different views of the openings. Colorful invertebrates make their home here and the dripping fresh water offers a cooling rinse. One more cove and channel and we turn around and paddle and float easily back with the current. Thoroughly enjoyable and even more interesting than the kayaking we normally do!
This guided cave tour is open to all ages and no previous kayaking experience is required. All gear is provided.
$80/per person
Kids 12 and under $40
Fort Bragg offers several excellent kayak rental options that cater to explorers o f all experience levels. For a calm, self-guided paddle, Kayak Noyo rents sit-in single and tandem kayaks right from the Noyo River harbor, even offering pet-friendly options with dog PFDs for an additional fee.
If you’d prefer instruction-based paddling—maybe learning some skills—the locally operated Liquid Fusion Kayaking offers lessons, private tours, and calm river paddles perfect for families.
We had some time to kill before dinner so visited the Point Cabrillo Light Station.
Point Cabrillo Light Station is a gem along the Mendocino Coast. Built in 1909, this picturesque lighthouse stands proudly on cliffs overlooking the ocean. When you visit, you’ll step back in time and explore a piece of maritime history.
The lighthouse is fully restored and offers informative exhibits. You can learn about its history, the lives of the lighthouse keepers, and the role it played in navigation. The views from the lighthouse are simply breathtaking.
On the morning of January 5, 2023, a series of waves broke through the back doors at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, flooding the interior of the gift shop and museum.
Mud, gravel, rocks and ocean water coated the floor from the back doors to the front door, and museum exhibits were pushed to the east side of the fog signal building. The southern back door was up against the easternmost wall, and the northern back door was hanging onto the wall by a thread. Seawater had clearly splashed around the building quite a bit, because mud was found near the top of the windows in the museum, near seven feet high.
Left: The two clips in this video show a calm ocean evening in November, compared with a wave that swamped through the lighthouse all the way to the front door on January 5, 2023.
State Parks employees were downstairs assessing the damage when a second set of waves hit the lighthouse.
Thousands of dollars of gift shop inventory was lost, and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse gift shop and museum was closed from January 5 through January 27. Many of the museum displays will need to be replaced, along with replacing the destroyed double doors. Overall, the cost of this storm damage is in the tens of thousands.
The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is now back open to the public every day from 11am – 4pm, staffed by the incredible volunteers that make this place so special.
This State Historic Park occupies a spectacular headland extending out into the Pacific. There is a
parking area inside the gate off Point Cabrillo Drive, adjacent to the restored Kearn farmhouse. Enjoy the half mile downhill walk to the Light Station buildings. Note: there is parking for disabled persons in front of and behind the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House (the first residence) at the bottom of the hill.
There are two paths to the Station. The dirt path begins at the north end of the parking lot and takes you through the introduced grassland and coastal prairie. The paved access road to the south is an easier walk. Please use established trails and keep dogs leashed and under control at all times.
As you stroll down this road, the Point Cabrillo Light Station is arrayed before you. The Light Station includes:
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The Lighthouse, which is an active duty Aid to Navigation, containing the original Chance Brothers classic 3rd order Fresnel lens.
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Three restored Lightkeeper homes; the first house is a period museum of a lightkeeper’s house in the 1930s; the other two houses are comfortable vacation rental homes.
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The restored Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop, which houses the Marine Science Exhibit with its 240 gallon saltwater aquarium.
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Three restored storage buildings behind the residences; two of these have been converted to lovely vacation rental cottages, the other is a public restroom.
The main floor of the Lighthouse, the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House and the Marine Science Exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 4pm year-round. The State Historic Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The main floor of the Lighthouse is dog-friendly.
For 2026, Point Cabrillo Light Station — a California State Historic Park — charges a $5 donation per adult for access to its museums, marine exhibit, and gift shop.
What’s included in the $5 donation
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Lighthouse Museum (main floor)
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Assistant Lightkeeper’s House Museum (1930s period home)
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Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop (houses the tidepool aquarium and Marine Science Exhibit)
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Gift shop (open daily, 11 AM–4 PM)
Children under 16 are admitted free of charge.
Park grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, but the $5 donation is for the museum and exhibit areas.
Take a walk along the trails surrounding the light station. The paths offer stunning ocean views and opportunities to spot marine life. Keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, and various birds.
Evening: We stopped in to Sea Pal Cove Restaurant for dinner.
32390 N Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg - located in the heart of Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg.
Great little coastal seafood eatery serving Fish & Chips, Prawns & Chips, Fish Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers, BLTs, Grilled Cheese, Clam Chowder, Cioppino, Coleslaw, Sea-zer Salad, French Fries, Fried Desserts (Snickers, Milky Ways, Twinkies), Fried Cheesecake.
Sea Pal Cove features outdoor seating overlooking the harbor, where you can watch fishing boats come and go throughout the day and night.
Seven Days a Week | Sunday through Thursday 10am to 10pm | Friday & Saturday 10am to 11pm
Our guest for dinner. Or were we his?
We brought our own kayaks along but if you want to rent a kayak to tour the river, you can contact Kayak Noyo.
Call/text (707) 972-9683
Check in at Epic Graphics to rent a sit-in single or tandem kayaks, launch right from the river's edge.
RENTALS AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND
weather permitting
Single Sit-In Kayak $40 per person for up to 3 hours
Tandem Sit-in Kayak $80 for up to 3 hours
Bring your dog! $10 - includes dog PFD
(all prices include tax)
Launching is directly from the river’s edge near the Noyo Bridge, providing access to the working harbor and scenic river stretches.
If you're more interested in a guided tour, Liquid Fusion Kayaking offers the Noyo Meander Tour, a 1.5-hour guided kayak experience suitable for beginners and families. Participants can enjoy calm, placid waters while observing harbor seals, sea lions, river otters, and coastal birds. The tour accommodates up to six guests ages 5 and up, and pets are welcome on private trips. All equipment is provided, and no prior kayaking experience is necessary. Rates start at $60 per person during peak season, with private tours available for up to six people starting at $300.
Kayak Mendocino comes highly recommended and provides guided nature tours along the Mendocino Coast, including the Noyo River estuary. Their 90-minute trips feature gentle paddling through scenic channels, sea caves, and wildlife habitats. Tours highlight local birds, seals, and sea lions, and include educational commentary on the river’s ecology and history.
If you're paddling independently like we were, you can launch right from Noyo Harbor...
Whether you decide to paddle independently or with a guided tour, you will see plenty of Harbor seals and sea lions - not to mention various other critters like sea otters and lots of birds.
We even saw a pelican.
Afternoon: Lunch in Noyo Harbor at Noyo Fish Company. 32440 N Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg
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Fried clams, fried pickles, fish & chips
One of the fishing boats that delivers
right from the boat to the restaurant
This guy knows where to come
for a free meal
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Noyo Fish Market is known by both locals and visitors as THE place to go for fish & chips and seafood in general. (Apparently, the seals and seagulls know it too.)
It's no frills...you place your order at the window and eat on a tented outdoor patio at picnic tables. But the view of the harbor is great!
You can watch the fishing boats going out and coming back into the harbor. One of them was one of the fishing boats that unloaded its catch and carried it right up to the restaurant. Seafood doesn't get any fresher than that!
Portion sizes are hefty and restaurant staff are super friendly.
You know me and trains...there was no way I was leaving Fort Bragg without scoping out the Mendocino Coast Railroad & Historical Society train layout!
I've seen countless model railroad layouts but this one is unique. Not only does it run both within the building and on the building exterior, each diorama tells a specific portion of Fort Bragg's history!
Here's a walking tour of the layout history and you can also download it. Viewing the layout will make much more sense to you and have much more meaning if you have the walking tour history.
The detail on this layout is exquisite. Having been a model railroader myself I can't even begin to hazard a guess as to how many thousands of hours this layout took to build! There's 2400 feet of G scale model track - that's almost 12 miles of track! View a Mill, Logging Camp, Towns, Piers, Bridges, Trestles and so much more.
If you rode the Skunk Train you got an admission ticket to this layout. If not, an adult ticket costs $5 and $3 for children (2 yrs. through 12 yrs.).
The layout is open daily. Hours are usually 10 AM to 2 PM, but will follow the Skunk Train Pudding Creek train schedule.
The layout's location is easy to find and located behind the Skunk Train Depot. The best way to access the layout is to drive to the end of West Redwood Street and park in the parking lot to the right. Walk north through the double gates and you will see the building.
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This relaxed and scenic 7-mile roundtrip journey departs the Depot in downtown Fort Bragg year-round, traveling along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary and passing into primeval ancient redwoods to the tranquil setting of Glen Blair Junction.
Before you decide to spend money on this trip, my review of it:
We would not have taken it paying the full price of $203.50 per passenger or $29 per mile x 2. We had discounted tickets but even at the discounted price we wouldn't take it again.
Downtown depot
For starters, if you're going to market the trip as a scenic ride through the Redwoods, you don't go to the expense and labor to refurbish an old train car into a ritzy lounge car in which the passengers backs are to the windows and the scenic view you're hyping! I don't know any of us that see with the backs of our heads and having to stare at the couple across from us kind of defeated the whole "scenic excursion" hype.
Ummmm. what California Redwoods? Where?
What's included - Price per seat $203.50 (21+ years only)
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Reserved seating
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TWO included cocktails
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First-class service
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Priority boarding and deboarding.
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Exclusive access to the rear of the train
It's grossly overpriced for what you get.
Reserved seating? What does it matter where you sit if you can't see out the windows? At $203.50 we know we're going to have a seat regardless.
Priority boarding? We're on vacation. We're not in a rush to go anywhere much less beat all of the other passengers onto the train and off the train.
Exclusive access to the rear of the train: And we would want this WHY? Besides, we stopped to uncouple and drop the rear of the train! Hello? Earth to mothership?
Two cocktails that probably cost no more than $10 to make?
Our overall recommendation? Spend your money on something more worthwhile. (We took the trip to evaluate it for this website.)
Money $aving Tip:
You can save up to 56% on Skunk Train Presidential Class Car tickets with the verified promo code “STDISCOUNT26” Tripster.
How the discount works
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Code: STDISCOUNT26
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Where to use: Apply in the “Promo Code” box at checkout on Tripster’s Skunk Train Pudding Creek Express page Tripster.
At the time we bought our tickets, we took advantage of a Groupon 30% off deal so paid $142.45 per ticket.
Current Groupon Offer: Grab Your Admission for Two and Discover Railbikes on the Noyo (Up To 26% Off)
Evening: Dinner at KW Saltwater Grill. 542 N Main Street, Fort Bragg
Another local-recommended establishment with AMAZING food and service. We were in the mood for Dungeness crab and KW Saltwater Grill delivered on every front. Everything about KW Saltwater Grill impressed us - even the abalone decorated wall! You wouldn't think a wall decorated in abalone shells would be attractive but it was beautiful. (3rd photo from left above)
The seafood charcuterie board was phenomenal and Jay got his oysters so he was a happy camper. The crab was super fresh and even the attractive plating was top notch. Service was attentive without being intrusive.
Pricing: $$$
Reservations highly recommended especially during peak season.
340 Main St N, Fort Bragg
After dinner we immersed ourselves in the magical ambiance of the redwood forest enjoying classical and modern music at Symphony of the Redwoods. This esteemed community orchestra features talented local and regional musicians who come together to deliver mesmerizing performances for both locals and tourists.
It was a great concert featuring some very talented musicians.
ADVANCED TICKETS
Symphony
General $30
Young Adult (19-29) $15
Under 18 plus the adult who accompanies the child FREE
Opus Chamber Music Series
General $30
Young Adult (19-29) $15
Morning: Breakfast at Home Style Cafe.
790 South Main Street, Highway One, Fort Bragg
Great simplistic little local diner. Good food with decent prices. Staff was friendly and no wait for the food to come out.
The omelets are exceptional.
Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday-Sunday 6 am to 2 pm.
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Today we're going to take an all day road trip up Hwy. 1 and the gorgeous northern coast, also called the "Lost Coast"...
You’ve probably heard of California’s Pacific Coast Highway. It’s one of the most famous scenic drives in the country! But because of that, it’s crowded and sensationalized.
Instead, you should explore off-the-beaten-path - a Lost Coast road trip. It’s the perfect way to explore Northern California without the crowds!
North of Rockport, California’s famed Pacific Coast Highway cuts inland for 75 miles. This 75-mile stretch is one of the most undeveloped coastlines in the United States.
The rugged terrain and steep elevation make the area too difficult to build a highway. Without highways, the Lost Coast is quiet and relatively unpopulated, hence its name.
But this land wasn’t always unpopulated. The area was originally home to the Native Sinkyone and Mattole people before logging and the Gold Rush brought new settlers. Eventually, these industries declined and the settlers left.
Today, the Lost Coast includes a few small coastal towns and farmland. The King Range National Conservation Area protects much of the Lost Coast shoreline.
IMPORTANT: Before you set out, be sure to fill up on gas. You’re embarking on a 150-mile journey into the most remote part of California! Plan for this road trip to take the full day.
Some must see's along the way:
FERNDALE
Ferndale is the gateway to the Lost Coast. You almost feel transported back in time while in Ferndale. It's a quaint little town, filled with Victorian buildings. Stop to walk around the downtown and check out the small shops, especially the Golden Gait Mercantile.
It's just the coolest bygone era store ever! Right down to the roll of kraft paper to wrap purchases in.
Browsing the mercantile was worth the entire road trip alone.
MATTOLE ROAD LOOP
The road to the Lost Coast, Mattole Road, starts in Ferndale. This narrow, 2-lane road winds through the country before reaching the coastline.
While Mattole Road is only 65 miles long, it will take you at least 3 hours to drive. Windy roads and epic views make for slow speeds. This rural, country road has scenic views and few travelers, so stopping along the way is a must.
You’ll drive through miles of farmland before reaching rolling green hills. The landscape slowly changes from rugged peaks with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
The road continues down through the hills to meet the coastline. This is one of the only spots in the Lost Coast where the road runs right along the water.
It's here you'll find the black sand beaches. (They reminded me of Hawaii) Sure, you can take a stroll along them but wear proper shoes because they are rocky.
To explore more of the coastline, you’ll have to travel by foot on the Lost Coast Trail.
Mattole Road then heads back inland, unable to continue along the coastline. The rugged mountains of the King Range National Conservation Area make roads impossible.
PETROLIA
As you continue along Mattole Road, you’ll reach Petrolia, the site of California’s first oil well. But that's not what's so remarkable about Petrolia. It has zebras! Yes, you read that right - ZEBRAS! No...not zoo zebras. WILD ZEBRAS! Wandering along the side of the road wild zebras.
Believe me, we were as shocked as you are! Petrolia is home to only 500 people - and apparently a herd of zebras. Jay actually hit the brakes and asked me if he'd fallen asleep at the wheel and was dreaming! LOL We didn't know there were wild zebras in America...but there they were moseying along!
Stop in at Petrolia’s General Store and fill up gas if you need to (this is one of the only gas stations on this road trip).
Shortly after passing through Petrolia, you’ll reach the turnoff for Mattole Beach. To reach the beach, take Lighthouse Road. At the end of this road, you’ll find Mattole Beach and one of the area’s only campgrounds, Mattole Campground. This is the perfect place to spend the night if you’re looking to escape crowds and for backpackers hiking the Lost Coast Trail.
PUNTA GORDA LIGHTHOUSE
The Punta Gorda lighthouse is one of the most remote lighthouses in California. Without major roads, the lighthouse was only accessible by horse.
For several decades, “Old Bill” served as the stations four-footed link to the outside world. Old Bill was well acquainted with life at a lighthouse. He was born at a light station, served at Point Reyes, and arrived at Punta Gorda aboard a lighthouse tender.
Wayne Piland’s daughter Nancy described Old Bill as “mean and ornery.” The horse also had a quirk that made him difficult to ride. Whenever he approached a puddle, no matter the size, he would try to jump across it. Fortunately, Keeper Piland was experienced with horses, and after he braided a small whip, Piland and Old Bill got along just fine.
I did try to find a photo of Old Bill but no luck. I guess he was "mean and ornery" enough not to like being photographed.
Like many other light stations along the California coast, Punta Gorda was used by the military during World War II. The station’s population increased for a few years as
several Coast Guard recruits were sent to patrol the beach south of the station towards Shelter Cove, but the beach patrol was discontinued at the end of the war.
If you plan to hike to Punta Gorda Lighthouse, it is extremely important to check the tide tables before you go. Much of this beach trail is inaccessible at high tide. You will need to consult the tide tables to time your hike at a receding tide.
Attempting this hike at high tide or when the tide is coming in is dangerous and can leave you stranded and at risk of death.
HONEYDEW
Honeydew Country Store
As you continue along Mattole Road, you’ll reach another tiny town – Honeydew. Here you have two options, depending on what kind of vehicle you have.
If you have a 4-wheel drive SUV, you can take Wilder Ridge Road from Honeydew to Shelter Cove. This road is bumpy and unpaved in parts, but takes you directly to Shelter Cove rather than going out and around.
If you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, continue along Mattole Road back to Highway 101 through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
As Mattole Road heads further inland, back towards Highway 101, you'll leave the rocky coastline behind and enter the State Park's shaded forest.
A third of the redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods State Park are approximately 2,000 years old. This old-growth redwood forest is the largest left on the planet after decades of logging.
Rather than joining the crowds at Avenue of the Giants, get out here and take a walk through the redwood forest.
SHELTER COVE
Continue through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, head south to the remote Lost Coast town of Shelter Cove. While only 24 miles from Highway 101, the winding drive takes an hour to reach the coast.
Shelter Cove is a coastal resort town for those who want to get away from it all. Compared to other towns in the Lost Coast, Shelter Cove has plenty to do.
We explored the local’s favorite beach, Cove Beach and then grabbed a bite to eat at Gyppo Ale Mill.
Definitely a locals hangout but the owners made us feel very welcome.
Food was good if a bit on the pricey side but we expected this given the remote location.
Their Rainbow Kale Salad was good!
It’s not a place to go if you are in a rush. Then again Shelter Cove is not a place to go if you're in a rush.
BLACK SANDS BEACH
The last stop on our road trip is Black Sands Beach.
The black sand on this California beach is caused by dark minerals and iron. These minerals are heavier than typical sand. So while there is your typical beige sand, it gets washed out to sea by the tide while the black sand stays put.
We headed back to Fort Bragg. having unwound and relaxed during our road trip. The Mecantile and wild zebras definitely made the trip worthwhile in and of themselves.
Morning: Breakfast at David's.
The locals #1 Fort Bragg breakfast hangout and for good reason.
Excellent food and service at reasonable prices and portions are large. Food comes out fast.
Classic breakfast options as well as some nice specials.
Open 7 days a week:
6:30 am to 2 pm
After we'd eaten and had our morning coffee I noticed Jay was still on edge, jittery and getting slightly cranky.
Hmmmm? And then the light bulb came on...the man hadn't had a golf club in his hands for days. GOLF WITHDRAWAL! Take pity on the man and toss that day's itinerary out the window.
"Let's go golfing instead of what we had planned," I suggested.
Amazing what a little "methadone" will do for an "addict".
There was only one nearby course that wasn't a 2 hour or more drive away - Little River Inn & Golf.
This is a very challenging but fun golf course with beautiful views of the ocean and pine forest. It had a nice little driving range and practice putting green.
The layout is definitely strange, and they have back to back par 5's, so this is not just a little pitch and putt nine holer. They have alternate tees on a few holes, so you can play it twice for 18.
Jay didn't care, he had golf clubs in his hands and a smile on his face.
Response.
Another alternative:
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The course boasts 18 holes of Fun circumventing in & around gorgeous fountains and waterfalls. The entire course is fun yet challenging to every age and skill level.
The Emerald Dolphin Inn and Mini Golf is accessible for all guests including those with disabilities. The first 9 holes is wheelchair accessible and can be played twice to get in 18 holes! Accessible parking is available for car or van with signage and appropriate access aisle. All doors and bathrooms are also accessible for all guests including those with disabilities.
Also on-site is the family fun center! Get into action with todays top video games like Big Buck Hunter, Racing games, Harley Davidson, and Ghost Squad. Test your skill at air hockey, pinball, or the family billiards table. All games require quarters available inside the club house.
The Clubhouse is also home to Parties & Supplies, toys, sweet and savory treats, and ice cold beverages!
Rates
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Child - 0-2 - FREE
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Child - 3-12 - $7.99
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Child - 13-17 - $8.99
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Adult - 18-64 - $9.99
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Senior 65+ - $8.99
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EDI Guest - $7.24
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First Hour - $8.00
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Play Again - $6.00
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Unlimited Day Pass - $15.00
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Weekend Pass - $18.00
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Group Golf - Please inquire about discounts
Current Hours
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Monday - 11am - 7pm
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Tuesday - 11am - 7pm
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Wednesday - 11am - 7pm
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Thursday - 11am - 7pm
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Friday - 11am - 8pm
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Saturday - 11am - 8pm
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Sunday - 11am - 7pm
May close due to inclement weather or up to 45 min early for lack of participants.
Hotel guests receive a special discount for Mini Golf but please book with the hotel directly either on their website or by telephone, and they will be happy to offer everyone in your party complimentary Mini Golf passes!
Having decided we'd cook our own dinner at the cottage we hit the Farmers Market.
The Fort Bragg Farmer's Market is located in Downtown Fort Bragg, on the 400 block of Franklin Street between Laurel & Pine behind City Hall, indoors at the Old Recreation Center Gym.
The market features seasonal fruits, berries, vegetables, melons, greens and squash. It also offers organic and free range beef and pork, free range eggs, and wild-caught local fish and seafood. You will find artisan goat cheese, cheesecake, freshly baked breads, pies and goodies. There are organic nuts, fresh-cut flowers, and ornamental plants and nursery starts.
If that weren't enough, look for hot food, live music with a seating area, knife sharpening and master garden booths.
The Farmers Market is held every Wednesday, rain or shine.
May-October 2:30pm-5:30pm
Nov-April 2:30pm–4:30pm
Downtown Fort Bragg at Laurel & Franklin
We grabbed a bite to eat for lunch at one of the concession stands, then headed off for our next stop...
412 Main St N, Fort Bragg
I'd like to kiss the local that recommended this place. WOWSA! I wish I had a butcher shop like this where I lived!
(And we had to laugh at the pig's face on the ground pork display)
We got the biggest steaks I'd ever seen and compared to where I live, the prices were super reasonable!
Roundman's Butcher Shop has just about anything you can imagine - meat, poultry, fish, multiple varieties of cheeses, even a ton of different sauces and seasonings. We spent an hour in that shop just looking at everything - and I then stocked up on enough goat cheese and other goodies to fill the plane's luggage compartment. At least until Jay said to me "You DO want to be able to get off the ground to take off to fly home again?"
We hadn't done much hiking this trip so took a hike on the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail in Van Damme State Park.
What a gorgeous trail to hike! It's a mostly shaded hike through lush, fern-filled forest with second-growth redwoods deeper into the canyon. All the different things we saw on the hike were amazing.
I had to do 2 slideshows just to show you some of them! We saw flowers, etc. we'd never even seen before. It was as though with every step you took there was something new to discover. It was one of the best hikes we've ever taken. It's a must do on your Fort Bragg/Mendicino bucket list!
Van Damme State Park is beautiful in and of itself. This park on the Mendocino Coast features two campgrounds and the lush Fern Canyon scenic trail system, including a pygmy forest where mature, cone-bearing cypress and pine trees stand 6 inches to 8 feet tall. The beach is popular for diving and kayaking.
There's a Vehicle Day Use Fee: $10.00
Special rates may apply for peak season, high demand holiday periods, and during weekends. Prices are subject to change without notice.
This park accepts the following passes:
Money $aving Tip: Both the Fort Bragg Library and the Mendocino County Library participate in the California State Library Parks Pass program, which allows library card holders to check out free vehicle day-use passes for participating California State Parks.
All we had to do was get a free library card at the library to get this pass so our entry into Van Damme State Park cost us nothing!
Passes are for one passenger vehicle (up to 9 people) or one highway‑licensed motorcycle at participating state parks.
Here's how it works: Each library receives one Parks Pass hangtag, with a 7‑day non‑renewable check‑out period (some sources list 14 days; check the library’s current page for the most up‑to‑date terms) You check them out like you would a library book.
Passes are available first‑come, first‑served and can be requested through the library catalog or reserved/walk‑in at branches. Passes are physical hangtags that must be checked out with a library card. They are non‑renewable and must be returned before the due date.
NOTE: While this may sound like a whole lot of chasing around it's really not. Both Fort Bragg and Mendicino business/downtown districts are very compact and you're in the downtown area so much of the time, it's no big deal to stop at the library, dash in and dash out again to pick up and return your pass.
Evening: I put the grillmaster to work while I whipped up a Farmer's market goodies salad and some potatoes with onion and butter wrapped in tin foil to throw on the grill with the steaks.
Then poured a couple of glasses of homemade Sangria...
Best dinner we had while in Fort Bragg.
(And great for a couple's date night!)
Last day in Fort Bragg so your itinerary is do whatever you haven't done or see that you want to.
Our last day activity won't be for everyone but I'll tell you about it in case it would interest you.
This cooking class involves a 2 hour drive from Fort Bragg to the Relish Culinary Center in downtown Healdsburg. 14 Matheson Street, Healdsburg, CA
I can only describe these classes as a combination of visiting a farmer's market, foraging for edible food, learning to butcher and process a pig, and actual guided cooking classes where you prepare and eat all of the aforementioned.
Relish offers cooking classes, culinary tours, private parties, team-building, corporate and other unique culinary events that reflect the wonderful array of Sonoma County artisan food and wine. Their specialties include seasonal events, such as wild mushroom forays, cheese making workshops, local farm and producer-focused tours and classes, canning and preserving, hands-on butchering, and farm-to-table meals. Our classes are led by talented, local chefs and producers. Most classes include a complete four-course meal with local wine or beer. Participants always take home recipe portfolios. Participants enjoy learning about new foods and techniques in a festive, relaxed environment.
Office hours are 10 am - 4 pm weekdays and event themes, dates and times vary each month. Check relishculinary.com for current schedule of events and class pricing.
The classes we took were pretty much an all day affair but we were glad we took them. Except for that pig head that just reminded me too much of Jodi the demon pig in Amityville Horror. If that thing's eyes had started glowing red I would've been outta there like gone with the wind!
After a quick breakfast at the cottage we loaded up the plane and took off for home.
Thankfully, all that goat cheese didn't prevent us from taking off. *Wink*
As for me, I'm glad I got to change my opinion of California somewhat after visiting the non 'the aliens have landed', beautiful northern part of the state.