Tucked along the wild and rugged coastline of Northern California, Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach is one of the state’s most surprising natural wonders. What looks like a glittering, colorful shoreline is a remnant of the past, where discarded glass has been transformed by decades of crashing waves into smooth, sea-worn treasures. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most out of your visit to Glass Beach.
Directions: Where Is Glass Beach?
Located in the coastal town of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County, Glass Beach is accessible via Highway 1. Once in Fort Bragg, head to West Elm Street, where public trails lead to several beach access points.
While there are technically three distinct beaches that make up Glass Beach, the northernmost beach—often referred to as Glass Beach #3—is open to the public as part of MacKerricher State Park and considered the most scenic. It’s also a perfect picnic spot, with rocky cliffs and ocean views ideal for sitting back and soaking in the coast.
History: How Did Glass Beach Form?
Between 1906 and 1967, residents of Fort Bragg used the coastal bluffs as dumping grounds, tossing everything from bottles, cans, and household goods to larger items like appliances, batteries, and even old cars over the cliffs—a common practice in many seaside communities at the time. Eventually, the site was dubbed “the dumps” by locals.
Over the decades, the ocean slowly took over, breaking down the debris. Glass shattered, tumbled in the surf, and was gradually worn into smooth, colorful pebbles. What’s left today is a kaleidoscope of polished sea glass in shades of green, amber, white, and occasional rare finds like ruby red pieces from vintage auto taillights or deep blue from apothecary bottles.
The dumping officially stopped in 1967, and environmental cleanup efforts followed. Now, the area stands as a testament to nature’s resilience.
Can You Take Sea Glass Home?
Glass Beach is part of MacKerricher State Park, a protected area where collecting is strictly prohibited. Although it’s tempting to pocket a piece of the glittering glass, visitors must leave the sea glass where it is. Taking glass not only disrupts the delicate coastal ecosystem, but also diminishes the experience for future visitors. Signs throughout the park and regular patrols by rangers serve as reminders to respect the site and “leave only footprints.”
Still hoping to take a piece of the magic home? Stop at the nearby International Sea Glass Museum. It offers a deeper look into sea glass history and features ethically sourced pieces from other parts of the world.
Planning Your Visit
Spring and early fall are ideal times to visit, with fewer crowds and mild weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes, bring layers for the coastal breeze, and don’t forget your camera—Glass Beach is endlessly photogenic. While trails to the beach are generally accessible, the shoreline itself can be rocky and uneven, so take care as you explore.
To reach Glass Beach, park at the lot located at the end of Elm Street and Old Haul Road. From there, follow the well-marked path that leads down to the shoreline. For the best chance of seeing the sea glass in all its glory, you’ll need to visit during low tide. The coastline experiences two high tides and two low tides each day, but the timing changes daily—so be sure to check the local tide chart before you go.
Things to Do Near Glass Beach
Glass Beach is just the beginning of what Mendocino County has to offer. MacKerricher State Park stretches along the coastline with hiking trails, tidepools, and harbor seal viewing. Down at Noyo Harbor, you can enjoy fresh seafood, book a whale-watching excursion, or simply watch the fishing boats come and go. Fort Bragg is also home to art galleries, local shops, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, a favorite spot amongst birders.
Among the most well-known attractions is the Skunk Train, which chugs into the redwood forests inland to the town of Willits daily, on the same route it has followed since 1885. If you’re up for a scenic inland detour, Anderson Valley is just a short drive southeast from the coast and offers a completely different kind of tasting experience. This laid-back stretch of wine country is best known for its artisan Pinot Noirs, rustic charm, and scenic Highway 128 route.
For more inspiration to visit, check out these hidden gems in Mendocino County.