There’s no shortage of awe-inspiring landmarks across California, from the Bay Area’s internationally recognized Golden Gate Bridge to natural wonders like Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. But according to HGTV.com, the must-see attraction in the Golden State is a beach in Mendocino County.
In a recent article on fascinating roadside attractions in all 50 states, in which HGTV.com selected “some of the weirdest and most whimsical sights across the U.S.,” Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach was chosen for its mesmerizing seashore.
As the name suggests, the floor of Glass Beach is covered in a colorful mosaic of sea glass. A combination of human-made and natural forces resulted in the (accidental) beauty.
Starting over a century ago, and continuing until the late 1960s, the coastal site served as a public dump, where people discarded everything from glass bottles to automobiles. But over the decades, powerful waves off the Mendocino Coast pounded, polished and reshaped the shards of glassy debris, resulting in smooth, glistening pebbles that blanket the beach.
The HGTV.com article called it “the prettiest pile of trash you’ll ever see.”
Getting to Glass Beach
The best way to get to the coastal spectacle from Sonoma County is via Highway 1, which has plenty of pit stops for photo ops and amazing seafood. Once you arrive in the historical town of Fort Bragg, turn right on W. Elm Street toward the intersection of Glass Beach Drive and Noyo Point Road. Follow signs to the Noyo Headlands Park parking lot (though Glass Beach is technically part of MacKerricher State Park) and take the Coastal Trail down to the beach.
What to do (and not to do) at the beach
The main task on the trip itinerary here is, obviously, to walk along the shore and marvel at the brilliant sea glass, snapping a photo or 12. Fort Bragg’s tourism site recommends arriving at low tide for best glass visibility, and specifies to “please touch but don’t take” the sea glass, so future generations may be able to see it, too.
Tidepooling is also a common activity at Glass Beach, which features a number of tide pools teeming with marine life, like crabs and sea anemones. Plus, dogs on a leash are welcome on the beach.
Once you’ve had your fill of sea glass and tide pool spectating, continue hiking along the Coastal Trail for more Mendocino Coast beauty. If you’re turning the Glass Beach trip into an overnight stay, there are some great hotels in the area for every budget.