Fort Bragg

With its century-plus history as a military garrison and then an unassuming lumber town, Fort Bragg skirted under the radar of most Mendocino County visitors for a long time. But in more recent years, word has gotten out how much there is to do here: hiking, biking, dining, shopping, sampling fresh local beer, and, of course, taking in the gorgeous North Coast. And it all comes with a laid-back sense of friendliness and small-town community.

Fort Bragg’s Skunk Train

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. Themed excursions, like the Pumpkin Express during fall, the festive Christmas Tree Train, and the Wolf Tree Turn—which takes riders to a particular tree—ensure that no matter the time of year, a ride will be memorable. In addition to the train, you can also hop on a passenger-powered railbike—a one- or two-person contraption that rolls atop the rails as riders pedal at their own pace.

Whale-Watching Excursions from Fort Bragg

Whale-watching out on the water is a thrilling way to experience marine wildlife up close. Several local companies offer guided tours departing from rustic Noyo Harbor, including Telstar Charters, The Kraken, Hooked on Mendo, and All Aboard Adventures. These excursions take passengers into the Pacific Ocean to witness the annual migration of gray and humpback whales, often accompanied by sightings of dolphins, seals, and other marine creatures. Some companies, like Hooked on Mendo and Telstar Charters, also offer fishing trips, making it easy to combine whale-watching with deep-sea fishing for a full day of fun on the ocean.

Shopping in Fort Bragg

The town has boutiques that offer fashions from cute and quirky to high-end chic; you’ll also find shops selling antiques and handcrafted goods such as jewelry and ceramics, a farmers’ market (every Wednesday), and numerous art galleries. One of the most telling indicators of Fort Bragg’s evolution from a timber town to a weekender’s destination is the Company Store building at Redwood and Main. Where lumber employees used to shop for basic provisions, visitors and locals can stroll through boutiques and galleries before refueling with a plate of artisanal cheeses and a glass of Pinot from local Mendocino County dairies and vintners.

Outdoor Fun in and Near Fort Bragg

Just outside of town is MacKerricher State Park, home to a variety of habitats, including bluffs, headlands, dunes, forest, tide pools, and wetlands. Seals loaf on the rocks just off the shoreline, and the area is home to more than 90 species of birds. Surfing, swimming, fishing, and picnicking are encouraged, and there are trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

To get on the water, rent gear from Kayak Noyo to explore the gentle waters of the Noyo River by kayak for intimate looks at local wildlife, like river otters and black-tailed deer, as well as a different perspective on a working harbor. A few miles to the south you’ll find the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, a 47-acre conservatory of coastal flora situated between Highway 1 and the Pacific.

Twelve miles inland, to the southeast, are the towering redwoods of Jackson Demonstration State Forest and its seemingly endless miles of incredible trails for hiking and biking; flowing streams and waterfalls complete this quintessential North Coast experience. (Mountain bikers should keep in mind that the rugged, tree-lined trails here traverse varying terrains and steep inclines, making them more challenging than those at MacKerricher.)

No visit to Fort Bragg would be complete without a stroll along one of the area’s most famous attractions, Glass Beach, where polished morsels of sea glass are strewn as a result of trash being dumped nearby, a practice that was stopped more than 50 years ago. Another beach that deserves a visit is Pudding Creek Beach (for sunbathing and tide pooling); six miles up the coast is Ten Mile Beach, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped dunes and esturaries in the area, perfect for hiking, cycling, and above all, wildlife spotting.

Where to Eat in Fort Bragg

Just south of Downtown Fort Bragg you can dine on the docks along the Noyo River in a working fishing harbor. Enjoy fresh-off-the-boat seafood at The Wharf Restaurant (where there’s also lodging), Harborview Bistro & Bar (the in-house restaurant of the Noyo Harbor Inn), Sea Pal Cove, or Princess Seafood—to name just a few—as the fishing vessels, seals, and sea lions ply the waters that flow to the ocean. There are multiple restaurants that are all within a few blocks in the Downtown district; Cucina Verona serves Italian (if possible, try the Three Course Family Meal on Tuesdays), KW Saltwater Grill specializes in seafood and steaks, and Nit’s Café is a great place for Thai curry, vegetarian options, and salads. The local restaurant scene also includes casual saloons, coffee shops, bakeries, donut shops and more.

Fort Bragg Breweries (and a Distillery)

Fort Bragg has long had a reputation as one of Northern California’s go-to craft beer destinations. Founded in 1988, North Coast Brewing Co. is one of the pioneers in the area, renowned for its award-winning beers like the Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. Tall Guy Brewing Co. is another local favorite known for its inventive brews that draw inspiration not just from the New England hazy IPA scene but from beers around the world. Their takes on Belgian dubbel, English porter, and Mexican-style lager, among other far-flung locales, keep the adventurous beer lover happy. Overtime Brewing adds to the mix with its diverse range of craft beers, often inspired by seasonal ingredients. The brewery emphasizes creativity and innovation; for an only-in-Fort-Bragg beer experience, order a Jasmine Green Tea Ale.

Those who prefer spirits should make a beeline to Schnaubelt Distillery. Run by a family that’s been a presence in Noyo Harbor since the 1920s, they craft white rum, vodka, gin, aged rum, and innovative spins on classic spirits achieved by infusing them with local botanicals—such as a vodka flavored with candy cap mushrooms.

Hotels in Fort Bragg

So where to catch some z’s while exploring it all? Fort Bragg has several hotels and other lodging options that take full advantage of the town’s dramatic Mendocino coast. There are lodging options and amenities to fit any budget. The aforementioned Wharf and Noyo Harbor Inn are great options; elsewhere, at the Beachcomber Motel, you can commune around a roaring beachfront firepit on the Mate’s Deck, or book a room at the historic Noyo Harbor Inn to wake up to the sound of seals and seabirds and enjoy sweeping views of its namesake working harbor. If a bed-and-breakfast is more your style, the Country Inn offers that plus beaches, the Skunk Train, and antique shopping, all within walking distance. Whichever lodging you select, just be sure to call ahead, especially during the summer season. There are also several campgrounds and RV parks in the area.

Things to Do Near Fort Bragg

Through Fort Bragg’s away-from-it-all location is part of its appeal, there are things to do and places to see in the surrounding Mendocino County. After all, the area is known for its sustainable wineries, whale watching, and North Coast cuisine and produce. Ten miles south of Fort Bragg is the town of Mendocino, which has its own rich options for things to do.