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30 Best & Fun Things to do in Fort Bragg (CA)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Fort Bragg?

Fort Bragg is located along the Pacific Coast of California near Shoreline Highway in Mendocino County with a population of 7,273 at the 2010 census, boarded with Willits 24 mi (39 km) from the west.

The City is a top tourist destination due to its magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, boast of exhibits such as the California Western Railroad famously called the Skunk Train and the Glass Beach.

Experience favorable weather conditions all through the year, unlike some cities with most of the rainfall occurring from November to April and few occasional drizzles or light showers making it a fun center.

The city boast of unique features, such as the famous Trail, which spans over a mile from the coast of the Noyo River Headlands north to the bluff over the Pacific Ocean accessible through Cypress Street.

Additionally, enjoy beautiful views such as the sea life, harbor haul seal, offshore activities along the Trail, and learn the culture and history of pre-Europeans and even the Pomo Native Americans.

Lets explore the top fun things to do in Fort Bragg, CA.

Things to Do in Fort Bragg

1. Plan to Explore Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Credits: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Nature-lovers should add exploring the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to their list of things to do in Fort Bragg.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, located at Fort Bragg, California Highway One, is a large botanical garden covering 47 acres.

Betty Schoefer and Ernest Schoefer first established the gardens in 1961. It remained a private property until 1982 when 12 acres were donated to the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District.

Another 35 acres were purchased in 1991 and constructed under a master plan with regard to the California Coastal Conservancy.

It now houses significant collections of exotic and indigenous Mediterranean plants, such as the fuschias, camellias, begonias, magnolias, rhododendrons, and conifer and maple trees.

The gardens contain a variety of habitats, including wetland and canyon forests. There is also an old 19th-century house, cemetery, orchard, and area.

The gardens host special events such as the annually held holiday Festival of Lights and an Art in the Gardens festival hosted in August.

Address: 18220 North Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

2. Noyo Headlands Park

Credits: Lucy Autrey Wilson / Shutterstock Noyo Headlands Park

A visit to Noyo Headlands Park is one of the best fun things to do in Fort Bragg Ca, enjoy the beautiful views of the aquatic life, such as watching for migrating whales and spot Oystercatchers for lucky persons.

The park comprises about one-third of the City’s total jurisdiction, which includes the restructuring of the Georgia Pacific lumber mill site, which has been a major point of attraction over the years and three miles of Fort Bragg’s coastline.

Experience a dynamic relationship with water bodies in Noyo Headlands Park for interested individuals and furthermore inspire the next generation about the history and importance of the ocean.

Receive quality education on marine science for students and many meetings, seminars, and workshops for practicing marine professionals and interested individuals all over the world.

Additionally, the park is open from dawn until dusk, with a lot of fun activities to engage in, ranging from permitted diving, ocean games, and most especially beach soccer.

Address: Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

3. Ricochet Ridge Ranch

Credits: gabati / Shutterstock

Ricochet Ridge Ranch is a tour operator that was first opened to the public in the early 1980s by famous rider Lari Shea.

The ranch was purchased by Judy Langevin, a world-renowned horse rider, and Jake Langevin, her husband.

This company offers custom and group riding tours, trails rides, and riding trips for small groups or individuals. It is an excellent way to discover the beauty of Northern California’s coastline and the Redwoods area.

It is committed to ecotourism principles and strives to make responsible trips that have a minimal impact on the environment and help the North Coast community.

Group and private tours are offered for riders of ages six and above, and horses are available to all levels of riders.

Address: 24201 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

4. Liquid Fusion Kayaking

Credits:Popartic / Shutterstock

Liquid Fusion Kayaking, a kayaking tour operator, is owned by Jeff Laxier, Cate Hawthorne and offers informative, interactive tours for individuals of all ages.

With knowledgeable tour guides and knowledgeable locals explaining the natural history and wildlife of the area, guests can take tours to explore areas such as the Noyo River Estuary or the Mendocino Coast.

There are two tours available: the Noyo Meander tour, which is moderate, and the evening Bird Paddle; and the 3-hour Whitewater of the Sea excursion.

For experienced paddlers, Whitewater, Rock Garden, and Surf Kayak Tours are available, as well as Safaris.

These tours combine whitewater adventure, rock gardens, and the sea. For beginners, there are classes for K-12 students that offer kayaking courses.

Address: 32399 Basin St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

5. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

Credits: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

Explore the outstanding Jug Handle State Natural Reserve and enjoy the unique view into the timeline of the historical coast, an excellent addition to your list of things to do in Fort Bragg, Ca.

The Jug Handle State Natural Reserve is well positioned on the southern edge of Fort Bragg, close to Mendocino village from the north, offers one of the best ocean vistas in entire Northern California.

Navigate the wonderful sea-cut terraces, which comprises different compartment of forest systems such as the unique pygmy forest, with visitors experiencing the magnificent fluctuating sea levels and shifting tectonic plates on the 2.5-mile Ecological Staircase Trail.

The reserve features one of the best natural landscapes in the City, with the Trail ranked among the first seven stops on the list of Ecological Staircase Trail.

The beautiful Jug Handle State Natural Reserve is open to interested individuals and lovers of the natural environment, one of the best places to relax, take a walk around. And inhale fresh air.

Address: CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

6. Pacific Star Winery

Credits:HappyRichStudio / Shutterstock

Pacific Star Winery , the only winery in California with ocean views, is located 12 miles north of Fort Bragg on Coast Highway 1.

The winery opened its doors in 1988. It was later expanded to an oceanfront property along the northern Mendocino coast.

The company now sources grapes from Mendocino and Lake Counties for a wide range of classic wines such as small syrahs, chardonnays, Moscato, zinfandels, barbera, and Carignane.

This company offers unique blends such as It’s My Fault, Dad’s Daily Red, and Charbera.

The company’s tasting room is open Wednesdays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and in the afternoon. All wines are available for sampling.

Address: 33000 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

7. Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery

Credits: Lauren A Chamberlain / Facebook Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery

One of the best things to do in Fort Bragg for individuals interested in art is visiting the Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery.

Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery, an art gallery and studio along the Mendocino coast in Fort Bragg, is owned and operated by Buster Dyer and Trish Dyer. It was established in 2005.

This gallery features Buster’s blown glassworks, with a particular focus on the lighting fixtures designed for homes and offices.

The gallery features a variety of lighting fixtures, including unique jellyfish-inspired chandeliers, vibrant pendants, sconces, and table lamps.

Dyer’s other works are displayed in Silver’s Restaurant, which serves delicious seafood-focused dishes for lunch or dinner.

Clients can also purchase custom-designed lamps. The artist will work with them to design individual pieces that meet their lighting needs.

Contact: 18320 N. Highway One, Fort Bragg (CA 95437), United States

8. Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

Credits: Frank Schulenburg [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

Experience the spectacular Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and enjoy your vacation in one of the best furnished rooms, a wonderful addition to your list of things to do in Fort Bragg, Ca.

The famous lighthouse was opened in 1909, taking its spot is in the northern part of California, south of the Caspar community and between Cape Mendocino and Point Arena.

Enjoy your outdoor walk half a mile downhill; the City with elegant structures and a nice environment to keep you company as you explore the wonderful City of Fort Bragg, Ca.

The magnificent lighthouse boasts a unique scientific exhibit such as the 240-gallon saltwater aquarium and a historic three restored storage buildings behind the residences, with two of the buildings converted to a public restroom and lovely vacation rental cottages.

Additionally, the lighthouse is open to visitors from 11 am – 4 pm every day for interested individuals. The science marine exhibit and the Assistant Lightkeeper’s House Museum are reserved for special bookings.

Address: Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, 13800 Point Cabrillo Dr, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States

California holds some cool attractions and activities, check out our guides on things to do in Burbank, things to do in Riverside as well as things to do in Ventura for a memorable time in California.

9. Pomo Bluffs Park

Credits: Faina Gurevich/ Shutterstock Pomo Bluffs Park

Pomo Bluffs Park, a Fort Bragg park, is located on a rocky hilltop near the Noyo River.

It is easily accessible via Noyo Harbor Beach and its terms Chicken Point or Todd Point.

This is an excellent place to observe gray whales during their migration to the northern oceans.

You can bike and hike along the well-paved trail to the edge of the Bluff, as well as other dirt trails that lead into wild surf spots.

The park offers free parking and has public toilets. There are also benches and other information signs that explain the natural and historical heritage of the area.

The park allows dogs to be on leashes, but park visitors need to be cautious with pets that are near steep slopes.

Address: Cliff Way, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

10. Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park

Credits: John A. Heywood/ Facebook Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park

Are you in for some outdoor recreation? If yes, add a visit to the Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park to your checklist of things to do in Fort Bragg.

Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park can be found near Fort Bragg Middle School. It has 7 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities and natural spaces.

The park offers walking trails that cross the forest in a semi-forested area, giving close-up encounters with nature.

The stream is connected by a restored wooden footbridge, built-in 2011, after the windfall.

California River Parkways and Salmon Restoration Association are funding a restoration and replanting project in the park. This is aimed at removing invasive species and improving the natural environment.

The park is accessible to visitors from dawn to dusk all through the year, and it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Fort Bragg.

Contact: Otis R Johnson Park in Fort Bragg (CA 95437), United States

11. Russian Gulch State Park

Credits: Thomas Hawk / Flickr Russian Gulch State Park

One of the fun things to do in Fort Bragg, Ca, is to take a vacation to the famous Russian Gulch State Park and enjoy the best views of the coastal region.

The Russian Gulch State Park has an estimated 7,630 feet of ocean frontage with a total area of 1,162 acres with most of its turbulent headlands thrusting out towards the Pacific, and the park is dubbed as the north coast’s rival of Point Lobos.

One of the magnificent features of the headlands is the eccentric “blow hole” in which the wave pattern of the sea is pounding towards the coastal headlands.

Enjoy a special inland hike across the Fern Canyon to the beautiful portion of the 36-foot high waterfall, which occurs after the winter rains.

The park provides nice facilities for extensive logging activities for family, friends, and interested persons with a well-structured environment, Russian Gulch State Park indicates one of the locations of an active mill.

Address: CA-1, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States

12. Mendocino Coast Model Railroad and Historical Society

Credits: Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society / Facebook Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society

One of the best things to do in Fort Bragg is visiting the Mendocino Coast Model Railroad and Historical Society.

Mendocino Coast Model Railroad and Historical Society, a living history and model railroad museum, is located behind Fort Bragg’s historic Skunk Train Depot.

The museum is open to the public every day of the week, in both the morning and the afternoon.

Visitors who have purchased tickets for the Skunk Train are eligible for free admission. There are more than 1,300 feet of model railway tracks on display. This includes six miles of track.

This track is a recreation of the railways used for logging, which ran along the Mendocino Coast in the late 19th Century and early 20th centuries.

Mendocino Coast Model Railroad and Historical Society have models of model mills and log camps as well as piers and other town structures.

Address: 100 W Laurel St., Behind Skunk Train Building. Fort Bragg, CA 95437-3410. United States

13. International Sea Glass Museum

Cass Farrington created the International Sea Glass Museum on September 9th, 2009, in an effort to preserve and collect salvaged sea glass from the region.

The 1906 earthquake in California led to Fort Bragg’s decision to dump its civic garbage into the Pacific Ocean.

Fort Bragg is home to the largest concentration of sea-shore glasses in the world. These glass fragments are often washed up as tiny pieces of broken or damaged glass.

The museum has three rooms that house a vast collection of Farrington’s pieces, including unusual and rare pieces.

The exhibits are organized by color and describe the most common reasons for coloring. For example, the formation of lavender glasses due to the sun’s oxidation of magnesium-clarified.

The exhibits also include other objects, such as bottles, stoppers, and marbles.

Address: 17801 CA-1, Fort Bragg, California, 95437, United States

14. Fort Bragg Dog Park

Credits: Fort Bragg Dog Park / Facebook Fort Bragg Dog Park

Expose your dog pet to one of the funniest outdoor spaces in the City and increase their sense of socialization, a perfect addition to your list of things to do in Fort Bragg, CA

The Fort Bragg Dog Park is located at the center of the City; it has a large landmass for recreational activities, dog shows, challenges, and other fun activities of pet dogs.

The park is a happening house for all kinds of pups with different sizes and functions; it serves as the City’s favorite pet-friendly dog tourist attraction in California.

The land area of the park is separated into sections ranging from sections that are covered with grass to the big dog side, which has lovely shade, and sections of dogs with large canines and small and timid pups, which provide ample space for a dog of all size to play around.

Additionally, the Fort Bragg Dog Park is one of the top attractions for a pet in the City; all dogs should be fixed and properly vaccinated before entering the park with a current license in place.

Address: 300 S Lincoln St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

15. Jackson State Forest

Credits:Missvain [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons Jackson State Forest

Jackson State Forest is a 48,000-acre forest in the state of California. It was created on a site that was once an industrial timber logging area. The State of California purchased the land in 1947.

This forest, located in the middle of the Mendocino Coast redwood area, is the largest of eight demonstration forests that CAL FIRE manages.

It is home to large numbers of coastal redwoods, Bishop pine, Douglas, Grand fir, Hemlock, and alder trees m. There are also a variety of native animals.

There are three trails available for demonstration within the forest, including those on the Forest History Trail or the Waterfall Grove Trail.

Popular leisure activities include swimming, biking, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and camping.

The forest has seasonally operated campgrounds open between mid-May and September on two campgrounds.

Seasonal hunting is allowed. Visitors should be aware that fishing is not permitted on the property due to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife laws.

Address: 802 North Main, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

Planning to explore California? Get the best of attractions and activities in Palo Alto, San Bernardino, and Solvang for a fun US vacation.

16. North Coast Brewing Company

Credits:DisobeyArt / Shutterstock

North Coast Brewing Company, a local independent craft brewery on the Mendocino Coast, was established in 1988 by Mark Ruedrich.

Nationally, the brewery is known for its award-winning brand name. Its beers have won hundreds at national and international contests.

The company produces 19 seasonal and year-round beers, including its Red Seal flagship Ale Scrimshaw Pilsner and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. These beers are available nationwide in 48 states.

It also produces San Francisco beers with its Acme label. This was acquired in 1994.

North Coast Brewing Company’s Fort Bragg location has a taproom as well as an eatery. They offer made-to-order pizzas, fine pub food, and a wide range of other beverages.

It is an annual patron of the Monterey Jazz Festival (SFJazz), The Mendocino Film Festival, and the Oregon Jazz Party.

This attraction is one of the best places to visit if you wish to taste some of the best brews Fort Bragg has to offer.

Address: 444 North Main Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United

17. Agate Beach

Visiting the Agate Beach is one of the best fun things to do in Fort Bragg, CA, with lots of recreational activities, sporting activities, hiking, and many more to do and see around the Beach.

The Beach spots its location in the northern part of Mendocino Headlands State Park and has beautiful wooden benches for resting while enjoying these wonderful views.

Explore the Agate beach from the water through kayak or boat when the atmosphere is calm, professional divers find their way through nearby access points to the Agate Cove.

It features mini parking space for one car on the east side of Lansing Street south; otherwise, all public parking and restrooms are allocated outside the park.

Additionally, the Beach has a unique cove which produces a stunning sight jutting out into the ocean through the headlands and offshore rocks.

Address: Fort Bragg, California 95437, United States

18. Pudding Creek Beach

Credits: Gloria Ann Roberson / Shutterstock Pudding Creek Beach

Pudding Creek Beach, a public-use beach, is located near MacKerricher State Park. It is under an old train trestle which is now used for a recreation trail bridge.

The beach is located in Pudding Creek’s deep, sandy cove. It is surrounded by high walls of rock. Visitors can park at no cost on Highway 1.

It is home to a large Tidal Pool as well as a variety of meandering trails that lead to hiking trails that take you south towards Glass Beach or MacKerricher Main Beach.

During the summer months, sunbathing and swimming are popular activities on the beach.

Beach access is available for dogs on leashes, and Restrooms are available for guests.

Address: 1100 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

19. Guest House Museum

Credits: ilya_ktsn [CC BY-SA 2.0], Wikimedia Commons Guest House Museum

Guest House Museum is a preservation of a historic mansion built by Tom Johnson, Fort Bragg Redwood Company’s business partner.

This mansion was built with redwood from the coast. It was originally used as a senior officer and later as a guesthouse for the company.

The company kept the mansion throughout many business deals and changed its name until it was finally given to Fort Bragg by Georgia-Pacific Company in 1985.

It is now a living museum that is run by the Fort Bragg–Mendocino Coast Historical Society. It houses a variety of railroad-related artifacts and civic history.

Address: 343 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

20. Skunk Train

Credits:photosgenius/ Shutterstock Skunk Train

Skunk Train, a famous historic railroad line located in California’s Mendocino County, offers guests the opportunity to travel on an 1885-year-old train that was operated by the California Western Railroad.

The name was coined in 1925 because of the introduction of a single unit, self-propelled motorcars, as well as the smell the engines generated.

As part of guided tours, trains depart from Fort Bragg stations and Willits stations through Mendocino County’s renowned Redwood Route.

Noyo River Canyon tours depart from Fort Bragg and travel alongside the Pudding Creek estuary, the Noyo River and showcase native wildlife and flora.

Excursions with special trains, such as the BBQ dinner train, are also available. You can purchase food and beverages at the station.

Special-brewed Skunk Beer is available, which Anderson Valley Brewing Company has bottled for the train.

Adresse: 100 W Laurel St. Fort Bragg (CA 95437), United States

21. Ford House Museum

Explore the popular Ford House Museum and get acquainted with the historical and current information of the City, a perfect addition to your list of things to do in Fort Bragg, Ca.

The Ford House Museum is owned by Jerome B. Ford, who erected the magnificent structure for his bride Martha in 1854; the famous structure was designed by the City’s favorite local craftsman Len Peterson.

With the museum located on the Main Street of Mendocino, it serves as one of the major visitor’s points of attraction for the famous Mendocino Headlands State Park.

The museum features a number of viewable videos with topics ranging from the steam whistle logging era of the early twentieth century to the great migration of the gray whales.

Additionally, the Ford House Museum is open 365 days a year from 11 am – 4 pm;

The Ford House Museum is full of historical photographs, relics, and tools that tell stories about the ancient City.

Address: 343 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States.

22. Triangle Tattoo and Museum

Credits: Triangle Tattoo & Museum / Facebook Triangle Tattoo and Museum,Fort Bragg,California

Triangle Tattoo and Museum, a Fort Bragg-based tattoo shop and museum, is one of a few museums that have tattoo-related artifacts.

The museum was established in 1986 by Madame Chinchilla, Mr. G., radio personalities, tattoo artists, and radio personalities.

It is located in a historic Victorian storefront, right across from Fort Bragg’s Guest House Museum.

The museum is open to visitors all week long and includes a variety of interesting exhibits on tattoo history and how they are used across cultures.

The exhibits comprise one American tattoo patriotism exhibit, an exhibit on circus sideshows as well as an exhibit on prisoners who were tattooed with no consent.

You can see artifacts made from tattoos and historical photos that depict indigenous or Western characters with unique tattoos.

Tours of the museum are offered for small groups and organizations, including curriculum-incorporated tours for school groups.

Address: 356 N Main St B, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

23. Fort Bragg Coastal Trail

Credits: John Hudson/ Flickr Fort Bragg Coastal Trail

Fort Bragg Coastal Trail runs 4.5 miles and is paved by Fort Bragg City Council in the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail and Restoration Project.

This trail’s first section, which was opened for public access in January 2015, covers 82 acres of the former Georgia-Pacific Mill site. It also includes other industrial lands.

It also extends for over 1 mile along the coast bluff drainage, which was just restored to its original condition.

Fourteen interpretive signs give information about the region’s natural and economic background. Two welcoming areas welcome visitors at this trail’s Glass Beach trailhead.

Additionally, the trail has twelve benches that were created by the local artist.

The trail’s second phase, completed in 2018, adds approximately a mile and includes additional interpretive panels as well as stairs that lead to Fort Bragg Landing Beach.

Address: 416 N. Franklin St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

25. Cowlicks Hand Made Ice Cream

Credits: Atsushi Hirao / Shutterstock

Are you visiting Fort Bragg with your kids? If yes, add Cowlicks Hand Made Ice Cream to your checklist of things to do while in the area.

Cowlicks Hand Made Ice Cream was founded by Johanna Jensen, David Jensen and is family-owned and operated. It was opened in 2001.

Fort Bragg Ice Creamery is ranked today as one of the best independent ice cream shops in the country.

All of the company’s handmade frozen ice cream is made by hand using premium ingredients that are carefully chosen to create the best Ice Cream flavors.

All flavors are made daily in the production area of the parlor, using chocolates supplied locally by San Francisco chocolatier Guittard as well as cookie dough sourced from Mendocino Cookie Company.

Address: 250 N. Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

26. Seaside Beach

Credits: Mike Brake / Shutterstock Seaside Beach

Seaside Beach can be found nine miles from Fort Bragg. It is adjacent to MacKerricher State Park’s northern end at Seaside Creek’s outlet into the Pacific Ocean.

Seaside Creek Beach is a public beach that offers many activities, including photo-shooting and beachcombing.

The beach has a small, free parking lot located on Highway 1, about a mile north of the Ten Mile River bridge.

Natural rock tunnels can lead to many secret beaches, including Whale Rock Arch.

Leashes are permitted for dogs at the beach, but it is important to be aware of the dangers that can occur near rocky shorelines.

Contact: 30000 Shoreline Highway, Fort Bragg (CA 95437), United States

26. Headlands Coffeehouse

Credits: Headlands Coffeehouse / Facebook Headlands Coffeehouse

Headlands Coffeehouse opened its doors in April 1995, when co-owners Mary Gealey, David Gealey, and Peter Gealey first opened it.

Juan and Lenore Naal, a husband-and-wife couple, purchased the coffeehouse in 2006.

The cafe aims to create an ambiance that is an intimate neighborhood hangout and jazz bar, with live jazz as well as folk and world concerts seven days a week.

There are many traditional coffee shop drinks available, including the unique blended frozen Glacier drinks.

You can choose from a variety of breakfast, lunch, or dinner buffets. Highlight dishes include Fort Bragg Bakery bagels and grilled panini.

You can also find a variety of local wines and beers, as well as a selection of North Coast and Anderson Valley Brewing Company beers and wine sourced from Navarro and Husch Vineyards.

The monthly art exhibitions are held on a rotational basis, showing the artwork from local art artists.

Address: 120 E Laurel St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

27. MacKerricher State Park

Credits: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock MacKerricher State Park

For some fun time, add a visit to MacKerricher State Park to your checklist of things to do in Fort Bragg.

MacKerricher State Park in California is located near Fort Bragg, Mendocino County.

The State of California sold rancher lands in 1949, and the park was created.

The park covers 9km of shoreline and includes headland and forest, wetland, and dune habitats.

Inglenook Fen Ten Mile Dunes Preserve is located at the park’s northernmost point. It protects a delicate dunes ecosystem, and there is also the Ten Mile River that marks the park’s northernmost boundary.

The park’s southern section is home to Glass Beach, which is known for its sand-polished, glass-covered fields, which were formed by the accumulation of trash during the 20th Century.

You can fish on the 30 acres of Lake Clone. This manmade reservoir was formed by the damming of a brackish marsh.

Visitors can also indulge in other popular outdoor activities, which include hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

You can also camp at a campsite during the night. There are also excursions to the ocean for whale watching.

Address: 24100 Mackerricher Park Rd, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

28. Northcoast Artists Gallery

Credits: Northcoast Artists Gallery / Facebook Northcoast Artists Gallery

Art lovers should add a visit to Northcoast Artists Gallery to their list of fun things to do in Fort Bragg.

Northcoast Artists Gallery was established in 1986 by Fort Bragg’s first cooperative group of artists. This opened Fort Bragg to a growing art scene.

The original location of the gallery was in Franklin Street Barracks Mall. It is now located in the former Zipper clothing shop on Main Street.

It is run by its members and hosts ongoing exhibitions of their work. These include rotating solo and group exhibitions.

Twenty full-time gallery members produce multidisciplinary pieces using mediums like painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry making, textiles, and painting.

This gallery hosts the Friends Show every year. It invites both local artists and long-term associates to display their work for the community.

Visiting this art gallery is one of the best fun things to do in Fort Bragg for those interested in art.

Address: 362 North Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

29. Silver’s at The Wharf Restaurant

Credits: Silver’s At The Wharf / Facebook Silver’s at The Wharf Restaurant

Silver’s at The Wharf restaurant is among the coast’s oldest hotels and restaurants that were first opened in the 1940s under the name of Anchor Lodge.

The restaurant in the lodging house first opened in the 1950s as a cafe serving light meals.

Since then, it has evolved into a sophisticated seafood-focused restaurant that is owned by Juan Pablo Canul and his brothers Silver.

There are many seafood options available, including lobster, Cioppino, Dungeness crab lobster tails, and lobster. The restaurant also offers lunch and dinner.

You can also find land-based meals like prime ribs or game hens. You can also find lighter options like fish tacos and crab melts, as well as seafood quesadillas.

The restaurant’s Sports Lounge has a dog-friendly deck, which is open and offers a full menu. It also serves a variety of local craft beers and wines.

Address: 32260 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, United States

30. Suzi Marquess Long Art Center

One of the best fun things to do in Fort Bragg, CA, is to visit the iconic Suzi Marquess Long artwork center and view ancient magnificent mural paintings.

Suzi Marquess Long is an award-winning mural painter, a trade she learned from her grandfather, which propelled her into the popular watertower gallery in Mendocino in 2006.

Her studio offers training classes to interested mural painters, presents Workshops/Classes for professionals, and a special home drop-in watercolor/pen class on-demand only around Mendocino.

It features magnificent artworks, painting, watercolor works, potter artwork, and many more; with a lot of awards in her bag, Suzi Marquess Long is one of the top attractions in Fort Bragg, Ca.

Additionally, Suzi Marquess Long completed her 16′ mural on the south wall just north of main downtown Laurel Street; learn a skill today when you visit Fort Bragg, CA.

Address: 611 Albion Street Watertower Mendocino, CA, United States.

Want more of the beauty of California? check out our guides on things to do in Fairfield, things to do in Irvine, and things to do in Chino Hills for a memorable time in California.

Start Planning your Trip to Fort Bragg, California

Fort Bragg, California, is located along the Pacific Coast of California near Shoreline Highway in Mendocino County and a fun place to go for any kind of vacation, and there is always something to do and magnificent places to visit in Fort Bragg, California.

The City has a unique point of interest for everyone, both young and old the City is a top attraction center for several cultural activities, with places like the Ford House Museum, Agate Beach, and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, which serves as a Historic reserve center to the united state.

Fort Bragg, California, is home to wonderful parks, historical museums, art centers, crafts, theatres, antiques, shopping malls, beautiful lakes, pleasure centers, and many more.

The places listed above are some of the best places to visit in Fort Bragg California, start now to plan your next trip to Fort Bragg, California, and enjoy the very best outdoor activities, good luck on your next ride.

The post 30 Best & Fun Things to do in Fort Bragg (CA) appeared first on The Tourist Checklist.

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isabellelambert1975 · 7 years

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How to create a brilliant exotic garden in a cool climate

There’s a definite trend towards the exotic garden.

Or even just the exotic border. You don’t have to rip your whole garden out and re-plant with banana palms – you can create a mini-jungle atmosphere in a sheltered corner.

1) An exotic garden can work with your architecture

Exotic gardens in the UK date back to Victorian and Edwardian times when plant hunters scoured the world. They brought exotic plants back to Britain, the United States and Australia.

And Victorians moving around the world ‘for the Empire’ took their architecture and their gardens with them.

This is a small town garden behind a Victorian terraced house. Exotic works perfectly.

So an exotic garden or border can also be described as ‘traditional’ in the UK, especially if you live in a Victorian or an Edwardian house.

Exotic shapes and colours at the Salutation in Sandwich. It’s an Edwardian house, built in 1911.

A front garden in Whitstable designed by Posy Gentles. Strong shapes and colours make this an exotic contemporary look.

Modern houses and extensions also work well with exotic plantings because the strong sculptural shapes and bright colours contrast well.

2) Pack your exotic garden with plants in layers

I interviewed Australian TV gardening expert Stephen Ryan on how to create an exotic garden in a temperate climate. He has a nursery near Melbourne called Dicksonia Rare Plants.

Stephen Ryan in his garden. It is all plants, paths and ponds. There are no lawns in the jungle! The big leafed plant on the left is Tetrapanax papyrifer, which is fairly hardy in UK winters.

Melbourne is hotter than the UK in the summer, but has some very cool winters, so many of the plants in Stephen’s own garden would work in the UK or North America.

The garden is called ‘Tugurium’, which is Latin for hovel. He bought the one-acre of land with compensation money for losing all his possessions in ‘the 1983 fire’. This was a devastating forest fire that swept through this part of Melbourne, taking 300 lives and destroying much property.

Tugurium – a house and garden created from a bare patch of land. Stephen is proud that ‘nothing ever leaves the propery’. Everything is recycled, composted and waste water is reused.

There was no house or garden – not even any topsoil – when he moved in. He created the garden from scratch. It regularly featured in ‘Gardening Australia’ when Stephen hosted the programme.

Create a jungle ‘canopy’

Everything was created on a tight budget, so he was only able to build a small house. A neighbour commented that it was a shame that such a ‘hovel’ had been built so close to him. So Stephen named the house and garden ‘Tugurium’ as his response.

Stephen’s one acre garden is packed with plants. He actually holds four National collections in the space.

Trees and tall shrubs, many of them hardy in winter, create an upper ‘jungle canopy’. They are underplanted with ferns and smaller plants, just as would occur naturally in the jungle.

Palm trees, cordylines and ferns are planted close to Stephen’s house, creating a jungly feel. The palm is is Livistona australis, the most southern-growing palm (in the Southern hemisphere, this means the most tolerant of cool winters). People report it growing -quite slowly – if well sheltered in the UK. The Trachycarpus fortunei palm tree is considered more reliable in cool climates.

Go for big borders and lots of layers to get the jungle look.

3) Find the tropical corner of your garden

Stephen says that every garden has its own patches of micro-climate. Experiment to see where less hardy plants do well. It’s often much warmer near the house, for example.

‘Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works,’ he says. ‘The worst that can happen is that a plant dies, which will create something that’s very precious in a garden.’ He pauses. ‘An empty space.’

Puya chilensis in Stephen’s garden. This will just about survive outside all year in warmer parts of the UK, but you might want to keep it in a pot and bring it in in winter. Too spiky for fleece! But just experiment – you may have a magically sheltered spot. Puya chilensis is called the ‘sheep eating plant’ as it traps sheep in its sharp spikes. They die and decay and the plant feeds off the decay. Maybe not a plant for those with small dogs, though Stephen has two who have survived fine.

4) Choose plants with big leaves and/or strong shapes

Stephen recommends mahonia as a good shrub for an exotic look. Forget about its suburban reputation. Combine it with bamboos, ferns and other jungly-look plants.

Mahonia and bamboo get jungly together in Stephen’s garden.

Fatsia, seen here against Stephen’s house, is another much maligned shrub which will give a tropical look in a temperate climate.

The totally tropical look in a friend’s garden in Australia: cordylines, tree ferns, rhododendrons and conifers create upper and middle layers. All except the tree fern are hardy in most parts of Britain, and tree ferns do fine in the right spot and with the right care.

Cordylines for sale in Faversham market, Kent. The green varieties are hardier than the red.

5) Combine lush planting with bright colours

Dahlias originally came from Mexico, but are now considered quite ‘traditional’ in English gardens. Take them back to their colourful roots by using them to create exotic garden beds.

Dahlia ‘Mel’s Orange Marmalade’ in the exotic garden at the Salutation in Kent, along with cordylines, Musa banana palms and ricinus.

And cannas will also look good in the exotic garden. Like dahlias, they are reasonably hardy in most parts of Britain, provided you protect their roots/rhizomes with a thick layer of mulch in autumn.

Canna ‘Stephen Ryan’ at his nursery near Melbourne.

Canna ‘Cleopatra’ at Stephen Ryan’s nursery.

Begonias and fuschias are also flowers we take for granted. They,too, can look remarkably exotic in bright colours and the right context.

6) Keep frost-tender exotics in pots

Some exotic plants won’t survive a Northern hemisphere winter, but will do well in pots outside in the summer. You can bring the pots in to an unheated but frost-free greenhouse or conservatory, or protect them with fleece in a sheltered spot.

Aeoniums have a wonderfully tropical feel. Stephen grows them in his garden. If you live somewhere mild, you can try this. Or keep them in pots and protect them in the winter.

Cymbidium orchids will also probably be happy to live on your terrace in a sheltered spot during the summer. In winter, they need to be protected from frost, but cool (8-10 degrees C) and in a light place.

A pot pond with planting in Stephen’s garden. The plant to the right is euphorbia characias – many of the euphorbias have a jungly look to them. This is a Mediterranean plant

7) Contrast leaf shapes

Vary your leaf shapes, contrasting big sculptural leaves with tall slim plants like bamboo, advises Stephen. Bamboo grows well in the UK – sometimes too well. Make sure you don’t buy the spreading type as it will take over your garden.

Big sculptural shapes contrast with the slim stems of bamboo in the exotic garden at The Salutation.

8) Visit exotic gardens near you

Christopher Lloyd re-started the trend towards exotic gardens and borders when he ripped out his mother’s rose garden in 1993. He replaced it with the ‘exotic garden’. It’s planted with cannas, dahlias, verbena bonariensis and the relatively hardy banana palm Musa basjoo.

The exotic garden at Great Dixter – the plants tower over your head. I love the way the light streams in, as this was a particularly sunny day.

Henstead Garden in Suffolk is also an ‘exotic garden’, named as Garden of the Year by Alan Titchmarsh in 2015.

And the RHS has several exotic garden areas, such as those at RHS Rosemoor in Devon.

We’ve even got an ‘exotic garden’ as one of our open gardens on the Faversham Open Garden & Garden Market Day on 25th of June. Mary Mackay, who owns it, says she’s ‘not really a gardener’, but she just loves exotic plants and leaf shapes.

Mary Mackay combines cardoons, cordylines, bamboo and hostas for a jungly effect. Her garden is just a small town garden.

Lastly, pay a visit to a good exotic plant nursery. My favourite is Architectural Plants, which describes itself as the’ home of the tropical and jungly in both big and small plants.’

I find Architectural Plants an inspiring nursery to visit. Plants and arrangements are beautifully presented.

7) Read the best books and blogs on exotic gardens

Before he died, Christopher Lloyd started his last book, Exotic Planting for Adventurous Gardeners. It was finished by his friends, and is considered one of the best books on exotic gardens you’ll find.

Note: these are associate links to Amazon, which means you can click through to buy. If you do, I may get a small fee but it won’t affect the price you pay.

And Will Giles’ book Exotic Plants for Temperate Climes is rated highly. It’s a useful directory of plants that will survive in your garden but will add an exotic touch.

If you’re interested in growing exotic fruit and vegetables, A Taste of the Unexpected by Mark Diacono won the Guild of Food Writers’ Book of the Year in 2011.

And, although it looks as if it may be only available second-hand or on Kindle, Architectural Plants by Christine Shaw is worth getting your hands on.

One of the most popular blogs in Britain is Alternative Eden, an account of an exotic (clearly middle-sized) garden in Luton. Mark and Gaz both have ‘busy professional lives’, but travel as much as they can. Their garden is influenced by their travels – they bring ideas back and try them out. They have a devoted following.

Or you could follow Clive from Alternative Plantings, who is creating a tropical garden in South London for opening to the NGS on September 3rd, 2017.

8) Rock the exotic garden inside your home

Phalaenopsis orchids, bromeliads, cacti, air plants…

Bromeliad ‘air plants’ that don’t need to be planted in water. Aldo Airplants hanging on a rail at the RHS Spring Plant and Orchid show.

Phalaenopsis orchid ‘Surf Song’ at the RHS Spring Plant and Orchid show.

Cacti from Ottershaw Cacti at the RHS Spring Plant & Orchid show.

The ‘jungle’ look is very popular for indoor plants – strong, structural shapes and bright colours look good in modern interiors.

Let me know of any good exotic gardens, nurseries or books near you, and I’ll add them to the list.

And do join us every Sunday morning – subscribe by email in the box on the top right. Thank you!

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