Named for (what very little is left of) the sea-polished glass in the sand, remnants of its days as a city dump, this beach is now part of MacKerricher State Park. Take the headlands trail from Elm St, off Main St, but leave the glass – visitors are not supposed to pocket souvenirs.

Be wary of the tides here, and there can be big waves and an undertow. A safer beach to swim is just north at Pudding Creek Beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Guest House Museum

0.68 MILES

A majestic Victorian structure built in 1892 displays historical photos and relics of Fort Bragg’s history.

2. Northcoast Artists Gallery

0.68 MILES

An excellent local arts cooperative where 20 full-time members work in photography, glass, woodworking, jewelry, painting, sculpture, textiles and…

3. Triangle Tattoo & Museum

0.68 MILES

This one-off museum has an excellent exhibition of international tattoo art and explains the history in various cultures. You can also get a tattoo done…

4. Noyo Center for Marine Science

0.69 MILES

This small science center educates visitors about the climate-based threats facing the Mendocino coast, including the mass sea star die-off, explosion of…

5. MacKerricher State Park

2.81 MILES

MacKerricher State Park preserves 9 miles of pristine rocky headlands, sandy beaches, dunes and tide pools. The visitor center sits next to the whale…

6. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

3.04 MILES

This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…

7. Sea Glass Museum

3.51 MILES

Just south of town, this museum showcases the sea glass found on local beaches with beautiful displays, plus audiovisual explanations and additional…

8. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

5.38 MILES

Between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Jug Handle preserves an ecological staircase that you can view on a 5-mile (round-trip) self-guided nature trail. The…