This is the best coastal kayaking in all of California! “Paddling only four miles took six hours because there were so many caves, arches, wave pour-overs, sea birds and seals to check out,” said one visitor. “Big safe beaches to land on and launch from, and expert guides to take us safely through every feature.” From wild to mild, you’ll find kayaking adventures for every level of experience.

Whale Watching is one of Fort Bragg’s most popular attractions during the winter and spring, when Gray and Humpback whales make their annual migration along the coast. Whales can very often been seen just offshore at MacKerricher State Park, or many of the other headlands along Fort Bragg’s shoreline. Daily Whale Watching trips depart from Noyo Harbor, and take interested spectators out on the Pacific for a closer glimpse at these gentle giants.

Fort Bragg and surrounding areas provide some great terrain for cycling and mountain biking whether you are looking for an easy glide around town, or seeking more challenging terrain. The Pudding Creek Trestle bridges the town with the seaside recreational path called the California Coastal Trail. The path begins just south of the Pudding Creek trestle and extends north past several oceanfront motels up to Ten Mile Beach. Riders can pick up the convenient trail in town and avoid the highway automobile traffic.

Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers unforgettable trail rides, horseback riding tours, Redwood Coast riding vacations, and custom riding vacations near Fort Bragg. Book a ride with us today to experience Northern California’s beaches, ranches, and redwood forests!

If you love to hike, you’ll love Fort Bragg as your home base. A few of our favorites include: Ten-Mile Beach; MacKerricher State Park Haul Road; Point Cabrillo Light Station; the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens; the Forest History Trail in Jackson State Forest; Jug Handle Nature Preserve; and 11 different walks through the redwoods.

The Fort Bragg Skate Park is a must for families that skateboard together and skateboarders looking for a place to practice their moves or sharpen their skills. The park is a haven for the many skateboarders and board sports enthusiasts living and visiting the Mendocino coast.

There are actually three glass beaches — all former city trash dump sites — that cough up beautiful sea glass. Search for rare ruby reds or sapphire gems from apothecary bottles. Snap a photo, but leave the glass behind for others to discover. A note from California State Parks regarding Glass Beach at MacKerricher State Park: “All park cultural features are protected by law and may not be removed or disturbed, including glass found at Glass Beach.”

Mendocino Botanical Gardens, located just south of the city of Fort Bragg, include 47 acres of ocean-front gardens, forests, streams, fern canyons and bluffs. Visitors will be enthralled by the diversity and tranquility of the Botanical Gardens, where you can find something for every outdoor enthusiast. Manicured gardens, dense pine forest, diverse plant collections and flower filled bluffs are just some of what awaits you when you spend a day exploring this coastal gem.

The 50,000-acre Jackson State Forest –- more or less surrounding Fort Bragg on the east — is a forest heavily logged over the past 150 years. Still, there are lots of remaining California redwood forest to explore, including some old growth redwoods. A newly-developed timber harvest plan, currently being implemented, will go a long way toward protecting these California Redwoods areas for future generations.

25 years ago, the State of California declared that the Guest House Museum in Downtown Fort Bragg a point of historical interest. It was built mostly from coastal redwood in 1892 for Tom Johnson, a family business partner in Fort Bragg Redwood Company, as his private residence. All wood used in the structure was milled by Fort Bragg Redwood Company.

Fort Bragg is an official Gateway to the California Coastal National Monument. Here’s how the Bureau of Land Management describes the Monument: “Waves explode onto offshore rocks, spraying whitewater into the air. Sea lions bark as they “haul out” of the surf onto the rocks, and a whirlwind of birds fly above. These amazing rocks and small islands are part of the California Coastal National Monument, a spectacular interplay of land and sea.”

Located in Northern California’s Mendocino County there is a skunk running through the redwood forest, but this isn’t any skunk, it’s the world famous Skunk Train. The California redwoods, pristine coastline, and award winning vineyards are all a part of the landscape of what makes Mendocino County such an amazing place and home to this 131-year-old train.

There are few places in California that can brag about a recreation center the size and scope of Fort Bragg’s C.V. Starr / Spath Aquatic Center. There is an eight-lane pool, workout areas, fitness equipment, water slides, and meeting rooms for community events and group gatherings. Opened in 2009, the C.V. Starr Center is a destination for families, couples and singles to swim, workout, or take classes in everything from pilates to kayaking.

Charter boats and whale watching boats will also you out any time during the year for sport fishing cruises. You can catch your own salmon, red snapper, or other delicacies!