MacKerricher State Park Fort Bragg California
Discover a unique coastline where a former dump transformed into Glass Beach, offering tide pools, seal sightings, and scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
MacKerricher State Park Fort Bragg California
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a unique coastline where a former dump transformed into Glass Beach, offering tide pools, seal sightings, and scenic trails.
"A beautiful, clean park and beach with wooden plank trails leading to tide pools and rocks."
🚫 Don't Collect Glass
It's illegal to take sea glass from Glass Beach. Admire its beauty, but leave it for others. :noentrysign:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, especially on trails and beaches. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glass Beach
Southern end of MacKerricher State Park
Millions of sea-smoothed glass pieces create a colorful, unique beach. A true 'trash to treasure' story.
+6
Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge
Near Pudding Creek
A historic railroad bridge transformed into a romantic 'love lock' bridge with scenic ocean views.
Tide Pools & Seal Watching
Coastal areas and boardwalks
Explore vibrant tide pools teeming with marine life and watch seals basking on the rocks.
Coastal Trails & Dunes
Throughout the park
Wander through diverse landscapes, from sandy dunes to rugged cliffs, offering stunning ocean vistas.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Glass Beach: A Unique Treasure
+6Park Access & Day Use
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Don't Collect Glass
It's illegal to take sea glass from Glass Beach. Admire its beauty, but leave it for others.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, especially on trails and beaches. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Day Use Entry
Day use is free, but expect potential lines. Consider arriving early or on weekdays. :car:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Plan your visit around low tide for the best experience exploring tide pools.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Don't Collect Glass
It's illegal to take sea glass from Glass Beach. Admire its beauty, but leave it for others.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, especially on trails and beaches. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Day Use Entry
Day use is free, but expect potential lines. Consider arriving early or on weekdays. :car:
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Plan your visit around low tide for the best experience exploring tide pools.
🦭 Seal Spotting
Look for seals along the coast, especially from the boardwalk viewing areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise MacKerricher State Park for its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and free day-use access. Highlights include the unique Glass Beach, abundant wildlife like seals, and well-maintained trails. Some minor drawbacks include potential entry delays and the minerally water at campsites.
"This is a great park to visit. Day use is free of charge. There are also plenty of campsites.
They have built a wonderful boardwalk that you can walk that takes you out to the tide pools and the headlands. There is also a beautiful beach and picnic tables available and clean bathrooms. A wonderful place to spend a few hours or all day."
Kat Monteiro
"Camp sites amazing. Bathrooms nice, sites large and shielded from the wind.
Water is minerally so plan accordingly if you don’t like that.
Beach and lake super nice! Small pebble beach, seals, birds.
Close to town too so if you forget anything you are only a few minutes away."
Alex Braman
"Beautiful, clean park and beach. It has the black, coarse sand but pleasant to be on. Walked the wood plank trails. You can take them down to different areas of beach, rocks or tide pool. It has public restrooms which were clean also. Near the restroom were grassy areas with picnic tables."
Camille Teel-Costello
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
MacKerricher State Park is located just north of Fort Bragg, California. You can reach it by car via Highway 1. The park entrance is well-marked. For Glass Beach specifically, entering 'Glass Beach Trail, Fort Bragg, CA 95437' into your GPS will lead you to the parking lot adjacent to the beach.
Public transportation options directly to MacKerricher State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Many visitors combine a trip to the park with a scenic drive along the Mendocino Coast.
The parking lot for Glass Beach is located within MacKerricher State Park. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
No, you cannot drive directly onto Glass Beach. Parking is available in the designated lot, and you'll need to walk a short trail down to the beach.
Yes, MacKerricher State Park is part of a cluster of state parks in the Fort Bragg area, including Van Damme State Park and Jackson State Forest, offering diverse outdoor experiences.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day use at MacKerricher State Park is free of charge, making it an accessible destination for everyone.
MacKerricher State Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific facilities like campgrounds may have different hours. It's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for the most current information.
Campsites at MacKerricher State Park are popular and often operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially outside of peak season. Booking in advance is highly recommended if available, or plan to arrive early.
No, it is illegal to collect sea glass at Glass Beach and within MacKerricher State Park. The glass is protected to preserve the unique environment.
Typically, day-use visitors can use a right lane for quicker entry, while campers check in on the left. However, this process can sometimes be altered, potentially causing delays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
MacKerricher offers a variety of activities including beachcombing at Glass Beach, exploring tide pools, hiking coastal trails, watching seals, and enjoying the diverse birdlife in the wetlands. +1
Yes, MacKerricher State Park is renowned for its excellent tide pooling opportunities, especially during low tide. The boardwalks provide easy access to these rich marine environments.
Absolutely! Seals are frequently spotted along the coastline and on the rocks within MacKerricher State Park. The boardwalk to the seal lookout is a popular spot for viewing them.
The park features a range of trails, including coastal paths with ocean views, boardwalks over wetlands, and trails through sand dunes and coastal forests.
Yes, MacKerricher is very family-friendly. It offers a Junior Ranger program, easy-to-access beaches, tide pools, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it engaging for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within MacKerricher State Park. However, Fort Bragg is very close by, offering a variety of dining options from casual cafes to seafood restaurants.
Yes, picnic tables are available in designated areas throughout the park, often near grassy spots and restrooms, making it a great place for a picnic lunch.
Fort Bragg offers a range of eateries, including seafood restaurants, diners, and cafes. You can find options to suit various tastes and budgets just a short drive from the park.
Yes, there are grocery stores in Fort Bragg, which is conveniently located just a few minutes away from MacKerricher State Park. This is helpful if you forget any picnic supplies or need to stock up for camping.
The water at MacKerricher State Park is described as minerally. If you have a preference for non-mineral water, it's advisable to bring your own supply or be prepared for this characteristic.
📸 📸 Photography
MacKerricher State Park offers incredible photographic opportunities, from the colorful sea glass at Glass Beach
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, can offer beautiful light for photographing Glass Beach, highlighting the colors of the glass. Midday can also be striking with the sun illuminating the glass.
Yes, the boardwalks and trails along the headlands provide numerous viewpoints for capturing the rugged coastline, crashing waves, and expansive ocean vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes and dunes. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of the sea glass and tide pool creatures. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance ocean colors and reduce glare.
Yes, with a telephoto lens, you can capture great shots of seals and the diverse birdlife found in the park's wetlands and along the coast. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park's boardwalks and easy trails are also suitable for little legs, and spotting seals is always a highlight. 💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Don't miss the chance to spot seals from the boardwalk. The park's proximity to Fort Bragg means you can easily grab lunch before or after your visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Glass Beach: From Dump to Gem
+3Over time, the relentless action of the waves and tides transformed this waste into a unique treasure. The sharp edges of the glass were ground down, creating millions of smooth, jewel-like pieces that now cover the beach. This transformation is a powerful testament to nature's ability to reclaim and beautify even the most degraded environments. It's a stark reminder of past practices and a beautiful example of ecological recovery.
+3Important Note: While the glass is beautiful, it is illegal to collect it from the beach. This regulation is in place to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure that Glass Beach remains a stunning natural attraction for generations to come. Visitors are encouraged to admire and photograph the glass, but to leave it undisturbed.
+1Exploring MacKerricher's Diverse Ecosystems
+1Inland, you'll find coastal dunes and forests, offering a different kind of natural beauty. The park is also home to extensive wetlands, which are crucial habitats for numerous bird species. These areas are particularly fascinating for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
+1One of the park's most celebrated features is its rich intertidal zone. During low tide, the rocky shores and boardwalks reveal a vibrant world of tide pools, teeming with marine life such as sea stars, anemones, and small crustaceans. Seals are also a common sight, often seen lounging on the offshore rocks or swimming in the surf.
Activities for Every Visitor
Hikers and walkers can explore miles of trails, including scenic boardwalks that wind through wetlands and along the coast, offering stunning ocean views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
+1 Horseback riding is also available through guided tours, providing a unique way to experience the park's landscapes. For campers, MacKerricher offers a peaceful setting with campsites that provide a base for exploring the park and surrounding areas. The park's proximity to Fort Bragg also means easy access to amenities and dining options, making it a convenient destination for both day trips and longer stays.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit