Let’s be honest, Northern California has some pretty spectacular beaches. From interesting geological features to dramatic cliffs to white sand that exfoliates your toes, there are so many different and beautiful places to explore. There’s only one beach in the world like the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, though, and we’re lucky to have it right here in Northern California.
One of the most iconic destinations in Northern California, Glass Beach has dazzled generations of visitors and locals alike.
Flickr/ Images by John ‘K’
You might guess this from the name, but the small, smooth multi-colored stones that give this beach its vibrant beauty are in fact pieces of glass.
Flickr/ Marc Cooper
Glass Beach and a couple surrounding coastal areas were actually once the site of a dump, where people would leave trash and other unwanted items.
Flickr/ Karen
The site was closed as a dump in 1967 after decades of trash began piling up. Metal and other scraps were removed, but glass was one particle that remained.
Flickr/ Marc Cooper
The sea’s relentless pounding on the shore eventually wore the leftover shards into smooth, beautiful pebbles.
Flickr/ Images by John ‘K’
Nature is slowly reclaiming what was once an eyesore and making it beautiful again. The area is known for its striking and unusual beauty.
Flickr/ CasparGirl
Photographers from near and far come to capture the sparkling glass stones, which glisten in the sunlight and decorate the beach in a rainbow of colors.
Flickr/ Images by John ‘K’
You may be tempted to take a few pieces of glass with you, but it is actually illegal. Glass Beach is a reminder to take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Flickr/ mlhradio
Future generations should be able to visit Glass Beach for years to come. It’s also a great reminder about the power of nature to heal itself and to make sure we treat it with respect.
Flickr/ Images by John ‘K’
Glass Beach is located in MacKerricher State Park, which is three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone.
Flickr/ tobym
In addition to the world famous glass beach, the park also features a variety of habitats that include other beaches, bluffs, headlands, dunes, forests and wetland.
Flickr/ Marc Cooper
It’s popular for a range of activities, including: Picnicking, Fishing, Scuba Diving/Snorkeling, Nature & Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing/Surfing, Geocaching, and Tide Pool Exploring.
Flickr/ Images by John ‘K’
It makes for a lovely place to walk along the beach or through the brush covered dunes.
Flickr/ mlhradio
To access Glass Beach, stop at the well defined parking lot and follow a paved trail a short way to this spectacular beach.
Flickr/ mlhradio
Whether you come to snap a quick picture or to spend the whole day here, the journey will be well worth the spectacular sight of Glass Beach. It’s something all Northern Californians should see at least once!
Flickr/ Images by John ‘K’
What are your thoughts on Glass Beach? Would you make a trip there any time soon? For more Northern California places to explore, you should read 12 Perfect Things to Add To Your Northern California Bucket List.
Flickr/ Images by John ‘K’
Flickr/ Marc Cooper
Flickr/ Karen
Flickr/ Images by John ‘K’
Flickr/ CasparGirl
Flickr/ mlhradio
Flickr/ tobym
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