Glass Beach Tours

Glass Beach featuring rugged coastline
Glass Beach showing a pebble beach
Glass Beach featuring a pebble beach
North Coast California
Glass Beach showing general coastal views and rocky coastline


Comb the beach for sea glass gems and artificial rubies in this former trash site that has become a bay of colors.

Glass Beach is a fascinating site that has been naturally transformed from a century-old trash site into a multicolored treasure chest. Over the years, the sea’s waves churning against the sands have smoothed the edges of car batteries, bottles and cans, turning them into a rainbow of translucent colors. Capture photos of this extraordinary beach on the Pacific Ocean.

Choose your favorite colors among the ruby reds and bright blues. Inspect these fascinating gems, before leaving them on the beach for others to discover. Consider the origins of the various stones. Sapphire gems come from apothecary bottles, while the ruby reds are likely from pre-1967 tail lights.

Glass Beach consists of three individual bays that were all used as trash sites for decades. Climb to the top of the cliffs around the northernmost beach and enjoy a picnic with your family. Appreciate the panoramic views of the ocean, with its many rocks and tiny islands that rise above the foamy water.

Stroll along this multicolored beach with your family and friends. Feel the cool sensation of the waves on your feet on a warm day. Spot the small yellow endangered Menzies’ wallflower that grows here.

Note that the three dump sites operated from 1906 until 1967. Over the years, programs were put in place to undo the environmental damage and much of the metal and other non-biodegradable items were sold as scrap. The force of the waves broke down the remaining pottery and glass into small jewels.

Glass Beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean in the northwestern corner of Fort Bragg. It is just south of Pudding Creek and stands at the end of the Glass Beach Trail that runs from the town center. Leave your car in the parking lot at the intersection between the trail and the nearest road. The beach is open at all times and is free to enter.

Reviews of Glass Beach

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
189
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
182
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
70
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
19
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

You'll need to sift through the sand to find the glass, but it's a beautiful area. Watch for tides. They come in quickly.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The stairs to the beach was closed when we were there, which was a disappointment.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Since putting in a easy path to get to this once gorgeous beach, the glass is all but gone. Very disappointing.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Too rigorous a walk for us to g

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

There is no more glass at Glass Beach. We still had a great time at the beach tho

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

I used to come here as a young boy with my mom. I was disappointed that you can't access the beach

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Glass Beach

Motel 6 Fort Bragg, CA

Motel 6 Fort Bragg, CA

2 out of 5
400 S Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA
Motel 6 Fort Bragg, CA
Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.

2 out of 5
763 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA
Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.
Beachcomber Motel Fort Bragg

Beachcomber Motel Fort Bragg

2.5 out of 5
1111 N. Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA
Beachcomber Motel Fort Bragg
Harbor Lite Lodge

Harbor Lite Lodge

2.5 out of 5
120 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA
Harbor Lite Lodge
The Beach House Inn

The Beach House Inn

2.5 out of 5
100 Pudding Creek Rd, Fort Bragg, CA
The Beach House Inn
Oceanside Inn & Suites, a Days Inn by Wyndham

Oceanside Inn & Suites, a Days Inn by Wyndham

2.5 out of 5
820 N Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA
Oceanside Inn & Suites, a Days Inn by Wyndham
Seabird Lodge

Seabird Lodge

3.5 out of 5
191 South Street, Fort Bragg, CA
Seabird Lodge
Surf & Sand Lodge

Surf & Sand Lodge

2.5 out of 5
1131 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA
Surf & Sand Lodge
Best Western Vista Manor Lodge

Best Western Vista Manor Lodge

2.5 out of 5
1100 N Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA
Best Western Vista Manor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Glass Beach

At Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets and breathtaking ocean views. The beach area is perfect for relaxation and exploration, while nearby hotels provide a memorable stay. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll along the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail, which offers picturesque scenery and access to various attractions. Whether you're looking for adventure or tranquility, Glass Beach has something for everyone.

Shopping

At Glass Beach, you can enjoy local shops like the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail and the nearby Sea Glass Museum for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to the Mendocino Village shops, where you'll find charming boutiques and artisan goods that capture the area's beauty.

Recreation

At C.V. Starr Community Center, enjoy a range of fitness classes and swimming facilities just 1.6km from Glass Beach. Mendocino Coast Massage offers rejuvenating body treatments 37.0km away, while Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, 48.3km distant, invites you to explore nature trails and scenic vistas.

Adventure

At Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, explore the colorful shoreline filled with sea glass treasures. Enjoy tide pooling, beachcombing, and photography. For an adventurous twist, try kayaking along the rugged coast or take a hike through the nearby coastal trails for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Nightlife

Glass Beach offers a serene nighttime vibe with the soothing sound of waves. Enjoy a drink at the nearby North Coast Brewing Company for craft beers, or savor a meal at The Wharf Restaurant, where you can admire stunning ocean views under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Glass Beach

At Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California, you can enjoy a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Explore the famous glass beach, visit the local Glass Beach Museum, and discover nearby attractions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. For a deeper dive into the area's history, check out the historic rail and the beautiful botanical garden, all while gathering tips from fellow travelers on Tripadvisor.

  • Skunk Train: Experience a ride on the historic Skunk Train, which takes you through the enchanting redwood forests of Northern California. This scenic journey offers a glimpse into the area's rich culture and history, making it a perfect adventure for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
  • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens: Enjoy a day at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, a lush paradise featuring diverse plant species. Ideal for families and romantic strolls, the gardens provide stunning coastal views and a peaceful atmosphere to relax and connect with nature.
  • Noyo Harbor: Embrace adventure at Noyo Harbor, where you can partake in various outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the beach. The vibrant marina setting is perfect for those looking to soak in the sun and explore the beautiful coastline.

Best time to go to Glass Beach

The best time to visit Glass Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Glass Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Glass Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
May54.9°F (12.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.2°F (15.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
July61.3°F (16.3°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
August61.9°F (16.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainSunnyLowAverage
November53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Glass Beach

To save money on your trip to Glass Beach, consider visiting from January to March when hotel prices are lower. Booking on a Tuesday can also help you secure the best rates, while Saturday stays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter results by price and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, look for package deals combining flights, hotels, and activities for further savings. Don't forget to keep an eye out for last-minute deals to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Glass Beach are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Glass Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Glass Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria with ease. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Glass Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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