Glass Beach
Fort Bragg, CA
Coves in MacKerricher State Park where decades of dumped bottles have been worn into smooth sea glass. The glass is thinning, so look but leave it; the coastal trail runs along the bluffs from the car park.
Glass Beach near Fort Bragg was a dump in the early 20th century: locals threw household trash, glass, appliances and even cars over the cliffs, the land belonged to the Union Lumber Company, and the town called it “The Dumps.” Fires were set to shrink the pile. The site was closed in 1967 and several cleanups followed. Over the decades the waves ground the glass into smooth, colorful pieces. Since 2002 the roughly 15 hectares (38 acres) have belonged to the State of California and are part of MacKerricher State Park.
Taking glass is prohibited and signs say so; leave the pieces where they are so that others can see them too. The glass is thinning because visitors collect it and the waves wear it away.
- Nearest town
- Fort Bragg, CA
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 39.4526, -123.8135
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hidden Pines RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover3 mi from Glass BeachMotorhomes
- Pomo CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Glass Beach
- Woodside RV Park & CampgroundMotorhome stopover3 mi from Glass BeachMotorhomes
- Caspar Beach RV ParkMotorhome stopover6 mi from Glass BeachMotorhomes
- Camp NoyoCampsite11 mi from Glass Beach
- Westport Beach RV Park and CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Glass BeachWi-Fi
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Glass Beach?
Glass Beach is in Fort Bragg, CA, at GPS 39.4526, -123.8135. It is about 10 mi from Mendocino.
Can you camp near Glass Beach?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Surfwood Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Glass Beach?
Glass Beach is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Sonoma and Mendocino coast on Highway 1.
What is there to see near Glass Beach?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mendocino Village (10 mi), Point Arena Lighthouse (35 mi), Black Sands Beach (43 mi) and Avenue of the Giants (58 mi).
When is the best time to visit Glass Beach?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)