Top 10 Places for the Seafood Lover
Top 10 Places for the Seafood Lover
Nestled on California’s breathtaking Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a variety of coastal cuisine made with the region's fresh catches and a side of coastal charm. Every spot provides a unique dining experience that reflects the coastal culture of the area. Whether you’re seeking fresh catches, scenic waterfront dining, or unique culinary twists, these top restaurants are a must-visit during your trip:
1. Sea Pal Cove
Located right on the wharf, this casual gem serves up crispy fish & chips with stunning harbor views. Enjoy your meal outdoors as fishing boats glide by and seals bark from the opposite bank. Perfect for outdoor dining and dog-friendly fun. Fire pits in the colder weather make this outdoor spot winter friendly.Local Tip: Don’t miss the deep-fried Twinkie when it’s time for dessert!
2. Princess Seafood & Deli
A seafood lover’s dream, Princess offers sustainably caught fish from local waters by an all-female crew. Fresh seafood offerings include anything and everything that is catchable on the North Coast, along with specialty items like smoked fish and seafood salads. Princess has two locations: the seafood market and deli near the entry to the wharf and their restaurant which sits at the farthest point along the wharf. At the restaurant you will find superb fish tacos made with locally caught cod among the fresh fish fare. Dishes are healthy, crisp and fresh, severed with a delicious limey slaw for crispy bites.Local Tip: Nothing is ever fried here, so don’t ask!
3. Mayan Fusion
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a seafood twist. Dishes like seafood enchiladas and ceviche make this flavorful stop a memorable experience. Executive Chef Silver Canul has Yucatan roots and is French trained. The result is a menu of unique dishes you’ll crave forever.Local Tip: Most definitely order one of the specialty margaritas!
4. Noyo River Grill
Set along the Noyo River, this serene spot run by the Guillermo Brothers features fresh seafood delights like coconut prawns and ahi tartar, served with a side of spectacular views. Watch boats come and go from the wall of windows out to the harbor.Local Tip: There’s an excellent full bar spanning one end of the restaurant.
5. Noyo Fish Company
Casual and inviting, this harbor-side eatery is known for its delicious fish & chips and creamy clam chowder. Located directly over the water, you might get lucky and see a family of resident river otters.Local Tip: A great spot to watch fishing boats coming in with fresh catches.
6. Casa Del Sol
This family-owned gem blends Latin flavors with fresh seafood - a staple of Fort Bragg food culture, and a favorite of the locals (which says volumes!)Local Tip: Follow them on Instagram to get their weekly taco Tuesday specials!
7. The Wharf
A Fort Bragg staple since the 1950s, this classic eatery offers traditional seafood dishes paired with panoramic views of Noyo Harbor.Local Tip: Eat your meal at the bar for some local color and conversation.
8. Off the Hook Sushi or Taka’s
Fort Bragg has two places to satisfy your sushi cravings with premium sushi grade fish and creative rolls in a laid-back atmosphere.Local Tip: The udon noodle soups and ramens are just the thing on a cool coastal evening.
9. KW Saltwater Grill
Upscale fresh local seafood with a welcoming atmosphere, KW Saltwater elevates Fort Bragg’s seafood scene with a refined menu and cozy ambiance. Perfect for a special night out on the North Coast.Local Tip: The black cod. Say no more.
10. Catch it yourself!
Head out to sea in one of Noyo Harbor’s many fishing charter boats and bring home the catch of the day yourself to cook at home. Anchor Charter, Hooked on Mendo, and All Aboard Adventures are all great choices!
Local Tips:
Explore all the coastal charm, fresh flavors, and unforgettable dining experiences Fort Bragg has to offer.
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The Vintage Hoopla
The Vintage Hoopla
Date: June 28 from 11-4.
Featuring over 25 vintage collections
Sponsored by the Larry Spring Museum
Where: Larry Spring Commons, 225 Redwood Avenue
The Annual Fort Bragg Quilt Show
29th Annual Fort Bragg Quilt Show
June 28th & June 29th 10:00 AM to 4 PM
Dana Grey Elementry School, 1197 Chestnut Street
The 29th Annual Fort Bragg Quilt Show will have more than 160 quilts on display as well as wearable quilt items and quilted home decor. This is a judged event with ribbons given in each category. This year’s featured local artist is Ronnie Kemper, who will be showing a number of hre large and small quilts. A special quilt display will feature small quilts made to hang in shops throught town for the annual Fort Bragg Quilt Walf. A variety of ventors will be selling fabrics and handmade items both days.
Tickes are $10.00 per person and are good for Saturday and Sun-day. children under the age of 12 are admitted free.
Tickets are purchased at the door only – cash or local check only. Please visit our website for further information.
Top 5 Hiking and Biking Trails for Summer
Top 5 Hiking & Biking Trails for Summer
Fort Bragg, California is a charming coastal town known for its scenic beauty and outdoor attractions. Among these attractions are miles and miles of walking, hiking and biking paths for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and expertise. Here are a few to give you an idea of the wide variety Fort Bragg has to offer.
1. Coastal Trail
Distance: +/- 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: easy
Type: paved multi-use trail
Highlights: ocean bluffs, whale watching, interpretive signage, wildflowers, benches
Best for: families, casual riders and walkers, e-bikes
Access: Start at Noyo Headlands or Glass Beach parking lots.
2. Ten Mile Beach Trail
Distance: 10 miles round trip
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Type: hard packed trail, some sand
Highlights: sweeping coastal views, dunes, wildlife, beach access
Best for: fat tire bikes, hybrids, good walkers, nature lovers
Access: MacKerricher State Park or North end of Coastal Trail
3. Jackson Demonstration State Forest
Distance: variable (dozens of miles of trails and logging roads)
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Type: mountain biking single track, narrow walking trails, forest roads
Highlights: redwood groves, creeks, challenging climbs, solitude
Best for: mountain bikers, experienced hikers
Access: Start at Big River Road, Camp One, or Hare Creek Trailhead.
4. Fort Bragg - Sherwood Road
Distance: up to 30 miles one way
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Type: first 5 miles are paved, then turns to gravel through redwood forest
Highlights: remote forest views, solitude, wildlife
Best for: gravel bikes, mountain bikes, experienced hikers
Access: Start at Hwy 1 at Oak Street and head east (turns into county road 419).
5. Fort Bragg to Mendocino via Hwy 1 (advanced road ride)
Distance: +/- 20 miles round trip
Difficulty: moderate to advanced
Type: road biking (shoulders vary)
Highlights: cliffs, ocean vistas, scenic bridges
Best for: road cyclists, scenic riders
Access: parking lot at Noyo Headlands or anywhere along Hwy 1
Local Tips:
Best times to ride: May through October for sun and dry trails Weather: dress in layers – coastal fog and sun can switch fast Rentals and Repairs – Check out Fort Bragg Cyclery for biking gear and repairs and the Outdoor Store for hiking gear and local trail advice
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The World's Largest Salmon BBQ
The World’s Largest Salmon BBQ
Saturday, July 5, 2025 – South Noyo Harbor
Inside the Union Lumber Company Store in Downtown Fort Bragg
Inside the Union Lumber Company Store in Downtown Fort Bragg
This historic Fort Bragg anchor was once the pride and joy of the Union Lumber Company. Located on Main Street in the heart of downtown, this solid redwood building was built in 1912 to house a company-owned department store. Workers at the mill would patronize the store for everything from clothing to housewares and could purchase on debit to their paychecks. Fast forward more than 100 years, and this majestic building has been transformed into a bustling indoor shopping center. There are currently 13 unique and interesting shops and restaurants tucked inside this Fort Bragg destination, and there is most definitely something for everyone inside these walls. Be sure to make this a stop on your next visit to Fort Bragg.
Pro tip: Wander the building for the many historical photos of Fort Bragg life 100 years ago.
Start with a cup of organic coffee and a cookie from Mendocino Cookie Co./ Zappas Coffee to get your day moving in the right direction. Family owned in Fort Bragg for 40 over years, it’s two stores in one. And you won’t believe how good the cookies are. You’ll certainly be back for a bakers’ dozen.
2. Asian Fusion
Ready for lunch? Asian Fusion has some wonderful soups, curries, and Thai noodle dishes. Ask about specials as they often fuse Mexican and Asian faire. They can also comfortably handle large groups and are open every day for lunch and dinner.
Epperson Music is a bustling little musical instrument store that is quickly becoming a local destination. From acoustic and electric guitars to a nice assortment of amps, parts and gear. Repairs are also done onsite often while you wait. It’s an interactive store that’s always fun at any age. It’s also your central source of information for live music so stop in to see who’s playing where or check out their local live music calendar.
A trip to Fort Bragg is not complete without some time spent in the Sea Glass Museum with its proprietor Captain Cass Forrington. The Captain has procured a very interesting collection of beach finds of all types, not just the sea glass kind and will gladly chat with you about his work.
At Gateway Games you can buy, sell or trade video games and equipment alongside a wide selection of trading cards like Pokemon or Magic the Gathering. They also do repairs on iphones and electronics. Pick up a vintage game or a pack of cards for something old or something new to do.
Treat yourself to a massage, the float spa, or a yoga class at Rise and Be Well. They specialize in massage and bodywork and also offer sound and frequency and light therapies, Reiki/Energy Healing Readings, hot tubs and cold plunge.
Fort Bragg Cyclery is a great place to get your bike repaired and ready for your next ride. You can also shop for a new bike and gear to go with it. Owners Marc and Tina are happy to share their knowledge about amazing local rides around Fort Bragg.
At Dijon, you will find some of the best seafood in town. Chef Roberto has been serving Mendocino County for years, and now has his own establishment here at the Company Store Building. If you are a cioppino fan, look no further. And if you like the basics, i.e. chowder and fish and chips, you will find them here done to perfection.
Kokko’s is a great place for the kids to kick back, play some Smash Brothers, checkers, or chess, and try out the many varieties of freeze-dried candy. Did we mention, it’s super fun for grown-ups, too.
Earth Day Festival
16th Annual Earth Day Festival, hosted by Noyo Food Forest
Saturday April 19 from 12 – 5pm at The Learning Garden, Fort Bragg High School
This free, family-friendly event celebrates our connection to the Earth with live music, hands-on activities, and a vibrant showcase of sustainability.