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.
Top 10 Dog Friendly Activities in and Around Fort Bragg
Top 10 Dog Friendly Activitiesin and Around Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, California is a charming coastal town known for its scenic beauty and outdoor attractions. If you're visiting with your furry friend, you're in luck—there are plenty of dog-friendly activities to enjoy together as well as dog-friendly lodging and eating establishments. Here’s our list of the top 10 pet-friendly activities in Fort Bragg:
1. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a must-visit for nature lovers and dog owners alike. This stunning 47-acre garden offers spectacular views of the coastline with well-maintained trails where leashed dogs are welcome. Explore the lush gardens, walk along the coastal bluffs, and enjoy the beautiful flora with your pup by your side.
Details: Dogs are allowed on leash, but must be under control at all times. They even offer water bowls at the entrance!
2. Dog Friendly Hotel Rooms
Many hotels in Fort Bragg offer dog-friendly rooms. The Surf and Sand Lodge and the Noyo Harbor Inn are just two examples and both offer special spaces for your pooch such as enclosed dog park areas and a dog washing station, which is just what might be needed after an afternoon at the beach.
Details: Leashes required on hotel premises.
3. Pomo Bluffs Park
Pomo Bluffs Park offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and is another fantastic outdoor space for dogs. There are a variety of trails to explore, some leading to the bluffs offering an excellent spot for a picnic or just soaking in the stunning views. The park is a great place to let your dog burn off some energy while you enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Details: Dogs must be on leash. Be aware of nearby cliffs, so always keep your dog close.
4. MacKerricher State Park
MacKerricher State Park is a beautiful coastal park that features trails, beaches, and even tide pools. Dogs are allowed on the park’s beaches, which is perfect if your dog loves to play in the sand or take a dip in the ocean. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, with dog-friendly trails leading through diverse landscapes, including marshes and coastal bluffs.
Details: Dogs must be kept on a leash in most areas, but they are free to roam the beach. Noyo Beach is another off-leash option. Be mindful of wildlife like seals, which can sometimes be seen along the shoreline.
5. Coastal Trail
Looking for a nice long walk or jog with your dog? The Coastal Trail is an 8 foot wide paved path that stretches North to South along the coastal bluffs in Fort Bragg. Parking is available at the end of Elm Street adjacent to Glass Beach. Open dawn to dusk.
6. The Skunk Train
For a truly unique experience, take a ride on the Skunk Train with your dog! Dogs are allowed in the main train cars with a ticket, as well as welcome in the open-air gondola cars, where they can enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and rugged terrain along the historic route. The train departs from the heart of Fort Bragg, and this fun, dog-friendly ride takes you through the scenic beauty of the Redwoods.
Details: Leashed dogs are welcome on the gondola car with an additional ticket. Reservations are recommended.
7. Grab a Brew
After a long day of outdoor adventures, head over to one of Fort Bragg’s three breweries for a relaxing meal or drink. The breweries, in true Fort Bragg style, are dog friendly to one degree or another. Overtime Brewing Co. and North Coast Brewing have dog-friendly patios where you can sit with your pup and enjoy craft beers, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Tall Guy as well. All great spots to unwind after exploring Fort Bragg.
Details: Breweries are popular spots for both locals and tourists with pets, so be sure to bring a leash.
8. The Mendocino Cookie Co.
When it’s time for that morning or afternoon coffee and sugar boost, head to the Company Store building to Mendocino Cookie Company. The coffees and sweets are top notch good, and there will surely be a welcoming cookie of the dog variety offered to your pooch.
Details: Leashed dogs are welcome inside the cafe.
9. The C.V. Starr Center Dog Park
The C.V. Starr Center Dog Park in Fort Bragg is a spacious, well-maintained park designed specifically for dogs to run, play, and socialize off-leash. With plenty of grass, shade, and benches for owners, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors to let their dogs stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. The park is fully fenced, offering peace of mind while your dog plays freely.
Details: The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all pups. Fort Bragg’s other dog park is at Noyo Headlands Park.
10. Sea Pal Cove
Located right on the pier, Sea Pal Cove is a casual gem of a spot that serves up fresh fish & chips with stunning harbor views. All seating is on the outdoor patio, and is dog-friendly. Enjoy your meal outdoors as fishing boats glide by with your pup at your side, probably looking at you with hopeful eyes that a morsel will come her way.
Details: The Noyo Harbor wharf has a variety of outdoor spaces that are dog friendly, including Noyo Fish Company and Princess Seafood.
Cucina Verona Ristorante Blue Zones Project Approval Celebration
Cucina Verona Ristorante Blue Zones Project Approval Celebration
January 31st from 5pm – 6pm
Whale Fest 2025
Whale Fest is taking over Downtown Fort Bragg on the weekend of March 14th through 16th and, like the migrating leviathans we celebrate, this year’s festivities will be bigger and better than ever. There’s a Downtown Wine Walk with the return this year of the Chowder Tasting Competition, the Fort Bragg Beer Festival, a 10k/5k Whale Run and Walk, a craft fair, live music, food trucks and much more.
Could there be a better time to visit Fort Bragg?
Of course, the whales will be moving through all winter, so if March 14th-16th doesn’t work out, no worries. Come anytime through April to see the amazing migration of Fort Bragg’s favorite cetaceans
All events take place rain or shine.
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Sign up for the Fort Bragg newsletter to stay up to date on Whale Fest and all things Fort Bragg.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Whale Run 5k & 10k and Fun Walk
Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg and Noyo Sunrise is proud to sponsor and host the ever-popular run and walk along the coast that includes a Kiddie Race, 10k and 5k runs and a Fun Walk.
Fort Bragg Rotary Club’s Beer Fest
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Rotary Beer Festival is back. Save the date and join us on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Eagles Hall from 12-4pm for an incredible selection of beer and some great live music. Tickets are $40 and food will be available for purchase. So come taste some ales and watch the whales at this benefit for Fort Bragg Rotary Club with proceeds going to scholarships as well as local and international projects.
Town Hall Craft Fair
Saturday & Sunday, March 15 & 16
The Soroptimists are hosting a whale of sale at Town Hall from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Treat yourself to a unique shopping experience at two craft fairs — one inside and one outside. You’ll find a wide variety of amazing, handcrafted items, from quilts and toys to iron works, pottery, knits and crochet, jewelry, paintings, tools, and puzzles. You won’t find a better place to get a one-of-a-kind gift for a fan of Fort Bragg.
Mendo Park Fort Bragg Weekend
Saturday – Sunday, March 15 – 16
Join MendoParks for three awesome adventures. Join a guided tour along the Whale Tail Trail on Saturday, March at 10:00 AM starting at Laguna Point in MacKeerricher State Park. That night is the MacKerricher Whale Festival Campfire Program across from the park entrance kiosk from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Then, on Sunday, meet by the visitor center at 11:00 AM for the MacKerricher Whale Skeleton Painting.
See the Whales, Shape the Trail
Saturday, March 15th, 10 AM – 2 PM
Head down to Glass Beach for a whale and bird watching pop-up, presented by Blue Zones Project Mendocino County, Mendocino Coast Audubon Society, and The City of Fort Bragg. Meet at Noyo Headlands Park at the end of West Elm Street for bird watching, ocean gazing, and gorgeous views along The Coastal Trail.
Downtown Wine Walk & Chowder Competition
Saturday, March 15, 2025
The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fort Bragg are thrilled to bring back the Fort Bragg Whale Festival Downtown Wine Walk & Chowder Tasting Competition. That’s right, Chowder Tasting is back and you can sample them all and vote for your favorite. That afternoon, enjoy wines from over a dozen Mendocino County wineries at the Downtown Wine Walk, held in the shops all around town.
Symphony of the Redwoods Spring Concert
Saturday – Sunday, March 15 & 16
The theme of water unifies favorite classics with orchestral virtuosic masterpieces and a rhythmic American premiere. Mexican – Japanese flautist Rayó Furuta joins SoR in the American Premiere of Alexis Aranda’s “Acqua.” which explores the water signs of the zodiac with soaring melodies and driving Latin rhythms.
Both Shows at Cotton Auditorium
Saturday, 7:30 PM
Sunday, 2:00 PM
Noyo Center Whale Events & Exhibits
Friday – Sunday, March 14 – 16
Join the Noyo Center for Marine Science throughout March for a variety of special events and exhibits to celebrate Whale Festival and the annual gray whale migration. Click the link below for the full schedule and remember that your support helps the Noyo Center do its incredible work.
Whale Watching Tours
Looking to get up close and personal with Fort Bragg’s migratory whales? Multiple whale watching charters depart out of Noyo Harbor throughout the season. You’ll find them below on the coastal activities page. Be sure to reach out to them directly for current weather conditions and departure times.
WINTER WANDERLAND
WINTER WANDERLAND
Explore these ten great winter activities in Fort Bragg.If you only think of the North Coast as a summer getaway, you’re missing one of the most amazing times of year. Make Fort Bragg your home base for a winter visit, and you’ll find the adventures are endless. There are so many places to go, things to do, explore, sip, taste and enjoy. Sure, the weather can be changeable, but that just makes the fresh chowder a little warmer, the craft beer a bit cooler, the redwoods even more mystical and the beaches all yours.
1. Get A Great Hotel Deal
Multiple Fort Bragg hotels offer special pricing for winter visitors. Once you see how much there is to do, you’ll want to use the savings to spend a few extra days.
2. Wine Your Way Into Town
Mendocino County was recently recognized as Wine Enthusiasts 2024 Wine Region of the Year. And, with a little planning, you’ll be cruising right through the heart of wine country on your way to Fort Bragg. Coming from the east, be sure to take Highway 128 and you’ll pass dozens of great wineries. Have a designated driver and be sure to pick up a couple of bottles for your stay on the coast.
3. Forest Bathe at Russian Gulch State Park
Whatever the weather, Russian Gulch State Park delivers. Hike from the waves to the wilderness. Wander among the redwoods. Find your own private waterfall. Forage for wild mushrooms (bring a good guide!). Explore a rare pygmy forest. Tired yet? You will be. Fortunately, you’re just a few minutes from Downtown Fort Bragg.
4. Chowder Down at Noyo Harbor
At this working fishing harbor near the mouth of the Noyo River you can dine on fresh-off-the-boat seafood as the boats come in and the seals and sea lions frolic right off the dock. Noyo Fish Company has chowder in a bowl or bread and Princess Seafood has chowder, bisques and always something locally caught. Check out specials of the day at Casa del Sol and the fish and chips at Sea Pal Cove.
5. Do the Downtown Fort Bragg Dive Bar Scene
What’s better after a big outdoor adventure than bellying up to a big old mahogany bar and cavorting with the locals. Fort Bragg has a whole host of watering holes at the unpretentious end of the spectrum. Put a put a few songs on the jukebox and rack up a game of pool at Golden West Saloon, Milano Hotel & Bar or Welcome Inn.
6. Get Glass Beach To Yourself
It’s not often that you can get the North Coast’s most well-known beach, with its wave-worn colored glass speckled through the sand all to yourself. But that’s part of the beauty of making Fort Bragg your home base during the off-season. Time it right and you can do some great tide-pooling, too. Just remember to leave the glass, and the sea creatures in their natural habitat.
7. Watch For Whales
The off-season in Fort Bragg is migration season for gray whales and, while you can catch them from the coast, there’s nothing like a whale watching charter cruise. All Aboard Adventures, Anchor Charter Boats, Fort Bragg Fishing, Hooked on Mendo, and Telstar Charters all offer whale watching and fishing charters.
8. Crawl The Downtown Craft Breweries
Fort Bragg has a handful of local breweries all within a few blocks, all with great food and beer. There’s the legendary North Coast Brewing Company with a wide selection of beers, including a few of your favorites. Mosey down a few blocks to Overtime Brewing where the vibe is local-friendly, and the beer is brewed in-house. Tall Guy Brewing, in the heart of downtown, has an open, easy, comfy feel for a cool beer and a warm welcome.
9. Stroll the Botanical Gardens
This time of year at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias are just beginning to bloom, but it’s also when some less obvious beauty is revealed. Misty sunbeams stream through the pines. Whale spouts rise in the ocean distance. Dew drops glisten on luscious ferns and wild mushrooms, 160 different species of which can be found on the garden property.
10. Ride the Rails with the Skunk Train
Start in Fort Bragg, and head back in time by riding the famous Skunk Train deep into the heart of the redwood groves in the gorgeous mountains and riverside valleys of Mendocino County. Take the historic train or go pedal power on a rail bike for an even more immersive adventure. Electric rail bikes are now available, too.
Fort Bragg Crab Feed
Saturday, January 25, 2025
12:00 to 6:00 PM
Fort Bragg Fire House – 141 N. Main Street
Fort Bragg Rotary and Mendocino Coast Foundation present the Fort Bragg Crab Feed. It’s an all you can eat feast with crab, bread, clam chowder and salad. Tickets are $85 and benefit Timberwolf Stadium and Fort Bragg Rotary Project.
Fort Bragg Blues Festival
Fort Bragg
Blues Festival
SAVE THE DATE: May 2 – 4, 2025
Plans are underway for the first-ever Fort Bragg Blues Festival. It promises to be an unforgettable three days of blues music, with notable performers appearing at venues all around downtown Fort Bragg. Start making your plans now and follow along to learn more as Fort Bragg Blues Festival gets closer.
Here are a few of the artists scheduled to perform so far.
Look for more to come:
• JC Smith Band – INFO
• Brad Wilson and the Rhythm Drivers – INFO
• Mark Hummel, with Steve Fruend – INFO
• Big Mo and the Full Moon Band + Volker Strifler – INFO
For volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact Pam Bell at: pmbell108@gmail.com
Follow Fort Bragg Blues Festival On Social Media
Head to the coast and shop
Upcycle In Style
Vintage finds have exploded in Fort Bragg. This chill coastal town is packed with second-hand stores where you can score everything from retro denim to mid-century home decor. It’s like a treasure hunt with ocean views! Find vintage and thrift shops all throughout town, along Highway 1, downtown shop fronts and weekly flea markets. Bonus points awarded for the most uniquely random finds! Plus, shopping vintage here feels super eco-friendly, so you’re basically saving the planet in style.
Find Hidden Arts
Fort Bragg’s not just about the ocean breeze and cute cafes. There is an awesome scene of original art – think hidden galleries squeezed between shops, murals popping up on random buildings, and artists selling their work right from their studios. Forget the Insta-famous stuff; this is real, authentic art, way more interesting than any museum. Ditch the itinerary and get lost – that’s where the good stuff is.
Get Cultured
Time for some old-school vibes with bookstores & music shops, where you can spend hours thumbing through dog-eared paperbacks and vintage vinyl — think weathered wood shelves stacked with used books and that unmistakable musty-sweet record store smell. Find a first pressing of The Pixies’ “Surfer Rosa” tucked between some random folk albums. Find an entire shelf of British murder mysteries across from a collection of North Coast authored poetry anthologies. It’s worth the drive up the coast just for the treasure hunting alone.
Gear Up
Not just another sleepy California coastal town—it’s a lowkey fashion frontier where utility meets style in the most unexpected ways. One shop, brimming with handcrafted jewelry and bohemian-chic dresses, another featuring vintage finds with that perfectly worn-in, effortless style you’ll adore. Forget the predictable souvenir shopping, leave with a renewed wardrobe and a sense of discovery that will blow away the typical beach town experience.
Live The Good Life
Finding yourself thinking of the comforts of home? A quick tour through the local shops will provide you with some homey finds to tuck away in your suitcase or car. Score some handwoven throw pillows from an import marketplace, snag a locally made reclaimed wood side table, and pick up some ceramic mugs crafted by a local artisan. More utilitarian creature comforts can also be found, such as cookware and serve ware, games and even tools. In Fort Bragg, there’s something for everyone and every home.