FORT BRAGG
Top 10 Things to do with Girlfriends in (and around) Fort Bragg
Planning a girls’ getaway? Fort Bragg delivers coastal views, outdoor adventure, great food, and plenty of opportunities to relax and reconnect. Whether your crew wants nonstop activity or long, lazy ocean-view lounging, this North Coast gem has you covered.Here are ten ways to make your weekend unforgettable—and probably an annual tradition.
1. Ride the Skunk Train
Step into a different era aboard the iconic Skunk Train. For the ultimate experience, book the Presidential Car, where vintage rail travel meets elevated snacks and drinks included with your ticket. The stop at the Glen Blair Bar in the redwoods adds another layer of fun and frolic – think a lotta laughter under towering trees.
2. Walk (or Run) the Coastal Trail
The Fort Bragg Coastal trail stretches about 10 miles along dramatic shoreline starting at Noyo Headlands Park at the south end of town. It’s a flat , scenic, and perfect for a morning walk or jog with with sweeping coastal views, dunes, wildlife and beach access along the way.
3. Shop Downtown
Shopping in Fort Bragg is anything but ordinary. The downtown district is packed with galleries, vintage shops, and creative upcycled goods. Hunt for the perfect souvenir, a mid-century serving piece, local artwork—or treat each other to something special at one of the chic women’s boutiques.
4. Do Lunch in the Harbor
For lunch with a view, head to Noyo Harbor. Watch fishing boats glide in and out while seabirds, seals, and otters provide the entertainment. Every restaurant serves ultra-fresh seafood, found in fish tacos, fish and chips, chowders and seafood salads.
5. Stay Somewhere with an Ocean View
Make your getaway extra memorable by booking a home or hotel with sweeping ocean views. Bluff-top rentals, cozy redwood cabins, and coastal hotels offer plenty of options—whether your group wants a luxe retreat or something casual and cozy.
6. Catch the Sunset
Sunset along the coast is a daily ritual here. Any stretch of the coastal trail makes a perfect viewing spot, but if the weather turns moody, grab a table at Noyo River Grill or The Wharf and watch the sky light up from indoors.
7. Time Your Trip with a Local Event
Fort Bragg’s calendar stays lively year-round. Annual favorites include Fort Bragg Whale Festival each March, Magic Market in October, and Paul Bunyan Days over Labor Day weekend. Every first Friday of every month, downtown comes alive with music, late-night shopping, and food trucks.
8. Dinner Downtown
Downtown Fort Bragg delivers when it’s time for dinner. Fresh seafood is always on the menu, and the Mexican restaurants are local favorites. For a lively night out, the bar at Los Gallitos is buzzing most evenings—and the birria tacos are legendary.
9. Rent Bikes
Pick up bikes at Fort Bragg Cyclery and cruise the coast. Riding the coastal trail north leads to MacKerricher State Park, known for its dramatic black sand beaches, tide pools, and wildlife.
