California is known for its countless beaches. While some are certainly a little more beautiful than others, one of the most stunning (and most unique!) beaches in America is found right here in Northern California and surprisingly, not along the Oregon coast! Read on to learn more about Glass Beach in Northern California.
Glass Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Northern California. You will find this remarkable beach in MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg.
Peter Unger/Stone Via Getty ImagesWhen you visit this beach, you’ll quickly understand where it receives its name. Years ago, this area was actually a trash dump following the 1906 earthquake. When the beach was cleaned up in the 1960s, broken glass was left behind, transforming the sand into a glistening and colorful treasure.
Peter Unger/Stone Via Getty ImagesHowever, more creative stories have circulated of how the sea glass came to be. One story tells of a mermaid who fell in love with a sailor who she saved in the sea. The mermaid was banished to the ocean and her tears would surface on the beach as sea glass.You may be surprised to know that it actually takes years for the glass to turn into the gems that we find today. During the transformation process, the lime and soda used to make glass is removed, helping to create a soft and round object.
Thomas Hawk/FlickrWhen visiting Glass Beach today, you likely won’t find as much sea glass as you would years ago. However, when you do find some of these remarkable creations, don’t take them home with you. It is illegal to remove anything from a state park.
Images by John ‘K’/FlickrAfter you have spent time searching for sea glass at this beautiful beach in Northern California, go for a walk and enjoy the views around you.
Images by John ‘K’/FlickrThere are even multiple trails in the area that take you all around Glass Beach and MacKerricher State Park.
Keppet/FlickrIt really is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon or an entire day!
Doug Ogden / Design Pics Via Getty ImagesGlass Beach may not be the sandy beach you are used to, but it is definitely beautiful.
Peter Unger/Stone Via Getty Images
You can easily get to this beach by parking in the free area on Glass Beach Drive, which is only a few blocks from Highway 1. If you want to learn more about Glass Beach and MacKerricher State Park, visit the California State Parks website.
Check out this video to get an idea of what you’re in for.
If you love visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, how about a road trip? Check out this road trip in Northern California to some of the best hidden beaches around.
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Address: Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
What beaches in Northern California should I visit?
If you need a serene beach day, the beaches in Northern California have got your back. Make sure to check ot these gems:
- Hidden Beach near Kalmath needs to be hiked to so it’s likely you’ll have this shaded beach full of driftwood all to yourself.
- Stengel Beach is an absolute wonderland accessed by a wooden staircase. There are crystal blue waters and even a gorgeous waterfall!
- Grey Whale Cove is a tropical paradise! You’ll have to climb down a good number of stairs to get there but the soft white sand and gorgeous water are well worth it.
Which are the best places to go hiking in Northern California?
To get all your steps in and more, hiking in Northern California is a great option. Some of the best spots for a good trek include:
- Burney Falls Loop Trail, it leads to fairy tale liken spring fed falls, there are even some charming wooden bridges to cross.
- Drury-Chaney Trail, which is an easy 2 mile trail that leads through some majestic redwoods! You’ll feel so tiny on this trek is the best of ways!
- Frog Lake Trail, which offers you the chance to cool off in a lake during your like. The water stays a little chilly so it’s very refreshing.
Are there any state parks in Northern California that I should check out?
A day at the park is such a lovely way to enjoy time with friends and family. Here are some of the best state parks in Northern California, perfect for a day out:
- At Salt Point State Park in Sonoma you can go horseback riding, fishing, and even SCUBA diving! With so many activities and 20 miles of trails to explore, you’ll be entertained for ages!
- Big Basin State Park in Boulder Creek has trees that are 2,500 years old and at tall as the Empire State Building, and if that’s not enough to take your breath away, there are waterfalls to marvel at too!
- Manchester Beach State Park in Mendocino has all kinds of terrain like salt flats, dunes, and great water for fishing.
