Location: Fort Bragg
Top Things to do in Fort Bragg
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Fort Bragg, California (CA)
Fort Bragg, North Carolina is a military installation of the United States Army and is the largest military installation in the world (by population) with more than 50,000 active duty personnel. The installation is located within Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, and Moore counties. The installation borders the towns of Fayetteville, Spring Lake, and Southern Pines. It was also a census-designated place in the 2000 census, during which a residential population of 29,183 was identified. It is named for Confederate General Braxton Bragg. It covers over 251 square miles (650 km). It is the home of the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps and is the headquarters of the United States Army Special Operations Command, which oversees the U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) (Provisional) and 75th Ranger Regiment. It is also home to the U.S. Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Reserve Command, and Womack Army Medical Center. Fort Bragg maintains two airfields: Pope Field, where the United States Air Force stations global airlift and special operations assets as well as the Air Force Combat Control School, and Simmons Army Airfield, where Army aviation units support the needs of airborne and special operations forces on post.
Restaurants in Fort Bragg
1. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,300 reviews
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers. With manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, native flora and habitats, fern-covered canyons, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and conifers, heaths, heathers, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue ocean, the garden is a jewel on the Pacific Coast. Your visit is a show of support for our non-profit botanical garden and its mission!
Reviewed By Gardenxoe - Eureka, United States
We’ve never been disappointed by this garden. This time the rhododendrons were in full bloom and it was also a great time to see native wildflowers. We love the transition from beautiful display gardens to native plants (as you head to dramatic ocean overlook). Another good time to visit garden is in July/August, when the dahlias & heathers are blooming.
2. Liquid Fusion Kayaking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
From mild to wild, Liquid Fusion Kayaking has a Mendocino Coast kayak adventure for everyone. Enjoy a dry and mild, paddle on the calm waters of the Noyo River where all ages are delighted by harbor seals and intrigued with coastal birds. Guided Tours and Kayak Rentals Available including family friendly options. Sea kayak tours and instruction that range from mild to wild. Check out our Noyo Sea Kayak Tour that shares a sampler of the Noyo River, Noyo Harbor, and ventures out onto the Noyo Bay. Or venture on the wild side with our Whitewater of the Sea adventure where you will kayak and play in the ocean waves and sea caves of the Mendocino Coast. Learn to kayak classes and custom trips are available in sea, whitewater river, and surf kayaking.
3. CV Starr Aquatic Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
A multi-purpose park and fitness center. Facilities include: fitness, resistance and leisure pools, a waterslide, cardio and weight training rooms, dance and exercise classes and conference rooms. Outdoors there are skate and dog parks, picnic areas, and bocce ball courts.
4. MacKerricher State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
MacKerricher is a great place to observe whales, and it also provides a habitat for several rare plant species.
Reviewed By GinkgoPhoto - San Francisco, United States
This review is about the Surfwood campsite experience, for families. We booked site 124, which is on a small loop. These loop sites (121,122,123 and 124) are excellent for families with young kids who want to scoot and bike around. They are spaced away from each other. There is a path from this loop towards the beach, a mere 5 minute walk away. You can see the ocean from all the sites. 124 has the best shade, as it includes a large grove of trees (good for hammocks). The ground is a little lumpy, but not noticeable with sleeping pads. 123 is probably the best site in the loop, having some shade, and the shrubbery creates a cozy, enclosed nook, with trail access to the lake straight out of the campsite. No-one's trekking through to access the lake; it's a private path. Good site if you're bringing a kayak. A grove of trees behind the site provides a play area for kids. 122 and 121 have less shade but are just fine. The spigot is at 122. This was perhaps the LEAST buggy of my camp experiences, despite lake proximity. No-one received any mosquito bites! There were a few yellowjackets; just a mere rare nuisance. No raccoons nor squirrels. The ocean was loud at night. The night sky was amazing. Bathrooms were very clean, spacious and airy. The shower is quarter operated, $1 worth of quarters buying you 5 minutes. There are longer increments for more quarters. The water temperature was at least warm-ish, ranging to hot. The lake has a marshy border, with lots of plants between the path and the water. There is a path that goes alongside the lake by Surfwood camp, but it is quite overgrown. There are fish in the lake, and one can go fishing with permits and a kayak. Not possible to fish from the shore due to shrubbery. Lots of blackberries here! Kids had the best time picking them. Quick walk to the beach. This beach is NOT good for swimming. The surf is rough. Experienced, wet-suited swimmers only. However it's perfectly fine for sitting upon. The sand is grainy, like tiny pebbles. Not the kind of tiny sand that gets into every nook and cranny. The nature area boardwalk is also close to the beach. The boardwalk is lovely and scenic, with access to tide pools. FANTASTIC tide pooling! Even at +1ft low tide, there was a lot to be found. Bring your high rubber boots or water shoes. Get out far enough and you'll find huge green anemones, bat sea stars, ochre sea stars, crabs, sculpins, abalone shells, and even gumboot chiton! Tide pooling was the highlight of my visit. No complaints. Surf wood campsite is a clean, safe and fun place to enjoy the outdoors in times of Covid and non-Covid.
5. Ananse Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
The finest handselected, fairtrade produced arts and crafts from around the world are tastefully presented in our beautiful showroom. Drums, beads, masks, textiles, books, music and more create a total global shopping experience. "Bring the wonders of our village into your home..."
Reviewed By ptwaldorf - Fort Bragg, United States
I am never disappointed when entering this fabulous shop!! Bought beautiful textiles and comfortable clothing -- everything well priced, stylish and high quality. Can’t wait for my next visit. I already have my eye on several next purchases ????
6. Ricochet Ridge Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Reviewed By I9551JSannap - San Francisco, United States
I am an experienced rider and have ridden at many rental stables all over the world. I had an amazing time riding with Emily over 2 days in Fort Bragg, maybe the best I've experienced. Here's what you need to know: 1) The horses are really well cared for. Emily manages the farm guides many of the rides. She knows the horses well and is tuned in to which horses will suit which riders, which horses might be having a bad day and need a day off, etc. Some of the best cared for horses I've seen at a rental stable. They are fresh, not sour, and will move out when asked. 2) They are prepared to accommodate riders of all experience levels, and can provide an exciting experience for confident riders. Emily will assess your skill level and allow long trots and canters if you're up to it. However, if it's been a while since you've ridden, try a short ride first to get back into it, then discuss the option of a longer ride with a faster pace. 3) If you're not sure what you want or are ready for, call and ask. Emily is super friendly and prepared to be as flexible as possible to provide you with a great experience. 4) Be understanding. Horses have minds of their own and as such your experience may vary. In addition you are sometimes at the mercy of the weather, so be prepared to be flexible and allow time in your schedule to do so, depending on season. Summer is pretty dry in this part of the world, but spring and winter it's possible to be rained out. Such a great experience! I live just a few hours away and will certainly be back. I did an all day ride in the forest and a 3-hour beach ride as well and both were just amazing. I rode Murphy, and I loved her! I certainly got my money's worth, with both rides including long stretches of trot and canter. I think Murphy got some good exercise those days. Lots of carrots, as well.
7. Pacific Star Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Perched right on the edge of the wild blue Pacific, Pacific Star has welcomed guests for 30 years. Classic as well as rare and unusual varietals and blends are our specialty, with grapes sourced from Mendocino County's heritage vineyards. We encourage guests to bring a picnic and experience amazing forces of nature and incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Whales pass by just off the rocks and sea and bird life is vibrant. Our friendly and casual tasting room awaits your visit! Open 12 to 5 Thursday through Sunday, closed Monday through Wednesday until April 2020.
Reviewed By noraj809 - Upper Lake, United States
Went here with my Sister for some wine tasting and picnic lunch. The man that helped us with our tasting was extremely knowledgeable and very nice, bought a bottle of the Chenin Blanc and enjoyed the picnic lunch we brought at the nice tables with a beautiful ocean view, the man that worked there I wish I had gotten his name, came over to all the tables and asked how everyone how they were doing and even offered some whale watching tips. Definitely one of the nicest time I have ever had at a winery, so relaxing. The wine is good too. I read some of the other reviews complaining about the rules for kids, I have a tip leave them at home get a babysitter, no kid wants to go to a winery. Definitely going to visit again.
8. Triangle Tattoo and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Triangle Tattoo & Museum was founded in 1986 by tattooists Mr.G. and Madame Chinchilla It is one of only a few public museums in the world dedicated to the display of tattoo artifacts. Located in downtown Ft. Bragg,Ca. across from the Guest House Museum, the collection is fittingly housed in one of the town's original Victorian store fronts. Triangle Tattoo & Museum is open 7 days a week from noon till six p.m. All ages are welcome. Admission is free. School and personal tours are given upon request. Please call in advance. Besides 27 years of tattooing, Mr. G and Madame Chinchilla, are experienced in radio-television interviews and PowerPoint lectures. Both are authors, having written several feature articles for newspapers, magazines, and four books on the subject of TATTOOS. They have appeared in movies, documentaries and television dramas as tattooed characters (themselves) or tattoo scene consultants.Currently, they both tattoo on a regular schedule. Their newest book is a biography on the life and times of the legendary Capt. Don Leslie who was one of the last of the old-time "Circus Tattooed Men" and a revered "Swordswallower". The book titled "CAPTAIN DON LESLIE-MR. SIDESHOW", will is now available. Mr.G's articles and columns appear in "Skin & Ink" Magazine.
9. Guest House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By F3930VXsarahg
The many displays highlighting the history of Fort Bragg and the beautiful house (gorgeous stained-glass windows) give a sense of place to this beautiful seaside town. History books available for purchase. Support the historical society by becoming a member and receive the quarterly newsletter with great stories/photos.
10. Pomo Bluffs Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By lauriehenry - Roseville, United States
has great trails, picnic tables at edge of cliff over looking ocean and has off leash dog park. Plenty of parking, very clean and beautiful 360 view of the ocean and town.
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