What to do and see in Fort Bragg, California (CA): The Best Free Things to do

May 31, 2021 Renato Branum

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. MacKerricher State Park

24100 Mackerricher Park Rd, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 +1 707-964-9112 http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=436
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 774 reviews

MacKerricher State Park

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.

2. Ananse Village

17800 N Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-8301 +1 707-964-3534 [email protected] http://www.anansevillage.com/
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Ananse Village

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 ????

3. Pacific Star Winery

33000 N Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-9630 +1 707-964-1155 [email protected] http://pacificstarwinery.com/
Excellent
71%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Pacific Star Winery

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.

4. Triangle Tattoo and Museum

356 N Main St # B, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-3406 +1 707-964-8814 http://www.triangletattoo.com/About%20The%20Museum.htm
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Triangle Tattoo and Museum

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.

18320 N Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-8740 +1 707-962-9420 http://www.glassfiregallery.com/
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery

6. Guest House Museum

343 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-3405 +1 707-964-4251 http://www.fortbragghistory.com
Excellent
46%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Guest House Museum

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.

7. Pomo Bluffs Park

Ocean View Dr and Cliff Way, Fort Bragg, CA http://www.mendocino.com/?id=4183
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Pomo Bluffs Park

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.

8. Fort Bragg Coastal Trail

Fort Bragg, CA http://city.fortbragg.com/163/Coastal-Trail
Excellent
75%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 226 reviews

Fort Bragg Coastal Trail

Reviewed By diannacoulson - San Diego, United States

We rented bikes and rode along the coastal trail. It was breathtaking and very relaxing. It's a well kept trail and good for all ages. If running or walking is your thing, then do that, but do it, you won't be disappointed.

9. Noyo Headlands Park

Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 118 reviews

Noyo Headlands Park

Reviewed By TravelGoddess61 - Chico, United States

The views are stunning, the headlands hiking, or the biking, or strolling along the ocean are all just a must see. Goes now from the Glass Beach area in Fort Bragg north and south with paved paths, or headlands hiking. It also begins in Fort Bragg near the Safeway just past. Every view is different and a must do on a clear day with views of the ocean forever and sometimes fishing boats too. Bring your binoculars to see when it is clear too. You will see birds, and we saw pelicans diving when we went. The rock formations are amazing, and the surf was turquoise blue when we went and clear water. It can be cold or windy but was warm and sunny when we went. It is easy to socially isolate but bring your mask required when you cannot. There are restrooms only at the beginning and free parking too. It is a must do while you are in the area and you can walk forever or a short ways.

10. Seaside Beach

30000 Shoreline Hwy North of MacKerricher State Park, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-9801 +1 707-931-4311 http://www.shellseekervacationrental.com
Excellent
53%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Seaside Beach

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