01
Iconic shoreline
Glass Beach
North End Of Fort Bragg • Quirky, Photogenic City-Edge Beach • Best For Easy Coastal Wanderings
A short walk from Fort Bragg’s streets, Glass Beach mixes wave-worn sea glass, tidepools, and blufftop views in a compact stretch of coast.
From Redwood Valley, this is often the first “wow” beach people aim for after driving Highway 20 to the coast. Once you park, it is an easy stroll along paved paths and dirt trails to overlooks and pocket coves, so it works well for mixed-ability groups. Come for the colors in the gravel, stay for sunset light on the headlands and easy access to Fort Bragg cafes afterward.
02
Best for long walks
MacKerricher State Park Beach
North Of Fort Bragg • Wide, Windswept State Park Beach • Top Pick For Long Walks And Wildlife
Stretching for miles, MacKerricher’s beaches feel wild yet approachable, with boardwalks, dunes, and frequent harbor seal and shorebird sightings.
If you want that big-sky, empty-beach feeling after the drive from Redwood Valley, this is the place to start. The park offers several access points, including a flat boardwalk to a seal-viewing platform and broad sand ideal for walking, running, or letting kids roam under watchful eyes. Expect cool wind, crashing surf, and enough space to find your own quiet patch even on busy weekends.
03
Best river mouth hangout
Big River Beach
Mendocino Village Waterfront • River-Meets-Ocean Sandy Expanse • Best For Paddling And Picnics
Tucked below the Mendocino bluffs, Big River Beach blends broad sand, a calm river channel, and classic postcard views of the village above.
Locals from inland towns often aim here when they want a softer, more relaxed beach day than the open-coast surf zones. The river mouth creates shallower, often calmer water on the inland side, which can be more inviting for wading or launching a kayak when conditions allow. Bring a blanket, explore the sandbars at low tide, and then wander up into Mendocino for coffee or an early dinner.
04
Most sheltered cove
Van Damme State Beach
Little River Coast • Sheltered Cove With Gentle Surf • Great For First-Time Ocean Days
Protected by headlands, Van Damme offers a small, calm-feeling cove with easy parking, restrooms, and a mellow, family-friendly vibe.
For Redwood Valley families testing the waters of the North Coast, this is one of the easiest landings. The cove’s curve knocks down some of the swell, and the beach sits just off Highway 1, so you are never far from your car or a warm jacket. Forested hills rise behind the sand, and on quieter days you will see a mix of beachcombers, picnickers, and paddlers exploring the kelp beds offshore when conditions are right.
05
Best hike-and-beach combo
Russian Gulch State Beach
North Of Mendocino • Dramatic Cove Below A Coastal Canyon • Best Mix Of Beach Time And Hiking
A small cove set beneath an arched highway bridge, Russian Gulch pairs a cozy beach with canyon trails, bluffs, and classic rugged scenery.
When you have driven over from Redwood Valley and want to make the most of the day, this park lets you pair a beach stop with a proper walk. The cove itself is compact but scenic, framed by cliffs and that photogenic bridge, making it a good spot for a snack break or a quick play in the sand. Up top, short bluff trails and longer canyon hikes give you options if fog rolls in or you are ready to stretch your legs.