"A Kids Treasure Hunting Dream"
After spending three lovely days in the foggy little coastal town of Mendocino, we took an entire day to make the 100 mile drive to our next destination in Shelter Cove. Our first stop along the drive was Glass Beach, a treasure hunting kids dream that is easily accessible and very exciting for kids!
Located in Fort Bragg, Glass Beach earned it's name because the shore is literally covered in small round pieces of sea glass, or as my daughter calls them, "Pirate treasures!"
The sea glass has an interesting back story. In the early 20th century, Fort Bragg residents threw their household garbage over the cliffs above what is now Glass Beach. They discarded glass, appliances, and even cars. The land was owned at that time by the Union Lumber Company, and locals referred to it as "The Dumps." Various cleanup programs were undertaken by the city through the years to correct the damage, but much of the glass trash was never cleaned up. Over the next several decades the pounding waves cleansed the beach, wearing down the discarded glass into the small, smooth, colored trinkets that cover the beach today. Nature had found a way to turn the trash into treasure.
We absolutely loved this beach and high recommend it for anyone driving through this stretch of California!
How to get there:
From Highway 1N (also called Main Street while you are in Fort Bragg), turn left onto Elm Street. (A small gas station is on the corner of Main and Elm.) Drive about three blocks to the end of Elm St and park along the street. Follow the various wide and brief trails in front of you down to the beach and explore the glass sandy beach with the rest of the treasure hunters!
Next stop on The Two Week Lost Coast Trip: Shelter Cove or "The Beginning of the Lost Coast of California
Have you been to Glass Beach? What other recommendations could you give to travelers with kids in this area? I would love to hear from you in the comments!
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