Fort Bragg blends natural beauty with small-town energy
In Fort Bragg, locals gather to watch migrating whales, tourists stop by Glass Beach and independently owned businesses fill the lively downtown district. Since its founding in 1857, the Northern California coastal community has transitioned from a prominent timber and logging town into a laid-back locale along the cliffsides of the Pacific. “It’s a welcoming place, and there’s so much stuff to do for such a small town,” says A.B. Priceman, a local Realtor with Garden Ranch Real Estate, who moved to the area in 2005. “It’s very beautiful here, and I get to see the ocean every day.”
Whale watching, hiking and history are all within reach
Hunting for sea glass and spotting seals at Glass Beach is a highlight for many passing through the community. The Coastal Trail provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and its rocky shoreline, but Priceman says there’s much more to the area’s recreation than the water. “We have hiking, local theaters and the botanical gardens, which is a great hangout spot,” she says. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is known for its rhododendrons, which bloom throughout March and April. Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park has trails lined with redwoods, and the Skunk Train at Glen Blair Junction provides another way to explore local wildlife with rides through the forest. Several museums are also located downtown, with exhibits highlighting local history, marine science and more.
Sidewalks and bike lanes connect a diverse housing market
Single-family homes dominate the market, but the architecture varies across the community. “We don’t have tract homes," Priceman says. "Everything is very unique.” Build dates range from the early 1900s to the 21st century. Wood siding and blue and neutral exteriors underscore the area’s coastal aesthetic. Many homes feature flowering bushes like azaleas, flannel bushes and other evergreen shrubs that cascade over front yard fencing. Sidewalks span the entire community, and bike lanes stretch across main roads. “There’s quite a bit of variety, from a million-dollar home with ocean views to simple two-bedroom cottages,” Priceman says about the housing market. The median price for single-family homes is $635,000
Craft beer, local eats and shops fill downtown Fort Bragg
The community is home to an established craft beer scene, pioneered by The Pub at North Coast Brewing, which has served house-made brews since 1988. “We have three breweries in our small town,” Priceman says. “Tall Guy Brewing is a newer one. It's in a beautiful space with live music where you can bring the kids or your dog.” Several other locally owned restaurants fill downtown Fort Bragg. Egghead’s Restaurant is a popular spot for American-style breakfasts, and Mayan Fusion serves authentic Mexican dishes inspired by the Yucatan region. The walkable district has various boutiques like Sherwood Company, consignment stores, and specialty shops. Safeway and a selection of international markets cover grocery trips in town. Residents must travel about 60 miles to Ukiah for big-box retail stores like Walmart and Kohl’s.
Whale Fest and other annual events
Fort Bragg Whale Fest takes place over a weekend in mid-March when gray whales breach the coastline during their northern migration. In addition to whale watching, the annual event features a Chowder Tasting Competition, the Fort Bragg Beer Festival and food vendors. Other staple events include the World’s Largest Salmon BBQ in July and Paul Bunyon Days over Labor Day weekend.
Getting around on Shoreline Highway and state Route 20
Shoreline Highway passes through the community, and state Route 20 is accessible just south. Also known as Bragg Road, the winding route connects residents to Willits, 35 miles east and Ukiah, some 60 miles southeast. “That’s what’s nice about the area is how remote it is,” Priceman says. “Bragg Road is not friendly to those with motion sickness.” Mendocino Transit Authority services buses operate throughout Fort Bragg, with routes stretching through Gualala and Ukiah and down to Santa Rosa, home to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport.
Fort Bragg High School grows produce for the entire district
Redwood Elementary School teaches kindergarten through third grade and gets an A-minus on Niche. Dana Gray Elementary School teaches third through fifth grade and earns a B-minus. Fort Bragg Middle School also has a B-minus rating, and Fort Bragg High School has a B-plus. The high school is home to The Learning Garden, which students and volunteers cultivate. Harvested fruits and vegetables are then sold to the school district and redistributed into cafeterias across the community.
Fort Bragg's environmental concerns
According to First Street data, Fort Bragg faces a severe risk of poor air quality, with primary sources including roadway traffic and wood burning. Mitigation efforts include alternatives to woodstoves and fireplaces, and the promotion of public transportation. The area is less susceptible to wildfires than other parts of the state. “Because we are along the coast, many people move here to get out of fire zones,” Priceman says.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
