I recently celebrated my 1-year wedding anniversary with my wife by taking her up to the California Mendocino Coast and spending a few days in Fort Bragg.

Located approximately three and a half hours north of San Francisco and situated off of Highway 1 in Mendocino County, the coastal town of Fort Bragg has some of the most friendly people you will come across.

The community is not only tight-knit and  welcoming, but the problems of the outside world is rarely a topic of subject nor is anyone in a rush to get to their destination from what I observed during my four-day visit.

Fort Bragg is a breath of fresh air if you’re looking to escape the big city environment or want a nice, quiet getaway.

Besides the wonderful hospitality, the landscape in the area is top notch as amazing, coastal cliffs, beaches, and the Pacific Ocean present countless opportunities for photos.

Whether you’re strolling along Glass Beach or riding the famous Skunk Train into the incredible Redwood forest, sky is the limit on getting that perfect picture of Mendocino nature.

We took countless photos on our phones during our stay, and in the process created so many memories the two of us will always remember.

Here are some of my favorites photos from our Fort Bragg trip.

Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park

This historic lighthouse was constructed between 1908 and 1909 off the Mendocino Coast and is approximately an eight-mile drive south of Fort Bragg.

The rugged shorelines of the Coast combined with numerous shipwreck disasters over the years made the lighthouse necessary due to the booming lumber trade at the time, and it provided reliable means of keeping cargos more safe.

The site is located on a 270-acre historical state park surrounding coastal prairies, bluffs and marine habitats. It’s great for seeing the birds and (if you’re lucky) whale watching out into the Pacific.

Balcony Shots

The hotel we stayed at, Surf and Sand Lodge, is located on the southbound side of Highway 1 and is literally 50 yards from the beach.

Our balcony faced out to the Pacific Ocean; and being this was an experience we never had, it was impossible to be bored with looking outside and taking it all in.

Finding the perfect shot was a fun challenge, but there were no bad photos or obstructions to our delight.

If you decide to stay at the Surf and Sand (which I do recommend), you will not be disappointed.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

This beauty is located in the southern part of Fort Bragg. Throughout the whole 47-acres, which stretches from Highway 1 all the way to the Coast, lies a colorful forest you have to see to believe.

Be sure to take your time as you stroll around and encounter various plant species, wild habitat, and coastal bluffs. It really makes one appreciate the real beauty the area presents.

Pudding Creek Beach & Trestle

Pudding Creek is right by the Surf and Sand where we stayed, and was within convenient walking distance.

The beach is known for its wide sandy dunes, calm creek, and the old wooden Pudding Creek Trestle bridge that originally was used as a railroad until 1949.

Today, the Trestle is known for hiking, picturesque opportunities, and the Locks of Love.

Skunk Train (Glen Blair Junction)

Besides Glass Beach (which we will discuss shortly), Fort Bragg is also known for the Skunk Train.

Rooted in 1885 originally as the California Western Railroad, it played a vital role in transporting lumber from the Redwoods to the Mendocino Coast.

Today, it is a famous attraction that takes riders into the majestic forest on the Pudding Creek Express to the Glen Blair Junction Bar. It’s a 45-minute break at Glen Blair where you can play games, have a drink and/or snack, or explore the Redwoods.

You can also catch the Skunk Train in Willits (approximately an hour east of Fort Bragg) near Highway 101.

Glass Beach

A trip to Fort Bragg wouldn’t be complete without visiting Glass Beach, a tourist attraction for its colorful, glass pebbles on the beach.

Although the abundance of sea has diminished over time due to people collecting over the years, you can still find numerous small, smooth pieces best at low tide.

The area is part of 38-acre MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg, and offers trails with amazing views.