Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is famous for its sea glass—smooth, colorful pieces of discarded glass worn down by the ocean—and it’s one of the few beaches in California where you can walk around with your leashed dog and actually hunt for these treasures. You access it from the south end of Elm Street, and the wide paved path from the parking area makes it easy to get your dog down to the pebbly shoreline.

What makes this place special is the history behind it. Back when the beach was used as a dump, broken glass ended up in the ocean. Decades of waves tumbling those shards have transformed them into frosted gems that catch the light as you walk. It’s genuinely beautiful to see—blues, greens, browns, and clear pieces scattered across the rocks. Just know that you can’t collect any glass to take home, which makes sense given how popular this spot has become.

Glass Beach sits within MacKerricher State Park, so there’s more to explore beyond the main beach. If your dog is into hiking, the park has scenic trails through the wetlands and along the bluffs. A paved multi-use trail heads north toward Pudding Creek Beach and crosses an old train trestle with good coastline views. Some dogs find the pebbly terrain easier on their paws than sandy beaches, though the rocks can get sharp in places, so watch their stepping.

The water here can have strong currents, so while it’s great for wading and cooling off on warm days, keep your dog close if they’re a swimmer. The beach tends to get crowded on weekends, especially in summer, so an early morning or weekday visit gives you and your dog more space to explore at your own pace. The fresh ocean air and constant activity—watching the waves, investigating tide pools, spotting other dogs—keeps most dogs pretty entertained. Bring water for your dog since the salt water and salty air will make them thirsty.