Mackerricher State Park - Main Beach

Located near the northern end of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County, MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach is a mile-long beach with dark brown sand and sparse vegetation. The beach is situated below oceanfront bluffs and is part of MacKerricher State Park, known for its rocky shoreline and numerous metal beach-poles. The water near MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach is cold with strong currents. While the beach itself lacks lifeguards or amenities, the surrounding state park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and extensive hiking and biking trails. Dogs are welcome on leash. Access to MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach is convenient, located near 24100 MacKerricher State Park Road, easily reached from Shoreline Highway / Pacific Coast Highway via Mill Creek Drive. There's a free parking lot nearby.

MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach offers a range of activities including sunbathing, hiking, biking, swimming, tidepooling, and wildlife watching. It's also popular for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and jet skiing. Be cautious of the cold water and strong currents if entering the ocean. Marine life sightings are common, including seals, sea lions, and migrating grey whales (between December and April). Tide pools can be found at the northern and southern ends of the beach, perfect for exploring marine ecosystems up close. Nearby watching stations are ideal for observing harbor seals and engaging in whale watching.

MacKerricher State Park boasts diverse habitats such as grasslands, sand dunes, forests, and wetlands, accessible via scenic hiking and biking trails. Lake Cleone, within the park, supports a variety of wildlife including foxes, raccoons, and black-tailed deer. Birdwatchers can spot ducks, cormorants, and herons around the lake, a resting spot for migratory waterfowl. Lake Cleone also offers paddle-boating opportunities. A private concession near the park provides horse riding tours. The park's visitor center features intriguing exhibits including a grey whale skeleton. Regularly scheduled docent-led tours, junior ranger programs, and campfire sessions enhance visitor experiences. MacKerricher State Park also offers four campgrounds; visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation's website for more information.

Near MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach, the International Sea Glass Museum showcases an extensive collection of sea glass and terracotta pieces, along with a gift store. Downtown area of Fort Bragg offers a variety of shops and restaurants, some housed in buildings adorned with vibrant mural artworks. Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park, a seven-acre forested area, features hiking trails and offers insight into North California's biodiversity.

If you get hungry, there are many restaurants near MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach. Oscar’s Restaurant offers delicious steaks and seafood. Off The Hook is a Japanese restaurant that serves delicious sushi, sashimi, tempura, and udon soup. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach, the modestly priced Home Style Cafe offers excellent breakfast dishes including eggs, pancake, burritos, refried beans, and biscuits with gravy.

If you are looking for a hotel near MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star North Cliff Hotel offers mesmerizing Instagram-worthy views of the northern California coastline and also serves complimentary breakfast. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf which offers many amenities including a mini-golf course, a hair salon, and a video game arcade. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near MacKerricher State Park - Main Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Harbor Lite Lodge offers many amenities including complimentary breakfast, a gym, and a coin-operated laundry.