Autumn Magic On The Coast: My Second Day in Mendocino and Fort Bragg

November 6, 2023 by jordangassner

Autumn – that magical time when nature dons its most vibrant hues, and the air carries a hint of misty allure. This season, my wanderlust beckoned me north, and I found myself embarking on a three-day trip to California’s Mendocino County. While Southern California has its charm, there’s an understated elegance and wild beauty to Mendocino that brings out my inner adventurer. While my first day in Mendocino County was focused to popular town activities, I spent my second day working my way down the coast, exploring nature and local shops.

My second day in Mendocino County began at the famous Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. Visiting under a veil of an early morning mist, the beach was carpeted with countless colorful glass pebbles, polished to perfection between the area’s relentless waves and rugged landscape. Each fragment shared a bit of the beach’s history – thousands of small stories, waiting to be told.

Working my way down the coast, my next stop was the Point Cabrillo Light Station. About a half mile walk from the parking lot, the lighthouse and living quarters were just as picturesque as I’d hoped. The vast expanse of the ocean on one side contrasted beautifully with the verdant cliffside and cream, red and brown landmark buildings on the other.

Before arriving back in Mendocino town for lunch, I opted for one more stop in nature: Russian Gulch State Park. In all its autumnal glory, the park felt comforting, invigorating and endlessly enchanting – a magical place to relax for a bit and enjoy some of the warm, spicy cider I had packed earlier that morning.

Around early afternoon my stomach finally rumbled, leading me to the doors of the Trillium Cafe, a historic home turned restaurant. This quaint eatery served dishes that were a delightful blend of local flavors. I enjoyed the warm Local Rock Cod Fish Tacos – the perfect way to satiate my hunger!

My journey continued as I stepped into the Kelley House Museum. My favorite types of museums are ones that provide a glimpse into the daily life of a person in history – what did they wear or eat, how did they sleep, work or play. Every artifact and memento inside the Kelley House Museum echoed tales of Victorian home and family life. I felt like I had taken a step back in time, an altogether unique and captivating experience.

After viewing all the vintage clothes, home goods and accessories inside the Kelley House, I knew it was time to shop for some of my own. My wanderings around town led me to a charming boutique, The Study Club. Here, I discovered Mendocino Candle Co. and ended up buying a luxury, hand poured candles from their local collection: Big River Beach. With the energetic scent of seaweed, salt water and fresh ocean air, I knew it would bring me fond memories of this trip for months to come.

Later that afternoon, I opted for one more big adventure along the coast, Point Arena Lighthouse. Located an hour’s drive south of the town of Mendocino, the 153 year old lighthouse was special in that it allowed me an opportunity to climb its tower and to also view the original Fresnel lens that lit the way for travelers as early as 1908.

I ended my day around sunset, opting for the comfort of pad see ew ordered straight to my hotel room after a long day of exploring. The whispers of a new day of adventures in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley baiting me to get a good night’s sleep before morning.