Two of my passions in life are photography and the beach. Combine the two, and I’m in heaven! On a previous visit to Fort Bragg, California, I had the pleasure of meeting an amazingly talented photographer, Ron LeValley. Luck would have it that he teaches photography classes locally, and I basically ran to sign up! With an evening in the studio reviewing basics and a full day in the field, I came away with knowledge, more camera confidence and some cool shots.

Waves at Fort Bragg

Mallard duck at MacKerricher State Park

Great Blue Heron

While in the Fort Bragg/Mendocino area, you just can’t skip going to Glass Beach. As an avid sea glasser, there’s no place like it in California (If there is, please let me know!). I loved how this piece of bottle green found a perch on a rock. Way to stand apart from the crowd!

Glass Beach, Fort Bragg

For some delicious food to keep you going, check out Eggheads, right on North Main Street in the heart of town. Despite the somewhat odd decor (a tribute to the Wizard of Oz) you can definitely get some good home cookin’.

And if you have time left in the day, enjoy a lovely, easy hike along Big River. The aqua water, countless kayakers checking their crab traps, and the general foliage provide perfect shots no matter where you look!

Big River State Park Mendocino

If you have the time, you love the beach, love photography, and love the outdoors (or any of those items singularly), then hop in your car and head north from the San Francisco Bay Area! I guarantee that you’ll have a wonderful time.