You are here

Historic Fort Bragg, Training by the Ocean

Overview

Ride the old Skunk Train, enjoy North Coast Hospitality

Details

  • Three nights at the Harbor Lite Lodge, overlooking Noyo Harbor
  • Ride the Skunk Train to Pudding Creek, view the Redwoods
  • Visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on a guided walk (or explore on your own)
  • Walking/coach tour of the murals of Historic Downtown Fort Bragg
  • A morning in Ft. Bragg - visit the Marine Science Center, a chocolate store and two surprise stops
  • 8 meals: 3 breakfast, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Door-to-door service 
  • 1950/2200 Gold Passport Points

We visited Fort Bragg for the first time in many years in 2024. Ten years ago, one of the tunnels used by the Skunk Train collapsed, and the town's major tourist attraction was crippled. Today, Ft. Bragg has reinvented itself, in a funky sort of way. We enjoyed our visit this past summer, except many on the trip lamented that it wasn't a day longer (this year's trip was 3 days). It's a bit of a drive to get there (and back).

There is so much history in the area, and because of its remote location, not everyone makes it up this way. The train still runs a short route into the redwoods. Come with us on a fun vacation to the coast!

Categories

Categories: 

Daily Itinerary

Day 1.

From Sacramento we make our way up I-5 to Williams, then west on Route 20 into Lake County. Travel on to Willits for lunch with the Lumberjacks, arriving in Fort Bragg in the mid-afternoon.

Your accommodations for three nights are at the Harbor Lite Lodge, with views overlooking Noyo Harbor below. Before dinner, a short walking tour of some of the town's many murals is offered.

The city of Fort Bragg, yes, the whole city, is a California Historic Landmark, with the history of being a logging and mill town. Dinner at a popular local restaurant, with options including locally-caught seafood, brings the day to a close. Harbor Lite Lodge - 3 nights (L,D)

Day 2. 

After breakfast, our first stop on a busy Fort Bragg day is at the Mendocino Botanical Gardens. A docent leads us on a guided walk through the gardens, telling us the story of the couple who founded the site in 1961. Break for lunch at your leisure downtown, then board the train for the short ride to Pudding Creek in early afternoon. Back at your hotel, enjoy the view and a little down time. Dinner is included again this evening. (B,D)

Day 3.

Our "morning in Ft. Bragg" experience starts the day. Downtown has a Marine Science Center where you can learn a bit about what's in the water. On the next block is Mendocino Chocolate, purveyors of....well, chocolate. Samples and a treat to go are included. 

There are two other stops that remain a secret. One is a bakery, another an artist's shop. Promise you will learn something and have fun. (One stop requires climbing stairs.) Time is also allowed to look around on your own. 

In the afternoon, visit Mackerricher State Park. It offers spectacular views of the water, picture options galore and a chance to really enjoy the ocean. (B,D) 

Day 4

Our lunch stop is the Blue Wing Saloon, part of the historic Tallman Hotel, in Upper Lake. Our return arrival in Sacramento is slated for 3-4pm, with our fleet of cars waiting at the Sports Leisure office to deliver you home. (B,L)

Daily Itinerary Meal Legend
CBContinental Breakfast
BGenerally a limited buffet or menu
FBFull buffet or choice of menu
BRBrunch, often buffet-style
LLunch, often several menu options
HT or ATHigh or Afternoon Tea
DDinner, often several menu options

Departures

Monday, July 14, 2025 to Thursday, July 17, 2025

4 Days, 8 Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

$1925
p.p./dbl.occ.
$2185
single

Request a Booking Now

Speak to a Staff Member

Have a question or would rather book over the phone? Call us!

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. PST
Local (916) 361 - 2051
Toll-Free (800) 951 - 5556