Glass Beach on California's Fort Bragg coast is currently one of the world's most attractive tourist destinations. A few years ago, this beach was the city's garbage dumping ground. But now that picture has changed with hundreds of thousands of colorful glass fragments.
Beach transformed from pile of garbage
From 1906 to 1967, the Fort Bragg coast was used as a garbage dumping site. Local residents would freely throw glass bottles, cans, and electrical equipment here. They would even leave old cars.
Declaration to stop dumping waste
In 1967, the North Coast Water Quality Board announced not to dump garbage in this area. The decision to stop dumping waste was taken by the country's administration primarily to prevent pollution.
Cleanup campaign
A cleanup campaign was conducted in this area in 1960. Although all the waste was removed during the campaign, small fragments of glass and ceramics remained on the beach. Nature completed the rest of the work.
Time and wave friction
Over the next few decades, ocean waves continuously flowed over those broken glass fragments. Through constant friction from the waves, the sharp glass pieces gradually took the shape of smooth and shiny pebbles.
Tourist attraction
Glass Beach is currently part of MacKerricher State Park. Instead of sand, this beach is scattered with green, brown, and clear-colored glass pebbles. Thousands of tourists flock here daily to see this unique sight.
Sea Glass Museum
The International Sea Glass Museum is located near the beach. This museum works to preserve the art and history of sea glass.
Current crisis and precautions
Currently, tourists take glass from here as souvenirs. Additionally, these beautiful stones are being destroyed due to the waves. As a result, the glass stones here are gradually decreasing. Park authorities have requested tourists not to take any glass fragments from the beach with them.
Transportation and travel planning
This beach can be easily reached from the Pacific Coast Highway and MacKerricher State Park. Tourists get the opportunity to enjoy wonderful ocean views here, along with taking plenty of photographs.
