What do you get while you combine coastal allure, contemporary seafood, and a splash of journey? Bodega Bay! One second, you’re climbing alongside the shoreline, and the subsequent, you’re devouring a plate of freshly shucked oysters at a seaside spot. This cute northern California city gives the right mixture of scenic hikes, quaint outlets, and peaceable shoreline strolls.
However there’s a lot extra! From flying kites to exploring native artwork galleries, the record of issues to do in Bodega Bay is as limitless because the ocean views. Let’s get to it—right here’s the whole lot you’ll want to know to plan your excellent weekend getaway.
Planning Ideas for Visiting Bodega Bay
Greatest Time of 12 months to Go
In Bodega Bay, the dry season (roughly from Might to October) is when the climate is at its finest. There’s gentle, sunny days with a bit coastal breeze, and hardly any rain. Temperatures often vary from a snug 60°F to 75°F, however only a heads up—that is when vacationers and locals flock to city, so issues may be a bit busier.
I’ve been throughout each season and most just lately went in December. Whereas there was a chill within the air, the sunshine greater than made up for it. However, be warned the fog at the moment of yr is extra frequent than not.

How Many Days to Spend in Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is the sort of place the place you’ll be able to pop in for a fast escape or settle in for an extended keep. Certain, you could possibly cowl the must-see spots in a day (contemporary seafood feast? Examine. Scenic hike alongside Bodega Head? Double verify), however you’d be lacking out on so many hidden gems. Should you can, carve out a weekend—two to 3 days is ideal. This provides you time to soak within the sunsets, savor wine at native vineyards, and possibly even spot some migrating whales with out feeling rushed.
Should you’re brief on time, take a look at my One Day in Bodega Bay itinerary—it’s full of all of the must-do highlights!




Getting Round
Getting round Bodega Bay is finest accomplished with a rental automotive. The world is spread-out, and having your individual automotive provides you the liberty to discover at your individual tempo. In contrast to metropolis facilities, there’s no public transport system to depend on, so a rental automotive is essential for hopping between scenic spots. You may verify Uncover Automobiles for one of the best pricing.




The place to Keep
The Lodge at Bodega Bay is the right retreat when you’re staying in Bodega Bay. Not too long ago topped the #1 Resort within the World by Condé Nast Traveler readers, this lodge gives the whole lot you’ll want to unwind. It’s positioned proper subsequent to Doran Seashore, you’ll be able to stroll out of your room to the shore in minutes or get pleasure from a scenic stroll alongside the Chicken Stroll Coastal Entry Path, a peaceable loop by way of wetlands the place birdwatchers can spot Nice Blue Herons and different wildlife.
The lodge strikes the right stability of seclusion and comfort, with cozy hearth pits, nature trails, and quick access to Bodega Bay’s cute outlets, contemporary seafood eating places, and prime climbing spots.


The on-site facilities solely elevate the expertise. Eating at Drake’s is a should, whether or not you’re indulging in a fancier meal in the principle eating room or sipping wine by the fireplace on the Hearth Lounge throughout sundown. The spa gives therapies just like the Sonoma Coastal Therapeutic massage, whereas the out of doors scorching tub and sauna present the last word leisure.
The rooms are equally inviting, with fireplaces, Nespresso machines, and breathtaking views of the bay. Whether or not you’re toasting marshmallows for nightly s’mores, having fun with a glass of wine by a hearth pit, or just taking within the serene environment, each element at The Lodge is designed that can assist you loosen up and recharge.


Examine Charges & Availability for The Lodge at Bodega Bay
**In case you are searching for one thing rather less expensive, then take a look at Sonoma Coast Villa. It has good rankings and is just some miles from Bodega Bay.
What to Do in Bodega Bay (High 5 Issues to Do)
Hike On A Coastal Path
One of the crucial in style coastal trails is the Bodega Head Path, a 1.67-mile (2.7 km) path that takes you across the iconic Bodega Head peninsula, providing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. One other nice path is the Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Entry Path, which works by way of a gulch that results in a seashore on the backside.


Go Wine Tasting
Simply since you’re on the coast, doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t do some wine tasting. Begin your vino journey at Sonoma Coast Vineyards, the place the cool coastal local weather creates supreme situations for producing some nice wines.
For a very immersive expertise, make your strategy to Fort Ross Vineyards, positioned on the hills of Fort Ross State Historic Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This family-owned vineyard makes a speciality of cool-climate wines, together with their acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.


Go to a Filming Location of Hitchcock’s “The Birds” at Potter Schoolhouse
Pay homage to a bit of cinematic historical past by visiting the long-lasting filming places of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” in Bodega Bay and the encircling space.
One of the crucial memorable filming places is the Potter Schoolhouse, located inland within the city of Bodega. Nonetheless, it’s now a non-public residence, so you’ll be able to solely admire it from the skin. Adjoining to the schoolhouse, you’ll discover one other important website from the movie, the St. Teresa of Avila Church.




Benefit from the Seashore
You may’t actually go to Bodega Bay with out hitting up one of many seashores, and there are a lot to select from! Listed here are my prime picks:


Purchase Treats at Patrick’s of Bodega Bay Salt Water Taffy
Don’t miss entering into the recognizable pink and white store of Patrick’s, the place a wide range of handmade saltwater taffy will fulfill your candy cravings. From traditional flavors like vanilla (my favourite!) and watermelon to attractive blended taffy packs such because the Dessert Combine and Berries and Cream, there’s a taffy for each style.
Need extra enjoyable actions? See my 28 nice issues to do in Bodega Bay.




What + The place to Eat (My High 3)
Bodega’s meals scene is loaded with yummy seafood spots and these are my prime 3. However for those who’d like all my favourite restaurant picks, take a look at my record of the finest Bodega Bay eating places.
Fishetarian Fish Market
This spot is hands-down my favourite informal go-to each time I’m in Bodega Bay. From their completely crispy fish & chips and creamy clam chowder to the oh-so-delicious shrimp tacos, each chunk is a win. The perfect half? They’re all about sustainable sourcing, so you’ll be able to get pleasure from your meal with no shred of eco-guilt. It’s a laid-back place with largely out of doors seating the place you’ll be able to seize a fast chunk whereas absorbing the salty sea breeze.




Rocker Oysterfeller’s
If Southern consolation meals meets coastal seafood appears like your vibe, then Rocker Oysterfeller’s is a must-visit. Whereas they’re well-known for his or her oysters Rockefeller (clearly!), it was their clam chowder that was my favourite. It’s wealthy with out being overly creamy and served with a facet of heat, garlicky bread that’s excellent for dipping—pure consolation on a cool Bodega Bay day.




Drakes Sonoma Coast
Should you’re craving a extra upscale eating expertise in Bodega Bay, Drakes Sonoma Coast at The Lodge at Bodega Bay is the place to be. The Lodge was simply voted the #1 lodge on this planet by Condé Nast Traveler, so you recognize you’re in for one thing particular. Their farm-to-table method means you’ll be indulging in contemporary, native seafood that’s been elevated to perfection.






Close by Day Journey Actions
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Sources for Reserving Your Journey!
Guide Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you’ll be able to simply discover one of the best fare offers. You may also choose ‘least expensive month’ to search out the bottom fares on your vacation spot (I exploit this on a regular basis!).
Guide Your Lodging
I exploit each Reserving.com and Expedia for motels, as a result of every gives a pair completely different lodge selections and I like to match the opinions on every one. If in case you have a bunch or are searching for extra of a house environment, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, flats and even only a room for hire in each worth vary.
Guide Your Rental Automobile
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the most suitable choice! I all the time guide with Uncover Automobiles for one of the best costs and prime model choices.
Guide Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to engines like google for cool bucket record experiences! Every one can have completely different excursions, so verify each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey will be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an harm, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed here are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Take a look at the Bucket Listing Journey Amazon Retailer to search out all my favourite journey necessities. Every part from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling footwear.
*Lastly, verify journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security info.
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