Bodega Bay, nestled along the scenic Sonoma Coast, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From breathtaking beaches to delectable seafood, this coastal destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and culinary delights. Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Bodega Bay:
1. Morning Stop: Valley Ford
Estero Cafe & Valley Ford Market
Begin your journey south on Highway 1 with a detour to Valley Ford. Start your day with a cup of coffee or a hearty breakfast burrito at the Estero Cafe. Don’t forget to grab a brown paper bag of homemade teriyaki beef jerky at the Valley Ford Market next door—it’s a local favorite!
2. Exploring Bodega Bay
Doran Beach at Doran Regional Park
As you arrive in Bodega Bay, take a left on Doran Beach Road to explore the 2-mile spit of Doran Beach at Doran Regional Park ($7 fee). It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, beachcombing, and watching surfers and fishing boats.
3. Wine Tasting with a View
Sonoma Coast Vineyards
Just a short drive away, Sonoma Coast Vineyards offers limited-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. On a sunny day, the back patio is perfect for a cheese-plate picnic while watching snowy egrets roost in the bay’s trees.
4. A Touch of History
Tides Wharf and Restaurant
Continuing on Highway 1, stop by Tides Wharf, where Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” was filmed. It’s a fun spot to watch the unloading of fresh salmon and admire the massive shark jaws on the wall.
5. Culinary Delights
Terrapin Creek & Gourmet Au Bay
Pass by the saltwater taffy shops and windsock peddlers, then turn left on Eastshore Road to find Terrapin Creek. This culinary hideaway serves a seasonal menu of fresh seafood, including scallops, oysters, and pan-roasted sea bass.
Next, visit Gourmet Au Bay and Ginochio’s Kitchen at Porto Bodega Marina. Gourmet Au Bay offers an eclectic wine cellar and unique “wine surfing” flights served on mini surfboards, while Ginochio’s boasts a legendary breakfast hash with 14-hour slow-cooked Texas brisket.
6. Classic Bodega Bay Chowder
Spud Point Crab Company
As you drive down Westshore Road, you’ll catch the irresistible aroma from Spud Point Crab Company. Carol and Tony Anello’s fish shack is famous for its clam chowder, a perennial winner of the Bodega Bay Chowder Day contest.
7. Marine Exploration
UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory
Take a detour on Bay Flat Road to the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, where public tours offer a glimpse into marine research. Explore aquariums, touch tide pool creatures, and hear stories about the controversial nuclear plant proposal from the 1960s.
8. Bodega Head: A Scenic Vista
Bodega Head
End your day with a visit to Bodega Head. This wind-swept viewpoint offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a prime spot for whale watching. In March and April, join docents from Stewards of the Redwoods to spot migrating whales.
9. Hidden Hiking Trails
Pinnacle Gulch Trail & Salmon Creek Beach
For those who love hiking, the Pinnacle Gulch Trail offers a secluded beach experience. Before reaching Bodega Bay, turn onto South Harbor Way and explore the Bodega Harbour subdivision. The trailhead is on Mockingbird Lane, leading you to a beautiful beach sanctuary. Check tide charts before you go!
Salmon Creek State Beach, located north of town, is perfect for watching surfers. The beach access off Bean Avenue often fills up, but the bluff overlook provides a great view of the ocean.
10. A Touch of Hitchcock
Bodega
Before leaving, take a right on Bodega Highway to visit the charming town of Bodega, where you can see the Saint Teresa of Avila Church and the Potter Schoolhouse, both featured in Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” Don’t miss the Hitchcock Film Festival on March 23 at the Grange Hall.
Whether you’re a foodie, a beach lover, or a nature enthusiast, Bodega Bay has something special for you. Pack your bags and head to this beautiful coastal retreat for an unforgettable day trip. Explore, indulge, and enjoy the serene beauty of Bodega Bay!
