Bodega Bay in One Day: A Complete Itinerary

We’ve explored Bodega Bay a couple of times now, and it never disappoints. This small coastal town feels relaxed but has plenty to offer in just one day. Each visit gave us something a little different – cliffside hikes, quiet galleries, good food, and a few unexpected stops along the way. If you’re heading out for the day, here’s a simple way to spend it. This guide covers our favorite places, from ocean views and movie locations to taffy shops, kites, and a great dinner to wrap it all up.

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Table Of Contents

Start with a coastal hike to Bodega Head

A scenic trail atop Bodega Head lined with pink wildflowers leads along the coastal bluff, with waves crashing into rocky cliffs below and a person walking in the distance. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Begin your day with fresh ocean air and stunning 360-degree views at Bodega Head. This cliffside trail is the most iconic spot in town, with crashing waves, seabird sightings, and a chance to spot migrating gray whales in season. You’ll walk past wildflowers and small coves, and if you’re curious, check out the “Hole in the Head,” a peaceful pond created after a failed nuclear power plant project in the 1960s. It’s now a bird haven and part of the area’s history.

Admire Japanese art at the Ren Brown Collection

Interior of the Ren Brown Collection gallery showcasing Japanese art, ceramics, and sculptures with neatly curated displays and framed artwork on the walls. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Tucked away in town, Ren Brown Collection features a mix of traditional and modern Japanese art along with local coastal-inspired works. It’s thoughtfully curated and makes for a relaxing stop between outdoor adventures.

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Lunch at The Birds Cafe

Cozy corner dining area in a wood-paneled room with framed black-and-white photos on the walls, featuring a pellet stove and wooden chairs. Also shown are close-ups of a crispy chicken salad and a fish taco topped with guacamole, served on compostable trays. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Inspired by Hitchcock’s The Birds, which was famously filmed in Bodega Bay, this cozy cafe is packed with vintage movie posters and old-school charm. Sit on the outdoor patio with views of the bay and try their artichoke tacos or Asian chicken salad. The cafe is dog-friendly and has a fun, laid-back vibe.

Visit Candy & Kites (right next door)

Inside a whimsical candy and kite shop, baskets of saltwater taffy, colorful pinwheels, and vibrant kites hang from the ceiling, creating a fun and festive vibe. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

After lunch, head next door to Candy & Kites that’s part candy store, part kite haven. With Bodega Bay’s famously windy weather, it’s a great place to grab a kite or saltwater taffy. The colors, pinwheels, and beachy souvenirs make this stop extra fun for kids and adults alike.

Grab salt water taffy at Patrick’s of Bodega Bay

A cheerful pink-walled candy shop filled with bins and bags of saltwater taffy in a variety of flavors like chocolate caramel mocha, cinnamon, coconut curry, and pickle, all labeled with handwritten tags. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Patrick’s of Bodega Bay is a local institution. Inside, you’ll find dozens of taffy flavors from classics like chocolate and vanilla to wild picks like pickle or coconut curry. They also sell quirky souvenirs and Bodega Bay-themed apparel.

Souvenir shopping at Tides Wharf gift shop

Souvenir shop at Tides Wharf packed with Bodega Bay merchandise including mugs, apparel, books, and gifts themed around Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Attached to the historic Tides Wharf Restaurant (also featured in The Birds), this gift shop is packed with coastal-themed mugs, books, clothing, and Hitchcock-inspired goodies. It’s the perfect spot to grab a keepsake before dinner.

Cheesecake at Terrapin Creek Cafe

A beautifully plated passionfruit cheesecake topped with a quenelle of whipped cream, surrounded by drizzles of yellow passionfruit sauce with visible seeds on a white plate. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Even if you’re not staying for dinner, swing by this acclaimed restaurant just for dessert. Terrapin Creek‘s passionfruit cheesecake is rich, bright, and beautifully plated. A great early evening snack before you explore more.

Or grab coffee at Roadhouse Coffee

Right next to Terrapin Creek, this drive-thru coffee shack serves up quick espresso drinks and warm beverages. Perfect if you’re more in the mood for a cozy drink than dessert.

Visit the Children’s Bell Tower

The Children’s Bell Tower stands tall in a clearing surrounded by trees, with several metal bells hanging from vertical steel beams and a pair of deer quietly grazing in the background. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This moving outdoor memorial stands 18 feet tall and is made up of over 140 bells from cowbells to school bells. The Children’s Bell Tower was built to honor Nicholas Green, a young boy whose tragic story led to increased organ donations worldwide. On a breezy day, the soft chimes are peaceful and powerful. It’s located near La Bodeguita and is easy to visit on foot.

Dinner at La Bodeguita

End your day with flavorful Mexican food in a warm, casual setting. Located near the bell tower, La Bodeguita is a local go-to for hearty dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and pozole. Great service, cozy tables, and a relaxed vibe make it an ideal final stop.

Bonus stop: Explore the filming locations of The Birds

Collage of three images related to Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds filming locations in Bodega Bay. The top left shows the historic Potter Schoolhouse, a pale green and white Victorian building with a staircase leading up to it. The bottom image features the iconic white St. Teresa of Avila Church with a cross-topped steeple against a clear blue sky. The right panel displays a wooden fence with a sign detailing the history of Potter School, established in 1873. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

If you have time, take a short drive inland to the nearby town of Bodega to visit two famous Hitchcock filming sites: Potter Schoolhouse and St. Teresa of Avila Church. They’re both photogenic, historic, and fun for movie buffs to see in person.