25 Awesome Things To Do In Bodega Bay

If a quiet seaside town with breathtaking landscapes and rich local culture sounds appealing, Bodega Bay should be on your list. Located on the rugged Sonoma Coast, Bodega Bay is known for its fresh seafood, scenic hikes, and friendly atmosphere.

Whether you’re planning a family trip or a romantic weekend, this guide will show you how to make the most of your visit.

Things To Do In Bodega Bay

The Bodega Bay area is rich with both natural and cultural landmarks that will make for a truly memorable experience for you, your family, and your friends. Explore the local wineries, food and art, and history.

This quaint little beach town sits on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and is known for its gorgeous beaches which are perfect for hiking, kayaking, and camping, but also has some other great places to go including parks, restaurants, and galleries.

Bodega Bay Attractions & Activities

1. Experience Panoramic Views at Bodega Head

Bodega Bay is known for the famous Bodega Head, which shelters the town of Bodega from the open ocean. The Bodega Head is a gorgeous cliffside area that overlooks the bay. The cliff face is also home to thousands of seabirds and we recommend grabbing your binoculars to do some bird watching here.

You can also hike around Bodega Head. It’s a great place to go for a hike, and many different trails and roads give you different views of the coastline. Walk to the tip via the Bodega Head trail and experience 360-degree views while smelling the salty air and feeling the ocean breeze.

If you want a good view of the sunset, this is also a good place for it, especially during the winter. Along with the ocean views, you can also explore small coves and look out for gray whales.

When you hear about Bodega Head, you might also hear the phrase “The Hole in the Head”. That refers to a hole that was dug by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to build a nuclear power plant in the 1960s.

But it didn’t go through due to an environmental protest and the realization that the San Andreas Fault was nearby, making the area prone to earthquakes. So then freshwater was filled into the hole and it is now a pond that attracts a lot of birds.

2. Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay

Private Sailing Tours are a great way to get out and explore the Bay without a crowded experience. It’s also a great option if you have any questions about sailing or need help with boarding and disembarking from the boat.

The tour includes a water bottle and a life jacket so make sure to wear sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses. 

On this 3-hour sailing tour, you’ll travel the waters of Bodega Bay on a 33’ boat. This tour is run by Bodega Bay Sailing with a licensed captain. A private sail provides an intimate setting for up to 6 passengers to enjoy views of wildlife and nature as you travel 10 miles.

3. Golf at The Links at Bodega Harbour

The Links at Bodega Harbour is an ideal location for golfing! If you’ve ever wanted to golf in an area that feels like Scotland (acres of green land, ocean views, and rolling mountains), visit this one-of-a-kind golf course in Northern California.

A heads up, Bodega Bay is sometimes called “Blow-dega Bay” due to its strong winds so be ready for that. You can play year-round and on any day and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this 18-hole course. 

4. Camp at Bodega Dunes Campground

Bodega Dunes Beach is located on the western side of Bodega Bay. Located on the beach, Bodega Dunes Campground is right next to the Pacific Ocean and features stunning views of Bodega Bay.

It’s a great place to camp if you’re looking for an affordable and beautiful beach camping experience. There are 99 campsites in total and it’s $35 a night. What makes this campground so special? They’ve got hot showers that operate on tokens.

Other amenities include flush toilets, a dump station, and a drinking water station. Dogs are allowed on leash on the campground but not at the beach or the dunes. You can reserve at ReserveCalifornia up to 6 months in advance.

If you don’t want to camp here, you can still explore the Bodega Dunes Day Use area from 8 am to sunset. There’s an accessible boardwalk parallel to the beach. There is a vehicle fee of $8 for the day.

5. Watch Whales in Bodega Bay

Whale watching in Bodega Bay is an experience you will never forget. This coastal town has been a popular whale-watching hotspot in California, and it’s no wonder why: The area is home to some of the most common species of whales found in California waters.

Between January and May, gray whales migrate along the coast before heading out to feed; as they do so, they pass by Bodega Bay where tourists can spot them from shore or onboard boats that go out into open water.

In late December through early March, gray whales travel from Mexico through Bodega Bay before heading north to Alaska. From land, you can spot whales at the Ocean Overlook located on the right fork of Westshore Road.

From the sea, you can book a whale-watching tour that runs year-round but spotting whales varies depending on the season. We recommend the Andiamo Whale Charters. 

6. Get Seafood at Fish Markets 

If you’re hungry for some good seafood, then a fish market is the place to go.

Check out Fishetarian Fish Market and the Tides Wharf Fish Market to buy seafood in Bodega Bay. Here, you’ll see displays of various types of fish, such as salmon and trout and crab.

Romantic Things To Do In Bodega Bay

7. Go Wine Tasting In Bodega Bay

If you enjoy wine tasting, then visiting several wineries around Bodega Bay would be a great idea! There’s no better place than here because they’ve got some delicious wines like Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc which go well with seafood dishes like shrimp tacos or baked clams linguine pasta dish.

Bodega Bay has several wineries all along Highway 1, and each is worth checking out. Some wineries are better than others, and we recommend Sonoma Coast Vineyards and Gourmet au Bay.

At Sonoma Coast Vineyards, you could also try wines through a guided wine flight and get educated about the process from beginning to end.

Or reserve a time to picnic in front of the local vineyards. If you’re looking for something unique, visit Gourmet Au Bay where you’ll find gourmet garden food and seafood to pair with wines! 

8. Treat You and Your Partner to A Spa Day

If you’re looking for a soothing romantic thing to do in Bodega Bay with your partner, there’s nothing like a spa day. The two places we recommend are The Lodge At Bodega Bay and Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.

At The Lodge at Bodega Bay, enjoy a day of bliss with your partner with a couples’ massage at their spa treatment rooms or in your hotel room. They offer massages, facials, and body treatments and pride themselves in using traditional approaches with natural ingredients.

Try a Warm Shell Massage that uses Tiger Clam seashells, a Sea Enzyme Facial that uses green tea and seaweed, or a Cabernet Grape Seed Scrub body treatment that uses Cabernet grapes.

You can also enjoy spa packages, facials, massages, and more at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary located in Freestone, 10 miles away from Bodega Bay. Experience the Cedar Enzyme Bath which is a spa treatment from Japan and only offered here in the US. The sanctuary also has 3 unique gardens to explore: Meditation Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, and Sound Healing Garden. 

9. Kayak In Bodega Bay and Beyond

Kayaking is a great way to explore the bay, get some exercise and spend time outdoors. Plus you can spend time with your partner in the 2-person kayak.

The Bodega Bay area offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking but check out Bodega Bay Kayak for kayak rentals and stand-up paddle board rentals. You can either rent a kayak and explore on your own or book one of their guided tours.

Kayak around Bodega Bay, Salmon Creek, and the lower Russian River. While you’re kayaking, look up for bald eagles and look around for seals and otters. 

Things To Do In Bodega Bay With Kids

10. Check Out The Children’s Bell Tower

The Children’s Bell Tower is an 18-foot-high tower that has 3 pyramid-like steel crossbar formations. 140 different-sized bells hang on the tower, and they include cowbells, church bells, and school bells.

The tower was built to honor Nicholas Green, a local 7-year-old boy who was killed in 1994 by highway robbers in Italy when the family was on a vacation.

While you’re here, wait until you feel the wind and when it does, enjoy hearing the bells ring out loud and clear — they’ll be sure to make you and your kids smile!

11. Buy A Kite at Candy & Kites

The Candy & Kites store is a great place for anyone (not just kids!) who loves candies. Get the salt water taffy! You’ll also find many colorful kites and flags. With its windy weather, Bodega Bay is the perfect place to go kite flying. 

12. Go Fishing at the Hagemann Ranch

To go fishing in Bodega Bay with kids, head to the Hagemann Ranch. This farm is the perfect spot to introduce kids to fishing in a controllable environment.

Operating for over 40 years, the farm’s pond is filled with rainbow trout fish. You don’t need a fishing license to fish here and they’re stocked with all fishing accessories: fishing poles, baits, and nets. If you get hungry after fishing, stop by their snack shack for snacks and drinks. 

13. Ride Horses Through Bodega Bay

Horseback riding is a fun and popular activity that will make your kids feel like they’re living out their wildest dreams of adventure as they gallop through the hills on horseback, exploring all of Bodega Bay’s natural beauty!

It’s a great option for both kids and adults, and there are options with prices that fit your budget. If you’re a beginner and love horses, you can sign up for riding lessons at Horse N Around Trail Rides.

The instructors will help you learn how to tame your horse as you travel around the trails. You can book your horseback riding tours at any of these:

• Chanslor Stables
• Horse N Around Trail Rides 
• Hagemann Ranch

Free Things To Do In Bodega Bay

14. Photograph “The Birds” House

When you’re in Bodega Bay, be sure to check out the filming locations from Hitchcock’s The Birds. The Birds is a 1963 film based on a horror story by Daphne Du Maurier and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. T

he movie revolves around people trying to escape from thousands of birds that attack the small town. Two locations used were the Saint Teresa of Avila Church and the Potter School House. 

15. Hike On A Coastal Trail  

If you’re looking for a way to explore Bodega Bay without spending money, hiking is an excellent option.

While many people think of the beautiful beaches when visiting this area, there are also some great options for hiking that give visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of this region without having to drive long distances from town or pay admission fees at parks.

And whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned hiker, there are plenty of trails in Bodega Bay that will challenge your endurance and test your abilities.

The hikes range from easy walks up gentle slopes up into more challenging terrain where steep climbs may be required depending on which direction you take so make sure you’re prepared before heading out!

With over 20 miles of hiking trails that lead to some beautiful places in Sonoma County, this town offers ocean and mountain views with seabirds flying overhead and whales peeking their tails in the ocean. We recommend these free coastal trails to hike on:

• Shorttail Gulch Coastal Access Trail
• Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail 
• Coastal Prairie Trail (You can see the Children’s Bell Tower on this trail)

16. Go Art Gallery Hopping

Bodega Bay has an abundance of talented artists so it’s a great place to explore different art galleries. Check out Artisans’ Co-op Gallery for some handmade local items or Ren Brown Collection for its Japanese arts and crafts created by many locals.

There’s also the Historic Town of Bodega Art Gallery where you can view some unique art pieces created by local artists, as well as other artwork that reflects the history of this area.

Things To Do In Bodega Bay With Dogs

17. Walk Across Wetlands In Doran Regional Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk with your dog on the 2-mile-long Doran Beach or take a leisurely stroll at one of the Doran Regional Park‘s many trails. It’s not uncommon to see other dogs playing around on these same trails!

Doran Regional Park also offers some great scenery—the area has stunning views of both Bodega Bay and Bodega Harbor as well as wetlands, greenery, and a sandy beach.

18. Run With Your Dog At Westside Regional Park

This is a great place to bring your dog for a swim and play. Westside Regional Park is also a great place to relax and enjoy the sights of Bodega Bay. You can go sports fishing here too.  With 46 campsites, you can also camp with your dog. Regional parks charge $2 a night for a dog and they need to be on a leash.

19. Walk On Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail

Walking your dog along the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. The trail is just over 1 mile long, and it’s a loop around a saltwater marsh. While walking your dog, you’ll also see two freshwater water bodies and see many birds including songbirds and shorebirds. 

20. Spot Tide Pools At Schoolhouse Beach

One of the best dog-friendly beaches on Sonoma Coast, Schoolhouse Beach is a nice sandy cove surrounded by rocky cliffs. The beach has many interesting tide pools to explore as well! Sit and watch the sunset from Schoolhouse Beach. The view is beautiful, especially when it’s a clear day. You’ll also see some locals surf fishing and rock fishing. 

Restaurants In Bodega Bay

21. Eat Crab Delicacies At Spud Point Crab Company

This is where you want to go for clam chowder and crab sandwiches with beautiful water views. Owned by the Spud Point Crab Company, this family-owned café has been serving up exactly what its name implies since then with their crabbing in Bodega Bay.

The owners were inspired by the Old Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco when they decided to open their place. It’s now one of the most popular places in town for locals and tourists visiting Bodega Bay.

22. Slurp Oysters At Fisherman’s Cove

Fisherman’s Cove is a seafood café and deli that serves sandwiches and soups. They’re famous for their fresh Tomales Bay oysters. The family-run business also offers fishing gear, bait, and other products. Try their Portuguese Style Fish Stew and Halibut Fish Tacos!

23. Bite Into California Black Cod At Drakes Sonoma Coast

Drakes Sonoma Coast is a must-visit restaurant if you’re in Bodega Bay. They serve up locally-sourced food and wine, so you can feel good about what you’re tasting (and eating).

You’ll find all sorts of great dishes on the menu, including California Black Cod, Miyagi oysters from Tomales Bay, natural cheeses made nearby, and artisanal bread baked daily in their bakery.

And it’s not just the food that makes this establishment worth visiting: guests rave about their attentive service as well!

So whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or want to grab lunch with friends after a spa treatment at The Lodge at Bodega Bay next door, make sure to stop by Drakes Sonoma Coast during your next trip to Bodega Bay—your taste buds will thank you!

24. Immerse In Cheesecake At Terrapin Creek

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, then Terrapin Creek is the right choice for you! The food here is incredibly delicious and it’s also reasonably priced compared to other places on our list.

People’s favorites include Pan Roasted Hokkaido Scallops, Liberty Farms Duck Breast, Salad of Charred Octopus, and Roasted Cauliflower. Crab cakes are also a good choice if you want something less heavy.

Get the Dungeness crab cake with lettuce, avocado, Cara cara orange, and remoulade sauce. Finish your dinner with the Crème Fraîche Cheesecake. 

25. Grab Some Fish & Chips At Boat House

Boat House is a great place to eat because of their calamari and fish & chips. Their clam chowder is one of the best and they also have reasonably-priced sandwiches and hamburgers. They are pet-friendly and also offer fishing trips and private boat charters. 

Bodega Bay Map

Bodega Bay Day Trip

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, look no further than Bodega Bay. It’s a great day trip from San Francisco. It’s a decent drive from the city, and with plenty of things to do in Bodega Bay, it’s well worth it! Here’s what we recommend to do on a day trip to Bodega Bay: 

Visit Schoolhouse Beach: The beach isn’t just a place for families with kids—it’s also where you can start your day on a calming note. 

Hike the Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail: Then continue with a coastal hike to Pinnacle Beach. Spend the rest of the morning walking along cliffs overlooking pounding waves and along this quiet, uncrowded beach full of tide pools. You’ll see some interesting sea life including crabs, starfish, and mussels on the beach. 

Lunch: Break for lunch at one of the favorites – Spud Point Crab Company, Boat House, or Fisherman’s Cove. 

Do An Activity: Depending on what you prefer, take a guided tour or activity. If you love wine tasting, then book a tasting room. If you want to be in the ocean, book a kayaking, whale watching, or sailing tour. If you’re looking for a group activity, we recommend horseback riding or fishing. 

Dinner: Finish the day with either a casual dinner at Terrapin Creek or a fancy dinner at Drakes Sonoma Coast. 

Directions to Bodega Bay

Heading to Bodega Bay, CA? There are many ways to get to Bodega Bay but the best way to get there is through a drive. Experience ocean and mountain views as you drive to this coastal town. 

San Francisco to Bodega Bay: It takes 67.2 miles and approximately 1.5 hours. Take Highway 101 North to get to Bodega Bay. Driving directions here.

San Jose to Bodega Bay: By car, it takes 111 miles and approximately 2.5 hours. Take Highways I-880 North and 101 North to get to Bodega Bay. Driving directions here.

Santa Rosa to Bodega Bay: By car, it takes 22.7 miles and approximately 37 minutes. Take CA-12 West and Bodega Avenue to get to Bodega Bay. Driving directions here.

Where To Stay In Bodega Bay 

Bodega Bay has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:

Budget-Friendly Option: Sonoma Coast Villa

Mid-Priced Option: The Inn at the Tides

Lux Option: The Lodge at Bodega Bay

What To Pack For Bodega Bay

In general, it’s always a good idea to bring some essentials with you on your trip. Especially since the weather in Bodega Bay changes throughout the year, it’s important to pack accordingly. Make sure you’re packing these essentials: 

• Water (carry at least a bottle of water per person with this reusable water bottle) 
• Hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses

Bring a small cooler with you to the beach to keep your drinks nice and chilled. And if you plan to be in the waters for a while, get a thick wetsuit. It’s gonna be cold!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still thinking if Bodega Bay is worth a visit? Check out these frequently asked questions below that’ll help you lean towards planning your next trip here!

Is Bodega Bay worth visiting?

Yes, it is! This small Northern California town is home to some amazing restaurants and wineries and tasting rooms, which offer tours and tastings as well as delicious food pairings.

It’s also a great place to visit because of its beautiful beaches and sunsets, which are perfect for taking pictures or just spending time relaxing with family, friends, or yourself.

You can also get seafood fresh from local fishermen in town, or go out on a boat to catch some fish if you prefer! If you want to spot gray whales, Bodega Bay is worth a visit!

What is Bodega Bay known for?

Throughout the U.S., Bodega Bay is known for being the home of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. But apart from that, the three things that it is known for are its beaches, whales, and seafood! If you’re looking to get out of the city and enjoy some time on the water, make a trip to this town.

Can you walk on the beach at Bodega Bay?

Yes, you can walk on the beaches in Bodega Bay. The waves can be strong and make walking a bit challenging, so if you plan on going for a walk on the beach, make sure that you wear sturdy shoes or sandals.

Is Bodega Bay swimmable?

Bodega Bay is a great place to swim, especially if you’re looking for some tranquility. However, not all beaches are swimmable due to the strong waves and their sharp rocks. The best beach to swim at is Doran Beach where there’s plenty of room to lay out your towel, set up your picnic, and enjoy the water.

The water here is usually calm, but it can get rough during certain times of the year so be sure to check out their monthly tide charts before heading out. 

Is there fireworks in Bodega Bay?

Fireworks displays used to be scheduled for 4th of July in Bodega Bay until 2019. Check Bodega Bay Area Chamber of Commerce site for updated information about fireworks happening this year.

Final Thoughts

Bodega Bay is a great place to visit for many reasons. Whales and wildlife, eating out at restaurants, wine tasting, golfing, horseback riding, kayaking tours, and more: all make Bodega Bay an exciting place to explore.

If you’re considering checking out this small town near Highway 1, there are a lot of things for you to do in Bodega Bay. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or want to do some adventure sports, you can find something in Bodega Bay that will make your trip special.

If you’re staying for a while in Bodega Bay and need to know where to shop, here are the best stores to grocery shop in and around the area.

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