Located in Northern California, Bodega Bay may look like a sleepy beach town, but it is packed with the kind of coastal charm that keeps people coming back. Sitting on the rugged Sonoma Coast, it delivers dramatic views, fresh seafood, scenic trails, and a surprising mix of local art, history, and hidden gems. From kayaking and hiking to wine tasting and gallery hopping, these 27 things to do prove there is way more to Bodega Bay than just the beach.
Disclaimer: Bae Area and Beyond contains affiliate links so if you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. This also supports our content to be free. Read our disclaimer policy for more info.
Planning your trip to Bodega Bay? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
Best Tours In Bodega Bay:
- 8-hour Private Limo Wine Tour (visit 3-4 wineries + personalized experience)
- Wine & Wellness Tour in Napa Valley (authentic with redwood hiking)
- Sonoma Valley Sidecar Wine Tour (visit 3 wineries with gourmet picnic)
- Wine Country Hot-Air Balloon Ride from Yountville (up to 2000 feet high!)
- Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay (sail with a licensed captain)
Best Hotels In Bodega Bay:
- Sonoma Coast Villa (💲) (mini golf, movie nights & more!)
- The Inn at the Tides (💲💲) (complimentary breakfast & bottle of wine)
- The Lodge at Bodega Bay (💲💲💲) (on-site restaurants, spa, fitness center)
Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
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 $10 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. We recommend Sonoma Coast Vineyards. Here you could also try wines through a guided wine flight and get educated about the process from beginning to end.
8. Hike to Views to Vista Trail
The Sonoma Coast Overlook Vista Trail is a 0.9-mile paved loop with minimal elevation gain, starting at the Vista Trailhead in Jenner. It offers wide views of the coastline, including the mouth of the Russian River, Goat Rock, Bodega Head, and on clear days, even Point Reyes.
Look out for Arch Rock and migrating whales in season. The trail is windy, so hang on to loose items. Spring brings wildflowers along the path. There is a picnic table and restroom near the parking area, and the walk takes about 30 minutes to complete.
9. Kayak In Bodega Bay and Beyond
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!
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:
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. The 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
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 Ren Brown Collection for its unique Japanese arts and sculptures.
Unique Things To Do In Bodega Bay
17. Walk Across Wetlands In Doran Regional Park
Walk along the 2-mile-long Doran Beach or at one of the Doran Regional Park‘s many 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. Buy a Souvenir at Tides Wharf
Stop by the Tides Wharf gift shop to pick up a souvenir that captures the charm of Bodega Bay. The shop offers a wide selection of coastal-themed mugs, postcards, sweatshirts, and locally inspired art. It also features items related to the classic film The Birds, which was filmed in the area. This is a great spot to find something memorable to take home or to give as a gift.
19. Walk On Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail
We recommend hiking the easy Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail to get some exercise and enjoy nature. The trail is just over 1 mile long, and it’s a loop around a saltwater marsh. You’ll also see two freshwater water bodies and see many birds including songbirds and shorebirds.
20. Spot the Charlie Brown Statue
Spot a statue of Charlie Brown right in front of Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf in Bodega Bay. While most Peanuts statues are found in Santa Rosa, this coastal tribute honors Charles M. Schulz’s deep ties to Sonoma County. Schulz, creator of Peanuts, lived in the area for decades, and his legacy can be seen across the region. This statue is one of the few outside Santa Rosa and makes for a fun and unexpected photo op.
21. Eat at the Themed Birds Cafe
Listed as a bucket list stop by Visit California, the Birds Cafe is a cozy, dog-friendly spot in Bodega Bay that pays tribute to Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film The Birds, which was famously filmed in town. The walls are filled with vintage posters and movie memorabilia, giving the place a quirky charm. Known for its scenic outdoor patio and laid-back vibe, the cafe serves breakfast and lunch with a menu featuring tacos, salads, and fritters. We loved the Asian chicken salad and the artichoke tacos.
22. Get Your FAQs Answered at the Visitor Center
The Sonoma Coast Visitor Center in Bodega Bay is the go-to spot for quick, friendly help while exploring the area. The staff is knowledgeable and ready to answer questions about where to eat, stay, and explore along the 50-plus miles of stunning Sonoma coastline. You can even grab a map for a self-guided Alfred Hitchcock tour highlighting filming spots from The Birds.
23. Choose Salt Water Taffy at Patrick’s
Patrick’s of Bodega Bay is a bright pink candy shop known for having the freshest salt water taffy in town. Inside, you’ll find a huge variety of taffy flavors along with Bodega Bay-themed T-shirts and souvenirs. It is a cute, quirky stop that’s perfect for picking up a sweet treat or a fun gift.
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 people’s favorites are Pan Roasted Hokkaido Scallops, Liberty Farms Duck Breast, Salad of Charred Octopus, and Roasted Cauliflower. If you can’t have dinner here, we recommend just coming here for the cheesecake. That’s what we did!
25. Rent a Surfboard
Bodega Bay Surf Shack is the place to go for surfboard rentals and water adventures on the Sonoma Coast. Just five minutes from great beginner-friendly waves, the shop rents soft and hard longboards, shortboards, and brand-new O’Neill wetsuits in both men’s and women’s sizes.
You can also rent skim boards, bodyboards, booties, and stand up paddle boards, which are perfect for exploring the bay, Salmon Creek, or the lower Russian River. With over 20 years of experience in the area, the staff focuses on safety and sharing their deep local knowledge.
26. Find the Fish Tribute
Located near Patrick’s of Bodega Bay at the entrance of a pier, “Spawn” is a striking fish sculpture by artist Daniel Clark made of copper and stainless steel. Installed in 2023, it stands as a tribute to Bodega Bay’s rich fishing history and the generations who relied on the local waters for their livelihood.
The artwork marks the former site of Meredith Pier, once a busy fishing hub that was demolished in 2020. This powerful piece honors the legacy of the area.
27. Check Out This Quirky Shop In Bodega
Mudd and Gold is a one-of-a-kind shop in Bodega where you can browse handmade goods, discover local art, and even get a haircut all in the same space. The shop celebrates craftsmanship and creativity, featuring unique items made by passionate artists and makers. Inside, hairstylist Lindsey offers cuts in a cozy corner of the store, bringing her Bay Area experience to this small-town gem.
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
Whales and wildlife, eating delicious food, 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. 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.
Grab Your 1-Pager California Packing List!
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
15 Best Bodega Bay Restaurants
Best Grocery Stores In Bodega Bay
Top 11 Sonoma Coast State Park Hiking Trails
Need help planning a trip? We can help plan your dream road trip in California!
Follow our California experiences: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok
