Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Bodega Bay California Journey Information: Weekend Getaway

What do you get while you combine coastal allure, recent seafood, and a splash of journey? Bodega Bay! One second, you’re mountain climbing alongside the shoreline, and the following, you’re devouring a plate of freshly shucked oysters at a seaside spot. This cute northern California city gives the proper mixture of scenic hikes, quaint retailers, 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 all the pieces you have to know to plan your good weekend getaway.


Planning Ideas for Visiting Bodega Bay


Greatest Time of Yr to Go

In Bodega Bay, the dry season (roughly from Could to October) is when the climate is at its greatest. There’s gentle, sunny days with a little 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 is perhaps a bit busier.

I’ve been throughout each season and most 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 widespread than not.

Annette Bodega BayAnnette Bodega Bay

How Many Days to Spend in Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay is the type of place the place you may pop in for a fast escape or settle in for an extended keep. Certain, you possibly can cowl the must-see spots in a day (recent seafood feast? Test. Scenic hike alongside Bodega Head? Double verify), however you’d be lacking out on so many hidden gems. When you can, carve out a weekend—two to a few days is ideal. This offers you time to soak within the sunsets, savor wine at native vineyards, and perhaps even spot some migrating whales with out feeling rushed.

When you’re brief on time, try my One Day in Bodega Bay itinerary—it’s filled with all of the must-do highlights!


Getting Round

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


The place to Keep

The Lodge at Bodega Bay is the proper retreat whilst you’re staying in Bodega Bay. Lately topped the #1 Resort within the World by Condé Nast Traveler readers, this lodge gives all the pieces you have to unwind. It’s situated proper subsequent to Doran Seaside, you may stroll out of your room to the shore in minutes or take pleasure in a scenic stroll alongside the Chook 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 proper steadiness of seclusion and comfort, with cozy fireplace pits, nature trails, and easy accessibility to Bodega Bay’s cute retailers, recent seafood eating places, and high mountain climbing spots.

The Lodge at Bodega Bay GroundsThe Lodge at Bodega Bay Grounds

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 final word rest. T

he 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 fireplace pit, or just taking within the serene environment, each element at The Lodge is designed that can assist you chill out and recharge.

The Lodge Coastal RoomThe Lodge Coastal Room

Test Charges & Availability for The Lodge at Bodega Bay


What to Do in Bodega Bay (Prime 5 Issues to Do)


Hike On A Coastal Path 

Some of the well-liked 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 seaside on the backside. 

Bird Walk Coastal TrailBird Walk Coastal Trail

Go Wine Tasting

Simply since you’re on the coast, doesn’t imply you may’t perform a little wine tasting. Begin your vino journey at Sonoma Coast Vineyards, the place the cool coastal local weather creates best circumstances for producing some nice wines. 

For a very immersive expertise, make your approach to Fort Ross Vineyards, situated on the hills of Fort Ross State Historic Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This family-owned vineyard focuses on cool-climate wines, together with their acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Sonoma Coast VineyardsSonoma Coast Vineyards

Go to a Filming Location of Hitchcock’s “The Birds” at Potter Schoolhouse

Pay homage to a chunk of cinematic historical past by visiting the enduring filming areas of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” in Bodega Bay and the encircling space.

Some of the memorable filming areas is the Potter Schoolhouse, located inland within the city of Bodega. Nonetheless, it’s now a non-public residence, so you may solely admire it from the skin. Adjoining to the schoolhouse, you’ll discover one other vital website from the movie, the St. Teresa of Avila Church

St. Teresa of Avila ChurchSt. Teresa of Avila Church
Potter SchoolhousePotter Schoolhouse

Benefit from the Seaside

You’ll be able to’t actually go to Bodega Bay with out hitting up one of many seashores, and there are loads to select from! Listed here are my high picks: 

Bodega Bay California Journey Information: Weekend GetawayBodega Bay California Journey Information: Weekend Getaway

Purchase Treats at Patrick’s of Bodega Bay Salt Water Taffy

Don’t miss moving into the recognizable pink and white store of Patrick’s, the place quite a lot of handmade saltwater taffy will fulfill your candy cravings. From basic flavors like vanilla (my favourite!) and watermelon to engaging 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 Prime 3)

Bodega’s meals scene is loaded with yummy seafood spots and these are my high 3. However for those who’d like all my favourite restaurant picks, try my record of the greatest Bodega Bay eating places.

Fishetarian Fish Market

This spot is hands-down my favourite informal go-to at any time when I’m in Bodega Bay. From their completely crispy fish & chips and creamy clam chowder to the oh-so-delicious shrimp tacos, each chew is a win. The perfect half? They’re all about sustainable sourcing, so you may take pleasure in your meal and not using a shred of eco-guilt. It’s a laid-back place with principally out of doors seating the place you may seize a fast chew whereas absorbing the salty sea breeze.


Rocker Oysterfeller’s

If Southern consolation meals meets coastal seafood feels 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 good for dipping—pure consolation on a cool Bodega Bay day. 


Drakes Sonoma Coast

When 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 the earth by Condé Nast Traveler, so you recognize you’re in for one thing particular. Their farm-to-table strategy means you’ll be indulging in recent, native seafood that’s been elevated to perfection. 

Drakes Bodega Bay SunsetDrakes Bodega Bay Sunset

Close by Day Journey Actions

Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Assets 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 may simply discover one of the best fare offers. You may as well choose ‘least expensive month’ to search out the bottom fares on your vacation spot (I take advantage of this on a regular basis!).

Guide Your Lodging
I take advantage of each Reserving.com and Expedia for inns, as a result of every gives a pair completely different lodge selections and I like to match the evaluations on each. If in case you have a gaggle or are on the lookout for extra of a house environment, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each worth vary. 

Guide Your Rental Automobile
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the best choice! I all the time ebook with Uncover Automobiles for one of the best costs and high model choices.

Guide Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to engines like google for cool bucket record experiences! Each can have completely different excursions, so verify each—why restrict your self, proper?

Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey could be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an damage, 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 Record 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.


Save this Submit to Pinterest

Bodega Bay Travel Guide: Your Perfect Weekend EscapeBodega Bay Travel Guide: Your Perfect Weekend Escape

Related Articles

Latest Articles