If you happen to’re within the temper for a fun-filled California day journey oozing with coastal allure, tasty bites, and some distinctive little adventures, Bodega Bay is the spot! I simply spent the proper day there (12 hours of pure bliss), and truthfully, it may simply be stretched into an in a single day keep if you wish to preserve the nice vibes going. So, seize a good friend or head out solo—this easygoing itinerary is filled with easy pleasures, beautiful views, and nil stress. Prepared for the very best day ever?
>> Need extra concepts? See my final Bodega Bay Bucket Listing.
12-Hour Itinerary for Bodega Bay
9:00 AM
Espresso + Pastries at The Birds Cafe
First cease on the itinerary: The Birds Cafe for some espresso (or tea in my case) and a small breakfast snack. Let me begin by simply saying—this place is straight-up cute. It’s the proper mix of a espresso store, seafood stand, and present store crammed with coastal-inspired souvenirs.
And please don’t depart with out attempting the almond butter cake—it’s gluten-free and ridiculously good (like, I would’ve thought of going again for seconds). It’s the proper candy deal with to gasoline up for the day forward, and also you’re gonna want it for all of the exploring that’s coming your manner!
PS: don’t order an excessive amount of, you’ll be consuming once more actual quickly.
10:30 AM
Hike a Coastal Path
After fueling up, it’s time to stretch these legs! The Bodega Head Path is a reasonably straightforward 1.6-mile loop alongside the shoreline. Actually, the views are unimaginable—you’ll be able to see the ocean just about the complete time.
Right here’s a tip: While you cross the Camper Coast car parking zone, preserve going left till you hit the dust car parking zone (there’s no signal, however belief me on this one). If you happen to miss it and find yourself at one other car parking zone with a jaw-dropping view, take into account {that a} bonus! The entire loop, with a number of picture breaks, took me about 45 minutes. Completely doable, even for those who’re not an enormous hiker.
12:15 PM
Lunch at Fishetarian Fish Market
By this level, you’ll be able to eat once more (climbing = starvation, proper?). Fishetarian Fish Market is tremendous informal come-as-you-are sort of place and ideal for outside eating.
I went for the fish and chips, shrimp tacos, and clam chowder—and sure, I used to be slightly “fished out” afterwards, but it surely was price each chew! Every part was recent and scrumptious, and sitting exterior with the coastal breeze is an added bonus.
TIP: If you happen to (or the climate) prefers a sit-down indoor restaurant, go to Rocker Oysterfeller’s proper subsequent door.
Need extra scrumptious fish? See my 7 Should-Strive Seafood Eating places in Bodega Bay, California
1:30 PM
Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy
Subsequent up: time to fulfill that candy tooth with a go to to Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy! You actually can’t miss this place—it’s a white and bubble gum pink striped constructing that simply screams enjoyable. Patrick’s has been round for over 50 years, in order that they know their taffy!
The partitions are lined with bins upon bins of colourful taffy in each taste you’ll be able to think about (significantly, it’s like a sweet lover’s dream). Their hottest taste is watermelon, however I couldn’t resist a bag of chocolate chip cookie taffy—as a result of, effectively, why not, proper? They’ve additionally obtained funky flavors like root beer, cinnamon, and cotton sweet! It’s the proper spot to seize a candy memento (or a bag to snack on within the automotive… no judgment right here!).
2:00 PM
Purchase a Kite at Sweet & Kites
Okay, I do know this sounds random, however shopping for a kite? Far more enjoyable than you’d assume, particularly at Sweet & Kites! This place is such a blast, and it’s been round for the reason that early ‘80s, so it’s principally a Bodega Bay legend. You significantly can’t miss it—the surface is decked out with vivid kites and colourful backyard wind spinners dancing within the breeze. It completely pulls you in!
I popped in, and subsequent factor I knew, I used to be strolling out with a vivid orange triceratops kite (as a result of, how may I not?). In fact, I used to be headed straight for the seashore to fly it.
2:45 PM
Fly a Kite at Salmon Creek Seaside
Clearly, for those who purchase a kite, you must fly it, proper? Salmon Creek Seaside is the proper spot for that—it’s a beautiful, lengthy stretch of sand (about 2 miles!) with loads of room to let your kite soar. Plus, parking is free—yay for simple seashore days!
The wind was good after I obtained there, so getting my orange triceratops kite up into the air was a breeze (pun completely supposed). The most effective half was watching it climb increased and better, and you need to positively see how far you will get yours up within the sky!
4:45 PM
Wine Tasting at Sonoma Coast Vineyards
After a enjoyable kite-flying session, it solely felt proper to completely change gears and head to Sonoma Coast Vineyards for some wine tasting—as a result of it was hitting that wine o’clock hour. This spot has been round since 2001, and so they’re recognized for crafting unimaginable wines from the cool coastal local weather.
The indoor tasting room is tremendous cozy, however I couldn’t resist the outside patio because it was such a pleasant day. I sampled six wines (as a result of, in fact!), and the crimson mix was fingers down my fave.
6:30 PM
Cease by The Birds Filming Areas
If you happen to’re a film buff—or simply love quirky stops like me—you must try some filming places from Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” whilst you’re in Bodega. First up is the Potter Schoolhouse, which was constructed manner again in 1873. Within the film, it’s the place all the children run out screaming in the course of the well-known chook assault scene!
Proper subsequent door is the gorgeous St. Teresa of Avila Church, which dates again to 1860 and is the oldest church in steady use in Sonoma County. You may’t go inside both, but it surely’s so enjoyable to see these iconic spots in individual and picture the film magic occurring proper the place you’re standing. It’s a fast cease, however completely price it for any Hitchcock fan!
7:30 PM
Dinner at On line casino Bar & Grill
To wrap up the day, head to On line casino Bar & Grill for dinner. Sure, it’s a dive bar, however within the coolest manner doable. The bar itself is an old-school joint with a few pool tables and taxidermy on the partitions, however the meals was top-notch.
They’ve pop-up dinners placed on by The Holly and Tali Present from Friday to Sunday, and the menu adjustments every day, so that you’ll wish to try their Instagram on the day of your go to. We had a Seghesio Zinfandel, caprese salad with native greens, and flank steak with griddled cream corn and chimichurri. Every part was scrumptious—don’t decide this place by its cowl!
Rocker Oysterfeller’s or Terrapin Grill are Nice Backups for those who go on a day when there isn’t any pop-up dinner or simply need a extra fish-centric dinner.
Make it an Overnighter
The Lodge at Bodega Bay
If you wish to flip your Bodega Bay day journey into an in a single day keep, the Lodge at Bodega Bay is the proper spot. This coastal retreat is situated on a bluff on the Sonoma Coast, that makes for the proper backdrop to unwind after a day of exploring. It actually is not any marvel this lodge took the primary spot on Condé Nast’s checklist of the 50 finest inns on this planet. You’re in for a deal with at this native gem!
Oh, and let’s not overlook about Drake’s Sonoma Coast Kitchen, which is on-site and has among the finest seafood round. It’s a must to strive the Dungeness crab desserts and the seared scallops—they’re absolute must-haves! Plus, it’s no marvel this lodge took the primary spot on Condé Nast’s checklist of the 50 finest inns on this planet.
Day Journeys From Bodega Bay, California
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