Bodega Bay, CA Road Trips

Bodega Bay isn't "scenic" in the sense of being able to stroll through a small downtown - it has no downtown, with commercial buildings strung out along Highway 1 (which lacks sidewalks). So not really a "seeing" type of town. Of course, if you're in Bodega Bay and not focused on the natural landscape, you're probably lost, confused, or dealing with some sort of family tragedy that's got you stuck inside a house.

Perhaps the single best reason to visit Bodega Bay is to hike a trail or spend time on a beach. The water is cold all twelve months of the year; if you're going to get in, you'll want to wear a wetsuit if you're spending an extended period of time in it. The public beaches and hiking trails, beginning south of the town, and going north, include: Doran Regional Park Bodega Head - a good place for whale-watching, with a pleasant loop trail (Bodega Head Trail) Chanslor Ranch Regional Park (2025) Salmon Creek Beach and North Salmon Creek Beach Seven small beaches - Miwok Beach to Gleason Beach Duncan's Landing Wright's Beach (the portion of the Kortum Trail from Wright's Beach to Shell Beach is 1.25 miles) Shell Beach (the portion of the Kortum Trail from Shell Beach to Blind Beach to is 2.5 miles) (also, from Shell Beach, the Pomo Canyon Trail goes inland) Blind Beach Goat Rock Beach - dogs not allowed All of the above, except Doran Regional Park, are part of the Sonoma Coast State Park. Other than beaches and hikes, there is a variety of things to do in Bodega Bay: Bodega Bay Seafood, Art, and Wine Festival. an annual festival for nearly two decades. It is usually held in late August and draws large crowds to the quiet coastal town to enjoy the local seafood and famous Northern Californian wines. Five Brooks (formerly Chanslor Ranch Horseback Riding), 2660 Highway 1, ☏ +1 707-589-5040, [email protected]. A variety of horseback rides (beach, sunset, etc.) plus pony rides for youngster.

Drake's Sonoma Coast, ☏ +1 707-875-3525, [email protected]. Daily 7:30-11AM, Tu-Sa 5-9PM, Su M 5-8PM. The restaurant for The Lodge at Bodega Bay, this is open only for breakfast and dinner. Upscale, with excellent views of Doran Beach and the Pacific Ocean. (updated May 2023) Fisherman's Cove, 1850 Bayflat Rd (off Highway 1), ☏ +1 707-377-4238. 10AM-6PM. A local, family-owned seafood shack and fishing-marine supply store specializing in fresh local oysters, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Consider ordering online ahead of time, though some items (fresh oysters, daily specials) may not be listed. (updated Aug 2022) Fishetarian Fish Market, 599 California Highway Route 1 (next to Rocker Oysterfeller's at the Wharf restaurant, but separate ownership), ☏ +1 707-875-9092. Daily 11AM-7PM. Sustainable locally caught seafood. While mostly a restaurant, it also sells fresh seafood. (Beat the wait for food: order online.) (updated May 2023) Ginochio's Kitchen, 1410 Bayflat Rd (off Highway 1), ☏ +1 707-377-4359. 10AM-6PM. Try the smoked brisket or crab sandwiches. Huge parking lot, plenty of seating. (updated Aug 2022) Rocker Oysterfeller's at the Wharf, 595 CA-1, ☏ +1 707 772-5670. Daily 11AM-8:30PM. A "Southern-style roadhouse eatery", this opened in mid-2023, replacing the Lucas Wharf restaurant. (updated May 2025) Spud Point Crab Company, 1860 Westshore Rd (off Highway 1), ☏ +1 707-875-9472. 9AM-5PM. This small cafe offers one of the best clam chowders in Sonoma County.

Gourmet au Bay, 1412 Bay Flat Rd, ☏ +1 707-875-9875. M Th F noon to 8PM, Tu-Th noon to 6PM, Sa Su 11:30AM-8PM. Wine bar and waterfront deck, offering wood-fired cuisine. Try the crab cakes or the giant bowl of mussels. (updated Aug 2022) Roadhouse Coffee, 1580 Eastshore Rd. 5:30AM-2PM. Decent coffee and pastries. Open usefully early. (updated Feb 2026)

Bodega Bay Inn, 1588 Eastshore Rd at Coastal Highway 1, ☏ +1 707-875-3388, [email protected]. (updated Jul 2023) Bodega Coast Inn & Suite, 521 Coast Highway 1, ☏ +1 707-875-2217. B&B. Bodega Harbor Inn, 1345 Bodega Ave, ☏ +1 707-875-3594, [email protected]. Both guest rooms and suites at the Inn, and vacation homes throughout the town, can be reserved (updated Jul 2023) The Inn at the Tides, 800 Coast Highway 1, ☏ +1 707-875-2751, [email protected]. The Lodge at Bodega Bay, 103 Coast Highway 1, ☏ +1 707-348-5925, [email protected]. The top-rated hotel on the Sonoma Coast, on the water, with great views. Amenities include a pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna, and a high quality restaurant (Drakes) (updated Jul 2023)

Bodega Bay is accessible by car by way of U.S. Highway 1 along the California coast. It is on the Pacific Ocean approximately 70 mi (110 km) north of San Francisco and 20 mi (32 km) west of Santa Rosa. Mendocino Transit Authority.

There is no public transportation in Bodega Bay, and Highway 1 — the primary road for the town, running parallel to the Pacific Ocean — is poorly suited for bicycles. This section especially is fully of deadly blind turns that are bad enough if you're in a car. You pretty much need a car to get around, as well as to get to the town.