Bodega Bay
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Because Bodega Bay is on the Pacific Ocean, day-time temperatures are significantly cooler than the rest of Sonoma County. On a day when the high is 91 in Santa Rosa, the high for Bodega Bay is likely to be around 70 degrees; if the high for Santa Rosa is 75 degrees, it's going to be chilly in Bodega Bay. So dress appropriately, and don't be surprised if on a very hot summer weekend in Sonoma County, a lot of people (and cars) have headed for the most accessible beaches, in Bodega Bay and north to Jenner.
Get in
Bodega Bay is accessible by car by way of U.S. Highway 1 along the California coast. It is situated on the Pacific Ocean approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Santa Rosa.
Get around
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. You pretty much need a car to get around, as well as to get to the town.
Do
Perhaps the single best reason to visit Bodega Bay is to hike a trail or spend time on a beach. Keep in mind that the water is cold all twelve months of the year; if you're going to spend any time in it, you'll want to wear a wetsuit.
The public beaches and hiking trails, beginning south of the town, and going north, include:
All of the above, except Doran Regional Park, are part of the Sonoma Coast State Park.
Other than beaches and hikes, there are a variety of things to do in Bodega Bay:
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)
- Salmon Creek
- Seven small beaches - Miwok Beach to Gleason Beach
- Duncan's Landing
- Wright's Beach
- Shell Beach (the portion of the Kortum Trail from Shell Beach to Wright's Beach is 1.25 miles; also, from Shell Beach, the Pomo Canyon Trail goes inland)
- Blind Beach (the portion of the Kortum Trail from Blind Beach to Shell Beach is 2.5 miles)
- 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 are a variety of things to do in Bodega Bay:
Bodega Bay Seafood, Art, and Wine Festivalan 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.
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phone: +1 707 589-5055address: 2660 Highway 1A day use pass ($10 per person) provides access to the resort's 400 acres, for relaxation, hiking, a get-together with friends, mountain biking, kayaking, or yoga.
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Chanslor Ranch Horseback Riding
phone: +1 707 589-5040address: 2660 Highway 11/2, 1, and 1-1/2 hour rides, plus pony rides for those under six years old. -
Hagemann Ranch Rainbow Trout Fishing
phone: +1 707 876-3217address: 18797 Highway 1The fishing pond on the ranch has been stocked with rainbow trout for over 35 years. Open March to October; weekends only from March through Memorial Day, then open daily through Labor Day; from Labor Day to the end of October, open weekends only. -
phone: +1 707 875-3333address: 8797 S Highway 1A western trail stable offering a wide variety of trails (ridge, beach, etc.) from 30 minutes up.
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phone: +1 707 875-2211address: 2099 Westshore RdThe drop-in tours include numerous marine aquarium displays, as well as information about the research done at the lab
Buy
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phone: +1 707 875-2911address: 1785 Coast Highway OneEarly California Art: Celebrating the art and history of California, focusing on traditional and impressionist paintings, generally between 1880 and 1950.
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Local Color Gallery
phone: +1 707 875-2744address: 1580 Eastshore RdThe gallery features original art by established Sonoma County artists as well as emerging talent. The gallery features paintings, fine art prints, photography, luminous fused glass, decorative pottery, handcrafted jewelry, and handpainted scarves.
Eat
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address: 835 Bay HwyCasual seafood restaurant with big windows overlooking Bodega Bay, plus a gift shop & fish market.
Drink
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phone: +1 707-875-9875address: 1412 Bay Flat RdWine bar and waterfront deck, offering wood-fired cuisine.
Sleep
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phone: +1 707-875-2217address: 521 Coast Highway 1B&B.
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address: 800 Coast Highway