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Census-designated place in California, United States
Photo: Rojer Wisner from C.H.,CA, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bodega Bay is an ocean-front town of 900 people (2020) in Sonoma County in California. It was the location for the filming of much of Alfred Hitchcock's horror film The Birds. 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 in Santa Rosa, the high for Bodega Bay is likely to be around ; if the high for Santa Rosa is , 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.
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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.
formerly Chanslor Ranch Horseback Riding
A variety of horseback rides (beach, sunset, etc.) plus pony rides for youngster. (Chanslor Ranch is now a public park, but Five Brooks leases a portion of the property for private trail rides and boarding.)
The 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.
A western trail stable offering a wide variety of trails (ridge, beach, etc.) for rides of 30 minutes or longer.
The drop-in tours include numerous marine aquarium displays, as well as information about the research done at the lab
Early California Art: celebrating the art and history of California, focusing on traditional and impressionist paintings, generally between 1880 and 1950.
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.
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.
Sustainable locally caught seafood. While mostly a restaurant, it also sells fresh seafood. (Beat the wait for food: order online.)
Try the smoked brisket or crab sandwiches. Huge parking lot, plenty of seating.
A "Southern-style roadhouse eatery", this opened in mid-2023, replacing the Lucas Wharf restaurant.
This small cafe offers one of the best clam chowders in Sonoma County. That's a two-edged sword: parking is a pain, the cafe usually has a waiting line outside, and outdoor eating is limited (compared to the number of customers). And when it's crowded, the menu may be limited to clam chowder and a few sandwiches that don't need to be heated. [Fisherman's Cove cafe, literally next door, is as well-rated, and the line may be considerably shorter.]
The parking lot is small, and there is a single bathroom, but the service is excellent and the food is consistently delicious. Family-run. Try the seared scallop appetizer.
Casual seafood restaurant with big windows overlooking Bodega Bay, plus a gift shop & fish market, on the west side of Highway 1. (Not to be confused with the Bay View Restaurant and Lounge, in the main lodge of the Inn at the Tides.)
Wine bar and waterfront deck, offering wood-fired cuisine. Try the crab cakes or the giant bowl of mussels.
Decent coffee and pastries. Open usefully early.
B&B.
Both guest rooms and suites at the Inn, and vacation homes throughout the town, can be reserved
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)
The gallery features original art by established Sonoma County artists and emerging talent. The gallery features paintings, fine art prints, photography, luminous fused glass, decorative pottery, handcrafted jewelry, and handpainted scarves.
Patrick's Salt Water Taffy
Making taffy in Bodega Bay since 1960, Patrick's offers a wide variety of flavors. But on busy tourist days, the line (and wait) can be long.
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.
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Santa Rosa · Regional · STS
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