A Weekend Guide to Bodega Bay, California

Things to Know Before Booking a Trip to Bodega Bay

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Bodega?

Bodega Bay usually has cool temperatures nearly year-round. The summer months almost always have fog in the morning that burns off by noon, with a few hours of sun before the wind picks up. It’s a great spot to head to for cooling off in the middle of summer. Winter months can be grey and rainy, but with mild temperatures. Remember to bring layers!

How Much Time Should I Spend in Bodega?

A weekend is the perfect amount of time to see Bodega Bay itself, alongside a day trip. It’s quite small but offers a great look at the Northern California Coast. You can hike, enjoy beaches, visit restaurants, and more.

Where is Bodega Bay?

Bodega Bay is a small coastal town located in Sonoma County, Northern California. It sits along the Pacific Ocean, about 65 miles northwest of San Francisco. Known for its rugged coastline, scenic views, and fresh seafood, Bodega Bay is also famous as the filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s movie The Birds.

Where to Stay in Bodega Bay

When it comes to picking accommodations in Bodega Bay, there are wonderful homes to rent and a few standout hotels. I’d recommend these places.

Scenes from our stay at Wander Bodega Bay

Where I Stayed: Wander Bodega Bay

This 2-bedroom, 2-bath house sits right on the edge of Bodega Bay. To be honest, it’s one of the best private homes I’ve stayed at on the coast in some time. The unparalleled views and privacy, alongside the fireplace and open kitchen, are a dream. You have this incredible patio as well that looks out — and you’re footsteps to everything.

Other Standout Accommodations in Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay Hotels

The Lodge at Bodega Bay — I think the most standout hotel in Bodega Bay is the Lodge. I’ve walked in before; the rooms are tastefully updated, and it has an incredible location. It’s received several awards, and it’s top of my list for my next trip.
Inn at The Tides — This quaint boutique hotel has wonderful suites, many of which have patios and fireplaces.
Bodega Harbor Inn — If you’re looking for a simple stay that won’t break the bank, the Bodega Harbor Inn is a good choice right in town.

Bodega Bay Vacation Rentals

3-Bedroom Oceanfront Home with Hot Tub & Fire Pit, for the best dramatic coastal setting with spa amenities
3-Bedroom Bluff House with Panoramic Ocean Views, for the best classic Bodega Bay stay and wildlife watching
2-Bedroom Cliffside Beach House with Private Beach Access, for the best secluded beach experience and sunset views
1-Bedroom Salmon Creek Cabin with Ocean Views, for the best cozy, classic Northern California beach cottage feel

Where to Eat in Bodega Bay

For my complete list of recommendations, don’t miss my guide to the best restaurants in Bodega Bay!

Spud Point Crab Company — If there is one local eatery I recommend the most, it’s Spud Point. Set right on the harbor, this is where to go for all the fresh crab and seafood. My favorite is the crab roll and their daily soup! Do note that the weekends bring in a lot of lines, so plan to get there early if visiting on a weekend.
Terrapin Creek — A casual neighborhood restaurant, Terrapin Creek is a mainstay of Bodega dining. It has a lot of seafood dishes like Fish Stew to salmon, so a good spot if you want seafood. I would recommend making a reservation in advance, especially on the weekends.
Drakes Sonoma Coast — Set inside the Lodge, I think Drakes is the best choice for an elevated meal. It has a fantastic location set on the patio of the property, looking out to the bay. Dinner reservations are a must, and know you can hang fireside as well. The menu here is elevated California cuisine, with dishes like baked oysters, Manila clams, and ribeye.
The Tides Wharf Restaurant — Open all day, the Tides Wharf Restaurant is a go-to for breakfast to dinner. It’s an easy-going spot, though I find dinner to be more difficult to get a table. It is open year-round, so when other places are closed, this is a safe bet. Breakfast has classics like Dungeness crab cake benedict to steak & eggs.

Nearby Favorite Restaurants:

Cafe Aquatica (Jenner) — a classic coastal restaurant just up the coast in Jenner. I’ve come here more times than not on a drive on the 1. You’ll find a large outdoor patio, an extensive breakfast menu, and their in-season crab rolls are a favorite.
Valley Ford Creamery (Valley Ford) — If you’re coming from the Bay, you’ll likely drive right through Valley Ford, home to the creamery. It’s seriously one of the best ice creams and soft serve ice creams in Northern California. I’d pop in to stock up on pantry supplies, local cheese from their creamery, and get a soft-serve.
Bodega Bay Oyster Company (Petaluma) — On the road out to Bodega, you’ll pass by the Oyster Company, and we stop in almost every trip. There’s a large garden area and indoor space to enjoy fresh-shucked oysters on the half-shell.
Wild Flour Bread (Freestone) — I will go out of my way every trip to pick up fresh scones, breads, and cinnamon rolls at Wild Flour. This is one spot I have to get to each trip, wait in line, get their seasonal pastries, and explore their gardens!
Nick’s Cove (Tomales) — If you find yourself going south towards Tomales Bay, my number one stop is always the restaurant at Nick’s Cove. Fresh seafood, great oysters, fish & chips, and more classics right on the water.

The Best Things to Do in Bodega Bay

Spend the Day at Doran Beach

Doran Beach is an incredible 2-mile stretch of beach and one of the best sandy beaches on the Sonoma coastline. Its flat, easy-to-access sandy shores are why I love coming here. I’ve come several times, and it’s one of the best spots to bring young kids, as well as there is ample space to stretch out. The one thing that is worth mentioning is that it is a paid day use of $7 for the vehicle, and the parking on the weekend can be busy by noon.

Travel Tip: If you’re unable to find a parking space or want to explore another beach, I recommend visiting the beaches at Sonoma Coast State Park.

See Bodega Bay Harbor

If you’re looking to explore the harbor and spot local sailboats and fishing vessels, head down to the Bodega Bay Harbor. This small fishing village has some areas to see, and I know kids love to see the ships up close. You can see local fishermen coming in with crabs as well during crab season. One place I always recommend stopping in is Spud Point for a bite to eat.

Hike the Bodega Head Trail

Just a few minutes from the quaint town of Bodega Bay, the Bodega Head Trail offers a scenic 1.7-mile loop along one of Northern California’s most dramatic stretches of coastline. Perched atop the Bodega Head peninsula, this relatively easy hike serves up sweeping views of the Pacific, craggy cliffs, and, if you’re lucky, migrating whales from December through May for whale watching. With minimal elevation gain and plenty of spots to take it all in, it’s the perfect trail for a quick hike. Be sure to bring layers—the wind comes in strong here.

Book A Spa Day at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

If you’re looking for some downtime, I always recommend booking a spa day at Osmosis. It’s about 20 minutes inland, but it’s worth the drive. The Kyoto-style spa has zen gardens, private treatment rooms, and is most famous for its enzyme cedar bath, where you can soak in cedar.

Explore the Sonoma to Marin Coast

What I love about spending a weekend in Bodega Bay is that you’re close to so many incredible places to visit nearby, both on the coast and inland. You get all of it in less than an hour, so consider taking a day trip. My top choices are (all of these are linked to helpful travel guides!):

Play a Round of Golf at The Links at Bodega Harbour

Set against the backdrop of sweeping ocean views and coastal bluffs, playing a round at The Links at Bodega Harbour is well worth it. This 18-hole, Scottish-style links course winds through natural dunes and coastal grasses, with nearly every hole offering a glimpse of the Pacific. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it stretches just over 6,300 yards and challenges players with narrow fairways, shifting coastal winds, and elevated greens.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.

1. Book Your Accommodations

I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

2. Book Your Rental Car

Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Private Transfers

For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.

5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip

I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

World Nomads (best for all-around)
Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx,
Jessica

A Weekend Guide to Bodega Bay, California

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Bodega Bay:

Hotels

Airbnbs

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip