Things to Do in Bodega Bay: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Bodega Bay, a fishing village on the rugged Sonoma Coast north of San Francisco, is famous as the setting of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. Clifftop trails at Bodega Head, migrating gray whales, wild beaches, seals at Goat Rock, Dungeness crab and the historic Fort Ross, with Sonoma wine country just inland, make it a fantastic coastal escape.
This guide covers the best things to do in Bodega Bay, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Bodega Bay
Bodega Head
Whale watching.
Sonoma Coast
Beaches.
Goat Rock
Seals.
Potter School House
The Birds.
Doran Beach
Family beach.
Fort Ross
Russian fort.
Jenner
River mouth.
Fisherman's wharf
Crab.
Bodega Bay in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Bodega Head
Hike the Bodega Head trail along dramatic cliffs and watch for gray whales migrating from December to April. Lunch on clam chowder at a harbor restaurant. In the afternoon walk Doran Beach or the harbor. In the evening enjoy sunset over the Pacific with fresh Dungeness crab.
2Day 2 · Coast drive
Drive Highway 1 north through Sonoma Coast State Park, stopping at Shell Beach, Wright's Beach and Arched Rock. Lunch in Jenner where the Russian River meets the sea. In the afternoon watch harbor seals at Goat Rock Beach, keeping a respectful distance. Return to Bodega Bay for dinner.
3Day 3 · Fort Ross
Visit Fort Ross State Historic Park, a 19th-century Russian outpost with a wooden chapel and stockade above the ocean. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon continue to Salt Point State Park for tide pools and sandstone formations. Return along the coast in time for sunset.
Bodega Bay in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · The Birds
Visit the town of Bodega with the Potter School House and St. Teresa of Avila church, both featured in Hitchcock's The Birds. Lunch in Bodega. In the afternoon explore the Bodega Marine Laboratory open house when available, or kayak in the bay. In the evening a quiet dinner by the harbor.
5Day 5 · Wine country
Drive inland to Sebastopol and the Russian River Valley for Pinot Noir tastings and apple orchards. Lunch at The Barlow in Sebastopol. In the afternoon visit Occidental or Guerneville and the redwoods of Armstrong Woods. Return to the coast for dinner.
Bodega Bay in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Ocean day
Go on a fishing or whale-watching boat trip from the harbor, or try surfing at Salmon Creek Beach. Lunch on fish tacos. In the evening a final seafood dinner. Salmon Creek has strong currents, so take a lesson with a local surf school and wear a thick wetsuit.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Breakfast with ocean views, shopping for local art and saltwater taffy, and a last walk on the bluffs. San Francisco is about 90 minutes away by car, and Santa Rosa's Sonoma County Airport is around 40 minutes inland.
What to do in Bodega Bay on a weekend
Things to do in Bodega Bay on a weekend? Saturday: Bodega Head and harbor. Sunday: Sonoma Coast and Goat Rock.
Fishermen's Festival in April.
What to do in Bodega Bay in the evening
In the evening, sunsets and seafood.
Fire pits at lodges.
Bodega Bay for couples
For couples, coastal lodges, wine country and Bodega Head sunsets.
Bodega Bay with kids
With kids, tide pools, Doran Beach and seals.
What to eat in Bodega Bay
Dungeness crab
Local.
Clam chowder
Harbor.
Fish tacos
Casual.
Oysters
Tomales Bay.
Pinot Noir
Russian River.
Where to stay in Bodega Bay: best areas
Bodega Bay
Harbor.
Bodega
Village.
Jenner
River mouth.
Sebastopol
Inland.
What to do in Bodega Bay when it rains
Things to do in Bodega Bay when it rains? Wine tasting, galleries and storm watching.
How much does a trip to Bodega Bay cost?
Expect $200–400 per night.
Practical tips for Bodega Bay
Best time to visit
September–November; whales December–April.
Getting around
Car.
Our practical tips
- Layers for fog.
- Never turn your back on the ocean.
- Crab season starts in winter.
- Book lodges ahead.
- Binoculars for whales.
- Respect seal pupping areas.
Mistakes to avoid
- Swimming in rough surf.
- Expecting warm weather.
- Approaching seals.
- Driving Highway 1 tired.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Bodega Bay?
Bodega Head, Sonoma Coast and crab.
When can I see whales?
December to April.
How far from San Francisco?
About 90 minutes.
Is it good for kids?
Yes.