A Long Weekend in Bodega Bay
At just 90 minutes from San Francisco, Bodega Bay is my favorite place to escape to for a long weekend. It's a small, sleepy town on the Sonoma Coast, known for its beaches, hikes, crab, and clam chowder. Over the course of the last 2 years, I've spent several weeks and long weekends in Bodega Bay. Here's a 3-day guide to my favorite places, hikes and activities.
20 Places • 23 Saves • ago
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Day 1

There are many Airbnbs available to rent in Bodega Bay and the communities just north of the town itself. This listing is my home about 4 miles north of Bodega Bay, and just a short walk from Portuguese Beach. It sleeps up to 6, with a serene back patio to watch the wildlife with ocean views. We'd love to have you!

Bodega Bungalow Airbnb
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Once you're settled into your hotel or Airbnb, drive 15 minutes to the Bodega Head Trail. It's a cliffside trails with quintessential California coast views. In March and April, it's the best place for whale watching in northern California—particularly on a sunny, windless day.

After your hike, stop at the Spud Point Crab Company for lunch or an afternoon snack. It's located right on the bay on the drive back to town.

Bodega Head Trail
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Spud Point Crab Company
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To close out the day, check out Portuguese Beach. It's a 15 minute walk from the Airbnb listing, or you can park there if you're staying elsewhere. It's a beautiful beach for a walk—but beware that swimming is typically dangerous here.

For dinner, order takeaway pizza from Huria's. Be sure to check their availability in advance, as they split their time with their catering business.

Portuguese Beach
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Huria's
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Day 2

Start Day 2 with a treatment at Osmosis Day Spa in nearby Freestone (15-20 minute drive), but be sure to book ahead. They're known for their ceder enzyme bath, but also offer a full spa menu of massages and facials.

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
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Just across the street from Osmosis is Wild Flour Bread. Don't be deterred by the line, and pick up some baked goods to bring home. My personal favorite is the sticky bun!

On the drive home, you'll pass through the town of Bodega where the famous church from 'The Birds' is located. Stop off for a photo op.

Wild Flour Bread
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Saint Teresa of Avila Church
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Once you're rested, revitalized and fed, drive a bit up the coast to Kortum Trail. It has sections of boardwalk and sections of trail, with different paths peeling off to the beach below. For a longer hike, walk through the parking lot to the trail to the north.

Kortum Trail
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For dinner, backtrack to the town of Bodega to check out Casino Bar & Grill. On Mon-Thurs, they offer a menu from chefs Holly & Tali (menus listed on Instagram at @thehollyandtalishow). Over the weekend, you'll find a grill menu with their renowned burger. Don't forget dessert!

Casino Bar & Grill
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Day 3

Whether you're met with foggy weather or sun, Doran Beach is the perfect walking beach. It's flat with calm waves, and stretches on in both directions. For a longer walk, park off of Highway 1 and take the Birdwalk Coastal Trail. Or, park at Doran Beach for direct access.

Birdwalk Coastal Access Trail
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Doran Beach
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Once you've built up an appetite, stop off at Fishetarian for lunch. It's right on Highway 1, and they have a dedicated parking lot. I suggest ordering ahead on their website to avoid the wait.

Fishetarian Fish Market
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After lunch, visit Chanslor Ranch for horseback riding. They offer different lengths and types of rides, depending on your preferences. Book your reservation in advance!

Chanslor Ranch
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And more

There's plenty more that Bodega Bay and the surrounding area can offer. Here are some more destinations to consider.

Beaches

There are beaches up and down the coast north of Bodega Bay. Schoolhouse Beach is known for its tidepooling, and Scotty is a small 'beachy beach' tucked right off of Highway 1.

Schoolhouse Beach
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Scotty
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Restaurants

Occidental is a town about 20 minutes from Bodega Bay that offers more dining options. These two restaurants come recommended to me.

The Altamont General Store
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Howard Station Cafe
@julia
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Groceries

There is no full-service grocery store in Bodega Bay (I suggest stopping in Novato or Petaluma on your drive in), but there are two shops who offer a small grocery and produce selection for any forgotten items, snacks, or desserts.

Diekmann's Bay Store
@julia
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Pelican Plaza Grocery & Deli
@julia
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* * *
CURATED BY
📍 Oakland, CA 📍 Bodega Bay, CA
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A Long Weekend in Bodega Bay
At just 90 minutes from San Francisco, Bodega Bay is my favorite place to escape to for a long weekend. It's a small, sleepy town on the Sonoma Coast, known for its beaches, hikes, crab, and clam chowder. Over the course of the last 2 years, I've spent several weeks and long weekends in Bodega Bay. Here's a 3-day guide to my favorite places, hikes and activities.
20 Places • 23 Saves • ago
Free

Day 1

There are many Airbnbs available to rent in Bodega Bay and the communities just north of the town itself. This listing is my home about 4 miles north of Bodega Bay, and just a short walk from Portuguese Beach. It sleeps up to 6, with a serene back patio to watch the wildlife with ocean views. We'd love to have you!

Bodega Bungalow Airbnb
@julia
Add to
Details

Once you're settled into your hotel or Airbnb, drive 15 minutes to the Bodega Head Trail. It's a cliffside trails with quintessential California coast views. In March and April, it's the best place for whale watching in northern California—particularly on a sunny, windless day.

After your hike, stop at the Spud Point Crab Company for lunch or an afternoon snack. It's located right on the bay on the drive back to town.

Bodega Head Trail
@julia
Add to
Details
Spud Point Crab Company
@julia
Add to
Details

To close out the day, check out Portuguese Beach. It's a 15 minute walk from the Airbnb listing, or you can park there if you're staying elsewhere. It's a beautiful beach for a walk—but beware that swimming is typically dangerous here.

For dinner, order takeaway pizza from Huria's. Be sure to check their availability in advance, as they split their time with their catering business.

Portuguese Beach
@julia
Add to
Details
Huria's
@julia
Add to
Details

Day 2

Start Day 2 with a treatment at Osmosis Day Spa in nearby Freestone (15-20 minute drive), but be sure to book ahead. They're known for their ceder enzyme bath, but also offer a full spa menu of massages and facials.

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
@julia
Add to
Details

Just across the street from Osmosis is Wild Flour Bread. Don't be deterred by the line, and pick up some baked goods to bring home. My personal favorite is the sticky bun!

On the drive home, you'll pass through the town of Bodega where the famous church from 'The Birds' is located. Stop off for a photo op.

Wild Flour Bread
@julia
Add to
Details
Saint Teresa of Avila Church
@julia
Add to
Details

Once you're rested, revitalized and fed, drive a bit up the coast to Kortum Trail. It has sections of boardwalk and sections of trail, with different paths peeling off to the beach below. For a longer hike, walk through the parking lot to the trail to the north.

Kortum Trail
@julia
Add to
Details

For dinner, backtrack to the town of Bodega to check out Casino Bar & Grill. On Mon-Thurs, they offer a menu from chefs Holly & Tali (menus listed on Instagram at @thehollyandtalishow). Over the weekend, you'll find a grill menu with their renowned burger. Don't forget dessert!

Casino Bar & Grill
@julia
Add to
Details

Day 3

Whether you're met with foggy weather or sun, Doran Beach is the perfect walking beach. It's flat with calm waves, and stretches on in both directions. For a longer walk, park off of Highway 1 and take the Birdwalk Coastal Trail. Or, park at Doran Beach for direct access.

Birdwalk Coastal Access Trail
@julia
Add to
Details
Doran Beach
@julia
Add to
Details

Once you've built up an appetite, stop off at Fishetarian for lunch. It's right on Highway 1, and they have a dedicated parking lot. I suggest ordering ahead on their website to avoid the wait.

Fishetarian Fish Market
@julia
Add to
Details

After lunch, visit Chanslor Ranch for horseback riding. They offer different lengths and types of rides, depending on your preferences. Book your reservation in advance!

Chanslor Ranch
@julia
Add to
Details

And more

There's plenty more that Bodega Bay and the surrounding area can offer. Here are some more destinations to consider.

Beaches

There are beaches up and down the coast north of Bodega Bay. Schoolhouse Beach is known for its tidepooling, and Scotty is a small 'beachy beach' tucked right off of Highway 1.

Schoolhouse Beach
@julia
Add to
Details
Scotty
@julia
Add to
Details

Restaurants

Occidental is a town about 20 minutes from Bodega Bay that offers more dining options. These two restaurants come recommended to me.

The Altamont General Store
@julia
Add to
Details
Howard Station Cafe
@julia
Add to
Details

Groceries

There is no full-service grocery store in Bodega Bay (I suggest stopping in Novato or Petaluma on your drive in), but there are two shops who offer a small grocery and produce selection for any forgotten items, snacks, or desserts.

Diekmann's Bay Store
@julia
Add to
Details
Pelican Plaza Grocery & Deli
@julia
Add to
Details

* * *
CURATED BY
📍 Oakland, CA 📍 Bodega Bay, CA
Send A Tip
Support Julia Harter’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Julia Harter Privacy Terms