Beginner’s Guide To The Sonoma Coast
Enjoying life along the stunning Sonoma Coast, Bodega Bay is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and cozy accommodations. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, this charming coastal town has something for everyone. From savoring fresh seafood at local eateries to exploring scenic trails and relaxing in charming inns, Bodega Bay promises an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the staples of the bay. Read on to find recommendations on places to stay, eat, and visit, ensuring you make the most of your time in this picturesque destination. Let’s dive into the coastal magic of Bodega Bay!
Places to stay
Inn at The Tides
Our good friends at the Inn at The Tides provide guests with elegant lodging tucked away among the beauty of the bay. Enjoy sweeping views that show you the harbor, the Sonoma Coast, and beyond to the Pacific Ocean. With their fully-equipped guest rooms (that includes room service for breakfast, dinner, and wine), heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, and exercise room, they offer guests an escape from the stress and bustle of everyday life. The Inn at The Tides is located on the scenic coast of Highway One, making it the perfect location to experience breathtaking views and Bodega Bay’s many attractions.
Lodge At Bodega Bay
Rated as one of the top hotels on the Sonoma Coast, The Lodge at Bodega Bay can be found on a bluff on the rugged Sonoma Coast. A beautiful base to enjoy the lovely fishing village of Bodega Bay, the lodge is within reach of the Russian River Valley’s acclaimed wine scene. They pride themselves on putting the peace of the guests first. A stay with them is a taste of life in tune with nature, full of magical moments and memories to hold close when you say goodbye. Off the beaten path, but right up the coast, escape life?s hectic pace and find shelter in life’s simple pleasures.
Places to eat
Fishetarian
Looking to fix the historic lack of a healthy seafood restaurant in Bodega Bay, the wonderful people at Fishetarian offer sustainable seafood caught locally! Guests can expect to find all the traditional coastal favorites, except now they’re made with a healthy twist. They also cater to specific dietary restrictions, having several gluten-free and vegetarian options. Stop by, say hello, and try out a delicious and healthy dish on the coast!
Places to Visit
Goat Rock
Right by the mouth of the Russian River, Goat Rock is famous for its beautiful shoreline and sandy beach. It also has picnic tables and restrooms in case you wanted to enjoy a lunch and extended stay at Goat Rock for the day. If the scenic views weren’t enough, there is one more surprise in store for anyone who visits: Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of harbor seals. Make your trip one to remember while you enjoy watching the seals in their natural habitat. If you want to know more about the seals, State Park Seal Watch Program docents can be found here on weekends during the pupping season.
bodega head trail
Located at the top of the Bodega Head bluffs, this iconic landmark offers some of the most breathtaking views in Bodega Bay. Beginning from the parking lot (which offers free parking), the Bodega Head Trail is a relaxing hike that loops around the southern end of the peninsula, offering unforgettable views of the ocean and the bay. Perfect for a quick hike with kids, the loop is about a mile long, and depending on the time of year, offers glimpses of whales, seals, wildflowers, seabirds, and more. If you want to take your bodega head experience to the next level, click here to book a guided tour that blends biking across the beautiful Sonoma coast, delicious clam chowder on the house, and a hike through this trail into one seamless activity.
Conclusion
While the blog post went over some of Sonoma Coast’s highlights, there is so much more to experience if you have the time to explore. The list of places worth seeing in Bodega Bay could make for dozens of articles and still not cover everything. Every corner of the town and its surroundings holds moments filled with magic, waiting to be discovered. We hope this post served as both the guide to help you find your way through the Sonoma Coast, as well as the spark that ignited your curiosity to explore more of what it can offer.