When it heats up in the Bay we love to head up North. Bodega Bay is the perfect getaway to recharge for a few days. The beaches are usually cool and the town is full of delicious eats and beautiful sights. Although it is a small town (less than 1,000 residents!) there is plenty to do, or just relax if that’s more your style. We’ve listed some of our favorite spots from our most recent visit below. This seaside town is not to be missed!

Stay

Paris-Plage Bodega Bay (airbnb) is the perfect escape. It’s a short walk to the beach and is well stocked with everything you need for a family vacation. It even has a hot tub and hidden sauna. There are three bedrooms in the main house and another detached suite just off of the garage, making plenty of space for everyone. We loved relaxing on the porch overlooking the golf course and ocean with a cup of coffee or glass of wine in hand. If you have kids, this is the place for you! They have games, rainy day activities and even a wagon and sand toys to make it easy to head to the beach. The beach by the house is amazing! There are driftwood structures to play in, a playground nearby and plenty of sand. It’s great for walking, or just hanging out.

Eat

The Birds Cafe is somewhere we dine every time we visit Bodega Bay! It’s named after the famous 1963 film, The Birds that was famously filmed in the town. The Birds Cafe has all outdoor dining with picnic tables, umbrellas and views of the bay. Their beer batter is the best we’ve tried! Try the Fish and Chips, Artichoke Fritters, Beer Battered Shrimp and tacos. If you love oysters they also serve them both raw or grilled. They recently opened a coffee shop on the property as well, perfect to grab that morning pick-me-up!

The Fishetarian is a Bodega Bay staple located right on the water. You can either shop their fresh seafood or enjoy their huge menu of seafood offerings from bbq oysters to fish and chips. You can never go wrong with bbqed oysters but our favorite flavor was their Maui Wowie (sweet and spicy) ones- so good! THey are open for outdoor dining and take out and are dog friendly!

Bodega Bay Oyster Company is a must stop for any oyster lover. It’s located on Valley Ford Road so it’s perfect to stop at on the way in or out of Bodega Bay. There are ample outdoor picnic tables and also an indoor dining area if you prefer. We tried the oyster samplers, both raw and grilled to get a taste of everything! They have Wines, Ciders and Spritzers by the glass, or order a tasting flight. They also offer seafood chowder, sandwiches and more! The kids loved playing in the boat near the picnic tables and didn’t want to leave.

Bodega Bay Oyster Company has been family owned and operated since 1985 with a focus on sustainability. The family farms 92 acres of pristine, plankton-rich waters in Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay.

Ginochio’s Kitchen was a perfect peaceful lunch stop right next to the Harbor. It’s located away from the main road with lots of parking and a great view of the harbor and water. They are open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday-Sunday and is a lovely family owned business with a great menu of breakfast staples in the morning, and a combination of bbq and seafood for lunch.

See

Children’s Bell Tower & Farmer’s Market is a great weekend activity. The Farmer’s Market is open on Sundays throughout the summer and feature a variety of local food and produce. A nearby tree is filled with handmade whimsical ornaments and just down the path is the Children’s Bell Tower. It was built as a memorial and on windy days you can enjoy the chiming of the bells.

Salmon Creek Beach – is a unique beach with some fun sand dunes to slide down besides the beautiful ocean views. Bring a cardboard box to sit on and enjoy some fun in the sand! Then enjoy the wide open beach with some fun driftwood shelters and lots of great views of the Pacific.