Things to Do in Bodega Bay

With its amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, miles of biking and hiking trails, and tons of delicious places to eat, Bodega Bay is a top destination for vacationers as well as those looking to relocate to a beautiful coastal town. Located in California’s Sonoma County, Bodega Bay offers miles of sandy beaches, a gorgeous climate, and a number of wineries that specialize in varieties that grow well in cooler climates like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. If you plan to be in the area (or if you’re already a local), knowing the best things to do in Bodega Bay will help you plan your schedule accordingly so you can maximize the opportunities in this scenic area. Here are some of the top choices.

On a budget or prefer to save money for shopping and dining? Here are some of the best free things to do in Bodega Bay.

The rocky peninsula of Bodega Head is the ideal place to find magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. When you visit Bodega Head, you may also get to see local birds and marine life (including whales!), and you can also access the beach and a number of walking trails where you can enjoy the sea breezes.

The Bell Memorial is a gift from the people of Italy and was blessed by the Pope. The 18-foot high tower is home to 140 bells of various types and is anchored by a 30-inch bell made by the Marinelli foundry in Italy, which has been manufacturing bells for more than 1000 years.

Spanning 17 miles from Vista Trail to Bodega Head, the state park is home to Sonoma Coast Beach where sunbathers, fishermen, and those who want to eat a picnic lunch while gazing out at the ocean can spend hours. This is one of the state’s most scenic attractions, so make sure to put it on your must-see list!

If you’re heading to Sonoma County, you’re likely expecting to try out some of the finest wines our country has to offer. Fortunately, Bodega Bay is home to a number of wineries that offer fun tasting rooms as well as delicious varietals. Here are some to put on your list.

Opened by a husband and wife team in 2001, Sonoma Coast Vineyards is the perfect place to take in the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine on a patio overlooking the bay. The beachy yet still upscale tasting room is also an excellent place to enjoy one of the vineyards’ signature Pinot Noirs or Chardonnays.

Though Sonoma Coast Vineyards is the only winery located in Bodega Bay, a number of other fantastic locales are a mere 15 miles away in Sebastopol. Some to check out include Claypool Cellars, home of the Purple Pachyderm wines, Dutton Estate, which provides some of the best Chardonnay to the region, and the contemporary Lynmar Estate (don’t forget to order something from their majestic outdoor wood-fired grill!).

Exploring wineries, beaches, and hiking trails is sure to make you work up an appetite! That’s why you need to put some of the best restaurants in the area on your list of things to do in Bodega Bay. Here are some delicious options.

Though it is dubbed as a casual neighborhood spot, Terrapin Creek Cafe and Restaurant serves some of the most upscale dishes in the area. From their Akaushi wagyu strip steak to their pan-seared Corvina sea bass, this restaurant knows what luxurious food should look and taste like. This is the ideal place to have a romantic date night after taking your significant other to the beach or wine tasting.

An unassuming little mom-and-pop shop that doubles as a bait store, Spud Point Crab Company is on almost every local’s favorite list. All the seafood is caught daily by the restaurant’s owners, husband and wife team Anthony and Carol Anello, and Carol’s clam chowder is an award-winning dish that always has diners coming back for more.

The perfect place for a glass of wine and a light meal, Gourmet au Bay is a casual little spot to look out at the water and enjoy seafood paella, crab cakes, or a wood-fired pizza. If you want the full experience, make sure you order a wine flight served on a cute little wooden surfboard!

Round out your wine-tasting, eating, and relaxing activities in Bodega Bay with a little adventure! Here are some thrilling activities to put on your list.

There’s no better way to explore Bodega Bay than in your own private sailboat. Charter a boat and ask questions of the experienced sailing team while seeing the Bay the way it should be seen–from a sailboat!

Is there anything more thrilling than catching a glimpse of the largest animals in the ocean? Whales in the area are most likely to be seen in late winter and spring as they head north, however, you have a chance of seeing a whale nearly any time of year on the Sonoma Coast. There are plenty of guided whale-watching tours from both land and sea, so make sure you put this on your calendar.

If you’re headed to Bodega Bay for a vacation or to visit friends, you can easily pack your days and nights with fun things to do. Decided you’d like to own a vacation home or primary residence in this charming Sonoma County town? Reach out to experienced agent Kris Lepore. He can answer any questions and show you real estate in Bodega Bay that's on the market.