Once you’re beyond Highway 101 and headed west to Bodega Bay, the drive is through open farm and ranch land, orchards, and vineyards — serenity in every direction. Then it’s over the hills and to the coast. If you’re lucky, there’s no fog, and you can see the harbor and the Pacific Ocean shimmering just beyond. (Alternatively, take Highway 1 up the coast for a stunning drive.) Bodega Bay is easily accessible for an overnight stay.
This picturesque enclave in western Sonoma County is filled with sea lovers and family-owned restaurants and shops. Beaches, hiking trails, and an abundance of wildlife and bird watching prevail. This small town is the site of the first Russian construction in California in 1809. And if you’re a Alfred Hitchcock fan, you know The Birds was filmed here.
STAY
At the Bodega Bay Lodge, find dramatic views and luxe accommodations set among seven lush acres. Gardens explode with drought-resistant plants. Set atop a bluff, the rooms and the restaurants face Bodega Head (a peninsula that protects the bay from the ocean), Bodega Bay, and the Pacific.
Relax at the Bodega Bay Lodge (photo: Bo Links)
My husband and I stayed in the Great Blue Heron, a spacious oceanfront room. Just across the way was the Long-Billed Curlew, (the names celebrate bird-watching’s popularity). The modern rooms have vaulted ceilings, private patios, topnotch amenities, and wood-burning fireplaces. At 5 p.m., join the other guests for complimentary wine and cheese in the lobby (888-875-2250, bodegabaylodge.com).
PLAY & SHOP
A short walk from the lodge, Doran Park has two beautiful miles of beach as well as hiking, biking, and horse trails. Have a picnic, fly a kite, fish, surf, or just relax. There’s also a boat launch and campgrounds (707-875-3540, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Doran_Regional_Park.aspx).
Bodega Head is a marine reserve and conservation area and is part of the Sonoma Coast State Park. The area is known as the place to watch whales migrate and as a feeding ground for great white sharks. (916-695-6995, parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451).
Golfers of all abilities will feel right at home at The Links at Bodega Harbour, a championship course that can also be enjoyed by duffers. Recently remodeled by famed architect by Robert Trent Jones II, the course offers fabulous coastal vistas, daring approach shots, rolling greens, and a memorable journey from tee to green on every hole. Depending on where you put the peg in the ground, the course stretches from 4,801 yards (gold tees) to 6,290 yards (black tees). Don’t be fooled by the diminutive yardage: With substantial elevation changes and undulating fairways, it’s a challenge for everyone (707-875-3538, bodegaharbourgolf.com).
Play the Links at Bodega Harbour (photo: Bo Links)
After a day of activity (or not doing much of anything!), there’s nothing more soothing that a visit to the Spa at the Lodge. Choose from massages, body treatments, and facials and simply lie back and unwind. With the pressure that’s perfect for you, the Sonoma Coast Massage is guaranteed to help ease those aching muscles. Later, try the heated pool, outdoor whirlpool spa, and sauna (888-875-2250, bodegabaylodge.com/spa-services).
Adjacent to the bay, find surf shops, galleries, markets, gift shops, and a candy and kite store. If you’re looking for a unique place to hold a special event, check out the secret gardens at Compass Rose (707-875-2343, compassrosegardens.com).
DINE
Everything you’ve heard about the Spud Point Crab Company is true — they are simply the best. There is even a posted sign: “Caution our clam chowder can be addictive.” Located across the street from the bay and a marina, this family-owned business is a gathering spot for locals, fishermen, and visitors alike. Their popular crab cakes are sold out in one hour. Every Sunday, they make only 50 orders, so plan to get in line before they’re available at 1 p.m.
Try the Sonoma Coast Seafood Sampler (photo: Bo Links)
The menu has a variety of offerings, but we opted for a crab sandwich, the crab cakes we were lucky enough to score, and clam chowder. We enjoyed the bounty at the picnic tables in front of the tiny 360-square-foot shop as we watched the comings and goings of the fishing boats in the marina (707-875-9472, spudpointcrab.com).
The Duck Club Restaurant is located bayside at the Bodega Bay Lodge. It shares the same fantastic views as the lodge and offers a casual place to savor breakfast and dinner. The stone fireplace warms up the room morning and evening. The menu ingredients and the wines celebrate Sonoma, and the restaurant only serves fish that are on the Seafood Watch list (compiled by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to educate consumers about the importance of sustainable seafood).
Generous portions are the rule at the restaurant, and the Rancho Bodega Bay omelet is no exception. Three eggs, avocado, chorizo, pepper jack cheese, and roasted tomato salsa are served with home-style potatoes. With piping hot Taylor Made Farms Organic Goat Rock blend coffee, you are fueled and ready for the day’s adventures.
In the evening, the restaurant is the perfect location to watch the sunset and enjoy the local fare. (A word of caution: Try not to fill up on the incredible seeded sourdough bread from Sebastopol’s Village Bakery.) We began with Liberty duck confit and River Dog Farms organic Little Gems lettuce cups served with crispy fried beets and a sweet-and-hot soy vinaigrette. Bodega Bay salmon rillettes on brioche crostini and grilled smoked shrimp with avocado-lime purée were part of the Sonoma Coast seafood sampler. The Bodega Bay king salmon with a pesto crust was moist and juicy and the grilled Angus rib-eye steak with a blackening spice rub was wonderfully tender with the Point Reyes blue cheese butter melting on top. Our Sonoma wine picks included two 2011s: The Dutton Estate “Dutton Ranch Karmen Isabella” Russian River Pinot Noir and the Papa’s “All-Black” Sonoma Zinfandel blend. For dessert, we had the most luscious house-made wild honey ice cream. Completely satisfied, we strolled back to our room (707-875-3535, duckclubrestaurant.com).
Try the Sonoma Coast Seafood Sampler (photo: Bo Links)
OTHER ESSENTIALS
Bodega Bay Tourism: bodegabay.com; visitbodegabay.com
Sonoma County Tourism: sonomacounty.com
