8 Ways to Spend a Day in Bodega Bay!

Posted on the 15 May 2014 by Jamie Gall @50states50wines

This past weekend, for Mother’s Day, we took a trek out to Bodega Bay and soon remembered why we love going there.  We only wish we had more time to be there, but had a great time with his side of the family celebrating.

My other half grew up going there, and for myself, was just introduced to the beautiful Bodega Bay just a mere 7 months ago.  I still have tons to explore but thought it’d be a fun way of creating a list of things to do in and around Bodega Bay for a day:

1) Camp Out

Plan your weekend visit and plan on staying in one of the local campsites.  Camp close to the coast in the Dunes, sleep as you hear the ocean waves just mere minutes away.  Enjoy a campfire, roast marshmallows underneath the stars.  A favorite for many locals

2) The Beach

Bodega Bay has beautiful Beaches with miles of shoreline to enjoy.  Sun bathe, or if you’re brave enough, dip your toes into the cool water off the coast.

Salmon Creek State Beach

3) Salt Water Taffy Hunting

One of the favorites for many that visit beautiful Bodega Bay is to stop in for some Salt Water Taffy.  Stopping into Patrick’s Pink and White Painted Salt Water Taffy Shop is a must while in Bodega Bay, but if you miss Patrick’s, no frets.

There are two other shops up the road, Seawinds, and one other that also sell Salt Water Taffy, and yes, they are a bit different from one another so make a day of trying different flavors.

4) Eat at The Tides

One of my all time favorite Seafood Restaurants.  If you’re looking for good seafood, you will definitely want to make an evening reservation at The Tides then end the night with a wonderful Pastry from the bakery.

Fresh Crab, Mussels, Calamari, Scallops, Oysters and more can be found here.  And if you want a bit of everything, I highly recommend the sampler platter.

As you dine on your food enjoy the view of the beautiful Bay around you.

5) Make it a Spa Day!

For those wanting a little more luxury, beautiful spas do surround the area of Bodega Bay:

Osmosis Day Spa:

Bodega Bay Lodge:

AppleWood Spa:

6) Drive up Highway 1

Bodega Bay is right off California Highway 1, so hop on highway 1 and continue to drive North and you may just land in Seattle as you enjoy beautiful views of the shoreline below you.  Yes, the elevation rises as you drive along the coast.

7) Hike along Goat’s Rock

Drive a little south towards Jenner, CA and you will land upon Goat’s Rock State Beach.  An iconic image along the coast, and a great way to spend a day while in town.

Check out this beautiful image from Nature Photo.

8) Take a Horseback Trail Ride

With such beautiful views of the coast around you, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a Horseback Trail Ride, and these great companies can assist you:

Chanslor Ranch

Wildfire Stables

Horse N Around Trail Rides

Have you been to Bodega Bay?  What are some of your favorite things to do while there?