Bodega Bay: Worthy Stop on the Coast
Just 90 minutes north of San Francisco—but worlds away in pace and mood—lies Bodega Bay, a wind-swept stretch of Northern California coastline where misty cliffs, historic roots, and steaming bowls of chowder create a soulful Pacific escape.
It's a place that might remind you of the weathered fishing towns of Nova Scotia, the wild bluffs of Cornwall, or even the quieter edges of the Basque coast—a salty, cinematic atmosphere shaped by history and tide.
🌊 A Coastal Legacy Etched by Explorers
Bodega Bay takes its name from Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, the Spanish naval officer who mapped this coast in 1775. But the history doesn’t stop there. In the early 1800s, Russian fur traders established a settlement here, sailing down from Fort Ross to harvest sea otter pelts and establish trade routes along the Pacific.
This unusual mix of Spanish and Russian influence makes Bodega Bay one of California’s most unique coastal towns—its heritage steeped in both seafaring and settlement.
Thanks to the marine layer that creeps in most mornings, Bodega Bay wears a moody blanket of fog that burns off by afternoon. This coastal microclimate is a refreshing reprieve when the inland valleys of Sonoma County hit 90°F. Locals often say, “When it’s too hot in Healdsburg, head to Bodega Bay.”
And when the fog lifts, panoramic views of the Pacific, windswept trails, and fresh-caught seafood await.
Bodega Head offers sweeping cliffside hikes where you might spot migrating gray whales in spring or dramatic surf year-round. But when you're ready to refuel, this little village serves up some of California’s best casual seafood—unpretentious, ultra-fresh, and often eaten with the sound of gulls overhead.
Here are eight spots worth a stop, each with its own story and flavor. (You’ll want to save this list).
🍽️ Where to Eat in Bodega Bay
1. The Birds Café
📍 1407 Highway 1
This laid-back café serves shrimp tacos, crisp fish & chips, and has a front-row seat to the harbor. Named as a nod to Hitchcock’s famous film (The Birds was filmed nearby), the vibe here is casual, local, and always buzzing at lunch.
2. Fisherman's Cove
📍 1850 Bay Flat Rd
More than a restaurant—it's also a bait-and-tackle shop. Try the clam chowder, grilled oysters, or halibut tacos, then grab a crab net if you're feeling adventurous.
3. Anello Family Crab & Seafood
📍 1920 Westshore Rd
Family-run and full of charm, this local favorite serves up classic crab sandwiches, chowder, and seafood pasta in a no-frills setting. The picnic tables out front offer some of the best al fresco dining in town.
4. Ginochio’s Kitchen and Gourmet au Bay
📍 1410 Bay Flat Rd
Two gems side-by-side: Ginochio’s has hearty breakfast burritos and fresh seafood bowls, while Gourmet au Bay is known for wood-fired dishes, wine flights, and a waterfront deck that feels like a secret wine bar with a sea breeze.
5. Spud Point Crab Co.
📍 1860 Westshore Rd
Consistently ranked among the best crab sandwiches in California. Come early—lines form quickly, but they move fast. Don’t skip the award-winning chowder.
6. Tides Wharf & Restaurant
📍 835 Bay Highway 1
A historic staple since the 1960s—and yes, it’s the one you saw in Hitchcock’s The Birds. Today, it’s all about pan-seared scallops, Dungeness crab, and big-picture bay views.
7. Fishetarian Fish Market
📍 599 Highway 1
This sustainability-minded seafood shack serves tacos, fish burgers, and gluten-free chowder. They also sell fresh fillets, making it a great place to grab provisions for a sunset beach BBQ.
8. Rocker Oysterfeller’s at Lucas Wharf
📍 595 Highway 1
Slightly more upscale, this Southern-inspired spot brings together raw oysters, fried green tomatoes, bourbon cocktails, and a cozy cabin vibe. Try to time your visit with the golden hour—it’s magic.
Bodega Bay makes a compelling case for your next coastal weekend. It's close enough for a day trip from San Francisco, but once you're there—watching the mist roll in over the bluffs—you might just decide to stay the night.
Bring layers, bring a camera, and bring your appetite.