Food & Wine

WORLD-CLASS WINE TASTING
With over 200 wineries, the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley are remarkable wine areas that will delight both the novice and most experienced wine enthusiast. Two of our local favorites are the Firestone Winery and the Iron Horse Winery. Organized wine tasting trips are available through numerous tour companies and we are happy to give you recommendations for self guided tours.

CHEESE TASTING
Western Sonoma County is home to some of the Nation's finest cheese makers. One of our favorites is the Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station. This attractive market features superb handmade cheeses and other natural foods. We also recommend a visit to the oldest cheese factory in America, the Marin French Cheese Company in Petaluma, where you can watch Brie and Camembert being made before your eyes. Or simply enjoy our large selection of local cheeses at the Duck Club Restaurant.

FRESH BAKED GOODS
The Wild Flour Bread Company is a unique bakery in Freestone that is a local favorite. Using a wood-fired brick oven, they produce about 12 different breads each day that customers may sample. For directions and hours of operation, phone 707-874-2938.

OYSTER FARMING
Experience sustainable aquaculture at Tomales Bay Oyster Company (415-663-1422) and the Hog Island Oyster Company (415-663-9218 ext. 255) in the town of Marshall along the beautiful Tomales Bay. Both companies sell oysters to go, or you can enjoy them in their picnic areas. We recommend calling in advance to reserve a picnic table.

LOCAL DINING
The award-winning Duck Club Restaurant, here at the Lodge, is well known to visitors and locals for featuring local and sustainable Sonoma Coastal cuisine. The restaurant also makes excellent box lunches to-go for your special picnic or road trip.

DESTINATION DINING
A variety of fine culinary experiences with a scenic drive include Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay (415-663-1033), the Union Hotel Restaurant in Occidental (707-874-3444), K&L Bistro in Sebastopol (707-823-6614) and the River's End Restaurant in Jenner (707-865-2484).

Scenic & Local Interest

WHALE & BIRD WATCHING
Dramatic views and fantastic bird watching are found along the trail at Bodega Head-the rocky "headland" that forms the entrance to Bodega Harbor. A trip to the cliff is an easy, 3-mile hike, and it is a great location for a picnic. Spotting migrating gray and humpback whales is a popular activity here from January through May. If you want to get a closer view, contact Fish On Bait and Tackle at 707-875-2323 to join whale watching trips that depart from Porto Bodega Marina.

HITCHCOCK'S "THE BIRDS"
Alfred Hitchcock filmed his famous movie "The Birds" in the small 19th century town of Bodega (which is a different town than Bodega Bay). One of the movie's most famous scenes was filmed at St. Theresa of Avila Church. Dedicated in 1861, this is the oldest church in continuous use in Sonoma County and it holds services every week. Up the hill from the church is the Potter Schoolhouse, another famous landmark from the movie. The Schoolhouse is now a private home, but the owners offer public tours and run a gift shop and mini-museum.

ARTS, CRAFTS & ANTIQUES
There are many art galleries, studios and antique dealers in the Sonoma area. Inquire at the Front Desk and we will be happy to make suggestions about what to visit and how to get there.

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE
If you are driving south to San Francisco, consider taking the spectacular route down Coast Highway One. This trip takes you through the beautiful agricultural town of Tomales (settled in the 1850's, current population 250), down along Tomales Bay and through the towns of Marshall (home to great oyster and dairy farms) and Point Reyes Station (home to the 19th century railroad stop from Sausalito).

Activities

HORSEBACK RIDING
Have you ever wanted to go horseback riding on the beach? Chanslor Ranch is one of the few remaining establishments that offer guided horseback rides on the coastal dunes and sand beaches. They also provide guided and independent horseback rides through the gorgeous trails of the Sonoma countryside. For reservations phone 707-875-3333, or let us make them for you.

KITE FLYING
Bodega Bay is one of the great kite flying areas of the world. Visit Candy & Kites, just north on Coast Highway One, to gather supplies or purchase a one-of-a-kind kite and rediscover the joys of this simple, fun activity.

KAYAKING, CANOEING & SURFING
Bodega Bay is a water sports paradise. Bodega Bay Kayak provides kayak rentals and leads popular guided bay or ocean tours. Canoe season on the Russian River is from April through October, and there are many canoe rental shops conveniently located along the river. For surfers, Doran Beach and Salmon Creek are well-known hot spots and surfboard rentals are available at the Surf Shack in Bodega Bay.

THE LINKS AT BODEGA HARBOUR
The Links are perched along the dramatic coast just south of the Lodge. The course is breathtaking in its natural beauty and features an award-winning design by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Allow us to make a tee time for you.

DEEP SEA FISHING
Both Fish On Bait and Tackle and The Boathouse offer unforgettable charter fishing trips from Bodega Bay. Depending on the season, most trips are in pursuit of shark, salmon, Dungeness crab and rock cod. Excursions typically depart at 9:30am or 1:00pm.

BEACHES
There are several beaches along the Sonoma Coast. Doran Park Beach is a beautiful, three-mile stretch of sandy beach (immediately in front of the Lodge) and is a great place to pack a picnic, fly a kite, search for sand dollars or enjoy a casual stroll. The Sonoma Coast State Park comprises a series of sandy beaches that extend 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail to the North and can be accessed from more than a dozen points along Coast Highway One. Our favorite beaches include Salmon Creek and Goat Rock Beaches.

Hiking

ARMSTRONG REDWOODS
Enjoy a hike through the majestic redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve in Guerneville. Visit the 1,400 year-old Colonel Armstrong Tree and the towering 310 foot tall Parson Jones Tree. These are some of the oldest trees in the world!

PT. REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE
A nature-lover's stay is not complete without a visit to the Pt. Reyes National Seashore. It is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, including 37 species of marine mammals. There are many exceptional hikes in the area, but our favorite is the three-mile hike (6 miles roundtrip) to the Point that offers fantastic views of grazing elk and expansive vistas of the great Pacific Ocean.