Staff Picks

In 1963 Bodega Bay became known to an entire generation of filmgoers around the world as the sinister setting of Alfred Hitchcock’s horror classic The Birds, in which an unsuspecting seaside town is terrorized by inexplicable and increasingly violent avian attacks. Though The Birds is certainly one of the greatest movies ever made, experienced bird enthusiasts know that there’s nothing scary about the birds of Bodega Bay. In fact, they’re one of the many attractions that bring visitors from across the nation to Sonoma County each year. Filled with fantastic and varied birding spots, the Bay area is home to many rare species, including the Great Horned Owl and other majestic raptors. Make your reservation today at Bodega Bay Lodge to discover why our region is one of the Audubon Society’s top choices for birding. If you’re a fan of Hitchcock’s movie, you can also check out the delightfully gothic Potter Schoolhouse (now a private home), where the film’s infernal flock of crows first train their claws on the town’s children.

As the summer crowds thin and the warm weather cools to join the changing leaves, Bodega Bay becomes a one-of-a-kind destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors. 

Serious hikers will enjoy strolling through Jack London Historic State Park, where over 20 miles of fresh trails and tons of turning trees can be found. Or try a hike in the Russian River Corridor, where trails line the plunging cliffs and others are just steps away from the vineyard grapes. Our front desk staff has great recommendations for walking tours or local trails just feet away from our lobby. Get out and take in all the fresh air that Bodega Bay has to offer—it's the type of crisp you'll want to bottle up to bring back home with you. 

That’s right! All the freshest grapes will be plucked from their cozy vines and turned into delicious bold wines! It also means that wineries all over Sonoma County will be releasing their yearly anticipated new wines of the season.

There are a lot of ways to celebrate this fun time in Sonoma County. You can try your hand at grape-crushing, or you could do as the locals do and attend one or two Harvest Season events. This is our favorite time of year and we are excited to share it with you. Stop by the concierge desk today to find out which event we recommend while you are in town.

The effort that goes into the conservation of our coastlines is crucial, and Californians have always been Mother-Nature-forward and ready to jump on opportunities that affect our world in a positive way. With at least twelve State Marine Conservation Areas, ten State Marine Reserves and three Recreation Areas, it seems as if recreational activities are extremely limited in Northern California, but the reality is that many of the areas deemed "protected" have learning opportunities available in the Bodega Bay area—not to mention that 80% of open water is available for recreational fishing. The ocean is crucial to our life here on planet earth, especially in the Bodega Bay region, get involved and learn something new while visiting us in NoCal! Check out California’s Marine Protected Areas to learn more about our beloved coastline here!

Oysters are a staple summer food here in the Bodega Bay area—and just as fast as grapes grow on vines, oysters grow just as quickly in the sea! There is nothing quite like the flavor of a freshly plucked oyster that comes right from our backyard in the North Pacific. The fresh, juicy taste of an oyster being shucked right in front of you is not something you can replicate just anywhere. In fact, one of our favorite summertime activities is visiting Hog Island Oyster Co. for the 'Shuck-Your-Own Picnic' with family and friends. This unique BYOB experience includes a picnic table with grill, oyster shucking tools, lemons, hot sauce, freshly grated horseradish, Hogwash, and a quick shucking lesson. Eat and grill your heart out this summer with your very own oyster picnic party! Talk to the front desk to make your reservations in advance.

No matter what time of year, ocean temperatures are pretty chilly up here in Northern California — however the warm summer weather really helps balance out the bite.

If you’re an advanced surfer, be sure to paddle out among some of California’s finest athletes. But if gliding on board through a big swell isn’t for you, grab a towel and watch the locals surf from the shore. A few of our favorite spots to catch some good wave riding or do some people-watching are Salmon Creek and Doran Beach. Whether your catching waves or soaking in the sunshine, summertime is the perfect time to hang ten or hang out right here on the California coast.

Marvel at the breathtaking coastline that kisses the Pacific Ocean from 20,000 feet above sea level. You may even catch sight of a whale tail or two!

The best part about touring by helicopter is the amount of ground that you will cover in such a short amount of time. You can expect to get from the San Francisco Bay to Bodega Bay in under thirty minutes. This adrenaline-fueled adventure is fun for the entire family or perfect for a romantic outing with your favorite person. Plan your wild Bodega Bay excursion today with the help of our front desk staff.  

This spring, we are taking Drakes outdoors with a casual pop-up menu, inspired by Sonoma’s spring produce and the age-old tradition of breezy beach picnics. Take in the scenery while sampling the same great cuisine with a focus on local seafood and farm-fresh produce.

Drakes Spring Picnic Pop-Up will feature Chef Brendalee’s signature coastal cuisine in a relaxed outdoor setting with cozy fire pits and unmatched sunset views. Interested in a meal to-go? Drakes Sonoma Coast is available for carryout from 4 to 9 pm and in-room dining is available for breakfast from 7:30 to 11 am, and dinner from 4 to 9 pm. Drakes Sonoma Coast is scheduled to resume normal operations in June, and can’t wait to welcome you to our Spring Picnic Pop-Up in the meantime!

Much of the California coastline has strict regulations and conservation efforts to keep the ocean thriving and the marine life healthy. The delicate Pacific ecosystem has some of the most unique and crucial elements of the natural environment. The Marine Protected Areas are listed for all to see and specifically target kelp forests, rocky reefs, and tide pools, all of which help to sustain the environment. But don’t be afraid to check out these delicate, mystical underwater wonders. Get involved while visiting Bodega Bay by setting up a day tour or educational experience and responsibly encounter the beauty that is Bodega Bay. Don’t be shy! Click here for a quick video about the coasts of California—and you can also check out the live feed of our coastlines here. 

Reconnect with your significant other while strolling along a scenic stretch of beach or kissing beneath the crisp California skies. There is nothing more romantic than a coastal getaway for two, to express your admiration for one another and rekindle your connection.

Our spacious guest rooms and suites provide the perfect hideaway — with cozy fireplaces, private balconies, and luxurious amenities like Nespresso coffee, microfiber robes, and spa-inspired bath products — many with beautiful bay views.

Plan a private sunset sail along the Pacific Coast or cuddle up with a carry-out dinner from Drakes and enjoy a gourmet meal from the comfort of your accommodation here at Bodega Bay. End your day with a couples massage and a locally-grown bottle of wine while watching the sun go down. Leave Bodega Bay feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and even more in love than before you arrived.

First, start your morning with a healthy and hearty breakfast, get in some light exercise, or go for a stroll along the coast. In addition to our complimentary Electra cruiser bike rentals, we have the beautiful Bodega Bay right in our own backyard!

Next, catch up on some reading by the beach or from the comfort of your own room. Grab your favorite novel or trade magazine and allow the story to unfold as you get toasty by the fireplace.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in some of the region’s finest food and wine without ever leaving your room. A gourmet meal from Drakes Sonoma Coast is just a call or click away. From breakfast in bed to California-grown bottles of wine, there’s plenty to choose from.

After dinner and one of our signature desserts, it’s time to get ready for bed. Our spa-inspired bath amenities make it easy to unwind. Once your nighttime routine is complete, wrap yourself in a robe, pour yourself a cup of tea, and find your favorite movie channel on TV. Slipping into a restful night’s sleep is only moments away.

Our in-house spa does it all—choose to remain in the comfort of your own suite or schedule a day of pampering in one of our tranquil treatment rooms. Each of our services mirrors the style of living we like to achieve here in Northern California, so you can expect an artisanal experience and a fresh, local feel when it comes to our specialty massages. We use ingredients from our own backyard to ensure an authentic spa experience. Try out our treatments that infuse cabernet grape seeds and warm tiger clam seashells to cleanse your skin and quiet your mind.

With a mix of salty ocean air, cliff-lined coasts, and verdant rolling vineyards, Sonoma County has been deemed one of the most important birding destinations in the nation and around the world. Specific birding locations vary in the Bay Area— some are tucked away in the woodlands or along the shore—and you can see certain species living peacefully in residential neighborhoods too.

There are many types of rare species that reside in the Bay, keeping birders on the lookout for creatures such as the Great Horned Owl and various hawks that can be spotted soaring high above the clouds. For a comprehensive list of native and migratory birds in the area and where to find them, the Sonoma County Bird Watching website has got you covered. Drop what you're doing, grab your binoculars, and go get your birding on!

We are surrounded by so many beautiful nature preserves, redwood forests, oceanside cliffs, and protected sand dunes. A great way to see Bodega Bay and still be outside is by horseback. One of our favorite companies, Horse N Around, offers trail rides as well as rides on the beach and all over Bodega Bay. Horseback riding provides the perfect group or family activity, and solo riders are welcome to join in the fun as well.

There is something so beautiful and peaceful about a quiet ride through the beautiful backcountry trails of California, so saddle up and grab some of your pals for a fun day out on the ranch! California’s Northern Coast is dynamic— from the Pacific Ocean to the Redwood forest to the vineyards of Russian River Valley—and Bodega Bay puts you within easy reach of it all! 

Spending time out on the course with the fresh ocean breeze is a great way to unwind after traveling, and it has become even more enjoyable as the summer months approach Northern California. Schedule your tee time online or give them a ring to help schedule the perfect afternoon for you and your friends out on the green.

If golf isn’t your thing, it's no problem to wait for your friends while touring the gorgeous beaches and marshes of The Links. After your round of golf, stop by the Bluewater Bistro for a crisp glass of California wine. There really isn’t anything quite like the peaceful serenity of the sport.

Embark on an adventure that leads to NorCal’s best-kept secret, and experience a getaway where the journey is truly part of the destination.

Visit California has created Road Trip Republic, which outlines incredible routes for road trips around the state, with itineraries suitable for anywhere from 1-10 days.

The most epic itinerary—the “Born To Be Wild” road trip—happens to feature a stop at Bodega Bay Lodge. Start among Northern California’s redwood forests and relax at our secluded spot on the rugged Sonoma Coast, enjoying the catch of the day and the Russian River before heading toward SoCal.

Let the open road lead you to relaxation. Pick a route or craft your own, and we’ll look forward to hosting you during your journey.

A great way to get the lay of the land is by foot and by bike — there are great trails throughout the iconic coastline of Bodega Bay. Many of these trails can be navigated on your own, but if you're a novice trail hunter, there are plenty of guided tours available around the town. We are happy to help you set up a guided tour or rent bikes during your stay with us along the coast, just stop by our front desk and we will be happy to help you set up a half-day or full-day adventure around town. 

The festival is a two-day event starting on March 27th and ending on the 28th, the ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for children. They will be showing The Birds along with The Trouble with Harry and The Man Who Knew Too Much after each showing of the feature film. 

The Birds house has become a staple place to visit in the area for both locals and visitors. Alfred Hitchcock specifically chose the Bodega Bay setting for its hilly coast and dramatic morning fog. Thriller junkies will be ‘flocking’ to Bodega Bay at the end of this month to get the full Birds experience. Will you be among them?

The Grey Whales of the Pacific Ocean are beginning their long-anticipated journey up North towards Alaska for their migration. Bodega Bay has so many great spots around the city that you can see the whales from—the only thing you might need is a pair of binoculars and a good hat. Our town is built for whale watching, we have so many great locations to perch because of all the cliffs that surround the water. It's the perfect winter activity to build an entire day around. Pack a nice lunch, a little sunscreen, and your favorite beverages before camping out in any of the sunny state parks while you wait for these iconic pods to pass.

But have you ever stopped to wonder how clams were caught? They live in waters too shallow for nets and don’t have mouths for hooks and lines, so what’s the catch? Clams live in the shallow salty waters of the bay, they bury themselves and only appear just before low-tide. We call the act of harvesting these delicious specimens, as you guessed it, “clamming.” 

You must first obtain a California Fishing License before you begin your dig, along with a bucket, rake, and shovel to get the full experience. If you schedule a tour, your guide will help you find the best locations for a good-ole fashion clam dig, but if you decide to go on your own, just keep an eye out for the sand with clusters of breathing holes and dense vegetation. Ask us at the reception desk to help set up your clamming adventure in Bodega Bay. 

As always, this much anticipated time of year comes right before the Thanksgiving Holiday and just in time for Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year. And since we like to give you the rundown on all things crab, we decided to do a quick list of some of our favorite facts on this delectable crustacean.

Did you know that the Dungeness Crab is considered to be a sustainable seafood, which makes this environmentally friendly dish even more delicious to enjoy? These crabby creatures are named after their habitat—which is a long stretch of sand located in the Pacific Northwest. Another fun fact is that native Californians have traded in their Thanksgiving Turkeys for this sweet, delectable crab meat. If your vacation brings you to Bodega Bay this winter, it is a must that you get a fresh bite of the almighty Dungeness Crab! 

These unique forests have many different functions and are a crucial resource for all types of sea creatures that live in the cold California waters. Kelp is a nutrient-rich algae that triples as a meal, hiding place, and nursery for animals like sea urchins, sea lions, and rockfish. Although kelp looks like a giant green plant, it is actually a fast-growing algae that can grow up to 18-inches a day. This fast-moving leaf seems to be doing just fine, however, it is currently in grave danger of disappearing. With warmer than usual water temperatures, overfishing, and a rise in sea urchin levels, these special forests are beginning to diminish. Help the Kelp is a great program from the Bodega Bay Area to increase the awareness of kelp destruction and to begin to protect and rebuild these crucial habitats. To learn more about the urgent kelp crisis, be sure to check out their landing page here. 

A total Northern California bucket list item is to attend the Annual Old Grove Festival at the historic Redwood Forest Theater in Armstrong Redwoods SNR. This delicate, backwoods festival is what dreams are actually made of. Picture yourself in a clearing in the middle of hundreds of giant redwood trees, listening to live music while sipping on wine with twinkling lights, and voilá!—you're at the Annual Old Grove Festival. This antique stage was built in the 1930s for performers to integrate their performances with nature and to bring a unique experience to the audience. And unique it is! Purchase your tickets online to secure your spot at one of Northern California’s most unique musical experiences ever! 

Built in the 1800s as a small family farm, this property began to grow as the wine country in this area started to expand. It was abandoned in the 1990s but recently renovated in the last decade to become the perfect little oasis it is today. The new owners wanted to preserve the uniqueness of the property by maintaining the agriculture values that it was once built to be, which is why you will find several of the original buildings still standing today. The first seeds that were planted were Merlot grapes in 1960, and the property has flourished ever since. Spend an afternoon at this rustic, yet luxe vineyard—it might be the most talked-about part of your trip! 

As of now, there are at least twenty-four craft breweries in the area and people have been flocking to Sonoma lately exclusively for the beer. So much so that the Beer Trail was created to encourage a similar culture to wine tasting, but with craft brews.

June is particularly exciting for craft beer enthusiasts because Beerfest The Good One will be taking place the first weekend in June. This festival showcases over sixty regional breweries and cider mills in one single event. Plus you can feel good about indulging in fine beer because the net proceeds from this festival go directly to Face to Face, a non-profit organization with a mission to end HIV in Sonoma County while supporting the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS. Taste beer and support a great cause the first weekend of summer in Sonoma County! 

April 2nd is the 24th Annual Battle of the Brews. It says it in the name but its craft beer time and the competition is fierce. Indulge in local brews and delicious bites at this annual festival by purchasing your tickets online in advance. 

April 27th is the Spring Farm Tours: Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies. Learn about life on a Sonoma County Farm when all the farmers of the area open up their doors for tastings and tricks of the trade. It's a great family-friendly event and a fascinating insight into a world we don't normally see.

April 28th is Fungi Fest. This funky food festival is hosted by Gourmet Mushrooms, Inc. and raises money for the Ceres Community Project, a non-profit organization that focuses on healing humans, the community, and the earth. Feast on mushroom-inspired dishes and dance to live music during this fun daytime outing. 

Each Spring these perfect little pups flock to Goat Rock Beach to frolic and with other frisky new-born pups in the area. From just 50 yards away you can basically see the detail in their little faces and hear their sweet little barks, while their family guards them ferociously during playtime. Goat Rock Beach is located in Sonoma County and is just a skip away from the hotel. Be sure to ask our front desk about the best time of day to catch these little guys in action. We know you are here for the wine, but you might just want to stay for the pups! 

Each February on President’s Day Weekend, the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds are lit up with rides and people from all over the state. The Citrus Fair Grounds are not only home to a weekend of fun rides, delicious eats, and shows, but they also host an abundance of other events all year long.

One of the more well-known events being North America’s largest wine competition, The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition that is held on the same weekend. Be sure to head to the Citrus Fair or even pop over to see the Wine Competition. There is so much to do this weekend at the Clover dale Citrus Fairgrounds! 

It’s Dungeness Crab season here in California and there are so many great ways to celebrate. Crab season begins the first week in November and runs through the month of June—which means, for eight full months you can enjoy freshly caught, delicious meaty crab from ocean to table. Not only can you capitalize on some of the best crab meat while you're in California for every meal, but you can also get your hands dirty and catch your very own crab! 

There are two ways to go crabbing while you are in town. The first option is right on-shore—you can catch up to 10 crabs per season without a permit right from the pier. Or you can hire a boat for the day and have them show you the ropes of what it is like to be a professional crabber. We think both options are awesome! 

Although the Bay area is buzzing around this time of year for the holidays and the new year, it is also a great place to step back, enjoy the natural beauty, and ring in all the holidays at your own pace. Since Bodega Bay is so centrally located, you have many options on how to spend your holiday season during your visit. If you like the hustle and bustle of a big city, San Francisco is just a quick hop away. If you’re seeking out a more rustic vibe, Sonoma County is right in our own backyard. But if you truly want the essence of nature and a calm spirit, Bodega Bay will be your happy place. All you need is a blanket, beach, and a bottle of wine to make any night here in the Bay special!