California is known for picturesque coastal view, especially Big Sur and Monterey. While Mendocino and Bodega Bay are not as well known, it offers similar amazing viewpoints and great food and lodging options. Because Bodega Bay is so much closer from SF (~1.5hr) , it’s quickly becoming my favorite weekend trip destination. Not to mention all the fun wine tasting options on the way. You can stop by Sebastopol to visit some of my favorite wineries or venture out to the Sonoma mountains for small family owned wineries. Here’s my quick and easy Bodega Bay itinerary idea for a weekend trip
Where to wine
Sonoma Coast Winery: This winery is right on the HWY1 with the view of the coast. They offer wines by the glass, bottle, or tasting flight. Mostly Pinots and Chardonnay and all were enjoyable
Halleck winery: I looked at Google maps to see different wineries on the way to the coast and this small family owned winery caught my eye
Tasting by the Sea: If you drive a bit more north from Bodega Bay to the town of Jenner, there are cute cafe and this outdoor wine bar looking out the Russian River.
Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery: This is technically a cheese shop and a cafe with food but when you get their cheese tasting flight, you can also bring (or buy) a bottle of wine. They have the cutest outdoor eating area and the vanilla soft serve is to die for. I would totally drive from SF just to get their soft serve 😂
Where to eat
Fishetarian Fish Market: I had the BEST BBQ Oyster here! it was the most plump and flavorful oyster I’ve ever had. Quality might depend on the season but overall highly recommend stopping by for oysters, fish and chips, and tacos
Spud Point Crab Company: We went during the Dungeness crab season so not sure how it is during the off season but their clam chowder was one of the bests I’ve had. Not too thick but creamy and garlicky, went perfect with their crab sandwich.
Patrick’s Sea Water Taffy: Technically not a spot to eat but this place is so cute and you can snag a few bags of delicious Sea Water Taffy. You can choose from 50+ flavors!
Where to sleep
There are a few inns and lodging options in the area but we actually camped in our car right on the beach. There are two state parks where you can reserve a spot, and we love the Wright’s Beach because it’s really right on the beach. Some of the sites (1-10) are truly on the beach with unobstructed view but all other sites are worth it as you can walk right to the beach. Spots fill up months in advance but you can often snag last minute cancelation on Reserve California
