The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Bodega Bay

Buckle up for the dreamiest weekend getaway just 1.5 hours from San Francisco, you’re not going to want to miss this place! For me it was a mother-daughter sweet escape, but Bodega Bay is an extremely versatile destination with a little something for everyone. It is a charming little slice of heaven off of the legendary Highway 1 on the Sonoma Coast of California, with the potential to be the perfect romantic rendezvous, boujee girls trip, rugged outdoor adventure, summer beach vacation, or cozy winter holiday. Two nights is the bare minimum in order to do this majestic beach town justice.

Bodega Bay is definitely an under-the-radar hidden gem. Despite having grown up in the Bay Area only 1.5 hours away, I had hardly even heard of the place. It wasn’t until my mom and I decided that we were deserving of a weekend getaway and I did some intel work that we decided it was time to pay this hidden gem a visit.

Now this wasn’t our first rodeo at a weekend getaway… we’re seasoned veterans. But Bodega Bay quickly stole the crown from all other places we’ve visited in recent years and far exceeded our expectations. We reflected on how we hit the nail on the head with this one - we didn’t miss a beat with our perfect weekend itinerary. And I’m here to share it with you now!

In order to maximize your time, begin your pilgrimage to the promised land of Bodega Bay in the morning of the first day. Drive straight to Spud Point Crab Company on the rocky headland of Bodega Head, and don’t waste a minute getting to that life-changing crab sandwich and bowl of clam chowder. Enjoy your meal as you sit next to the harbor watching the fishing boats pull in with their loots.

Next, drive about 5 minutes to the Bodega Head Trailhead, and enjoy a leisurely 2 mile stroll across the headlands. This walk is a true feast for the eyes - you will be able to observe miles of the rugged Sonoma Coast, coastal flora and fauna, seal breeding grounds, harbor views, and maybe even a whale or two if you’re lucky

After you’ve worked off your feast with the hike, go pamper yourself at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary because you deserve it! Treat yourself to a decadent massage or spa treatment, then relax in their zen Meditation Garden by the koi pond following your treatment. They have over 20 services to choose from, so you can carefully curate the perfect experience for your needs. I had the best Deep Tissue Massage of my life here… I’ll think about it forever.

After spa treatments, it’s time to get settled in your hotel. I can’t recommend The Lodge at Bodega Bay enough! This place has all the amenities and the most thoughtful events – hot tub, pool, sauna, gym, spa, in-room fireplaces, lobby with wine-tastings, s’mores and hot chocolate, outdoor firepits, book library, vintage board games, free bicycles, and the most jaw-dropping views of Bodega Bay right from the comfort of your own room. It also has one of the highest rated restaurants in town called Drake’s, and the kitchen is open late (which is a huge plus in a sleepy little town like Bodega Bay if you like eating late).

We ate dinner at Drake’s Fireside Lounge on the first night and had the most to-die-for meal: Mussels Caccio e Pepe and Grilled Mahi. I’d be remiss not to mention the high quality cocktail bar at Drake’s, too - their Negroni & Dirty Martini did not disappoint!

After dinner, settle into your room and indulge in the offerings of the bedside smart TV – you can log in to almost any streaming app to watch whatever you’d like from bed. This was definitely a luxury, as I find I am often surprised at how little hotels actually have streaming services on their TVs these days. Cuddle up in their super comfortable beds and have a restful sleep!

To start Day 2 right, head to Sea Flower Cafe and Espresso Bar for brunch to fuel up for a big day ahead. They have yummy breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and innovative espresso/tea drinks (I recommend trying the Bodega Fog Latte, which has earl grey tea and lavender syrup).

After eating, get ready to head out for a big hike! This area has many hikes to choose from, but I recommend the Kortum Trail for the most stunning views of the coastal beaches and rocks, about 12 minutes north of Bodega Bay. This trail is 8.9 miles in total and features a series of loops and options to walk on the beach, but of course you can choose your own adventure and turn back whenever you see fit!

Nothing like a long hike to work up your appetite… and you’re in for a big treat with lunch on Day 2! Is it just me whose main focus of each day is just waiting to get hungry for the next meal? Anyways… head to The Birds Cafe for lunch, where they serve Hog Island’s famous raw & BBQ oysters. Get a mix of different toppings for the oysters - I promise you will be blown away. And for those of you freaks who squirm at the thought of oysters, fear not, this place has a full menu of local seafood and vegetarian options to choose from too. After lunch, perhaps you’d like to indulge in a sweet treat… perfect timing to visit Patrick’s for some classic salt water taffy! You can’t miss this place right off of Highway 1 with its vibrant pink and white striped exterior.

You should feel pretty accomplished at this point on Day 2, so just head back to the hotel and relax! My mom and I took this opportunity to make good use of the hotel’s amenities (we probably spent far too long in the hot tub). We also wanted to take advantage of the in-room fireplace, so we opted for take-away dinner to eat in the room beside the heartwarming fire. If this sounds good to you, pick up dinner from Fishetarian Fish Market. They’re known for their fish & chips, crab cakes, and fish sandwiches. The Sonoma Coast is also famous for its vineyards, so pick up a bottle (or two) from Sonoma Coast Vineyards in town to do your own tasting at home.

After eating, head to the lobby with a bottle of wine and play some vintage board games to round off the night! You definitely won’t be the only ones in there with the same idea. We played a nostalgic game of Yahtzee and also Scrabble – it was a lovely trip down memory lane.

Finally, on Day 3 before heading home, save some time for a glorious beginner-friendly bike ride down to the tip of Doran Beach from the hotel and back via the Bird Walk (about 4.5 miles round trip). This ride was easy and nothing short of spectacular, truly a highlight of the trip! You’ll be able to see kites flying over the beach, views of Bodega Head and the harbor, pristine white sand beaches, and a marshy wetland filled with majestic bird sightings.

Be sure to save time for a few stops on your way out of Bodega Bay. If you’re a fan of Alfred Hitchcock, you can’t miss a stop by the Potter Schoolhouse where his movie The Birds was filmed. And lastly, fuel up for the drive home with lunch at Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery. In addition to seafood and wine, this area is also famous for dairy farms, so a stop at Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery is the perfect way to round off your experience of sampling local specialities!

The final stretch home will painlessly fly by as you reflect on the immaculate weekend you just had in Bodega Bay! I will certainly be back (many, many times).