Bodega Bay
Your Guide to an Idyllic Stay on the Northern California Coast
Everyone should experience the magic of the Northern California coast at least once in their lifetime. Growing up in the Bay Area, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore beautiful pockets like Marshall and the Sonoma Coast over the years. Yet, it wasn’t until this past weekend that I finally took an extended trip to truly slow down and soak it all in. And I have to say, it is an absolutely breathtaking place to unwind. If you're looking for the ultimate coastal getaway, here are all the highlights from my weekend retreat in Bodega Bay.
Welcome to Bodega Bay
Arrival: SFO (San Francisco International): The best hub for long-haul or international travel. It’s a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive north to Bodega Bay.
OAK (Oakland International): A great alternative for budget-friendly domestic flights, sitting about 1.5 to 2 hours away.
STS (Sonoma County Airport): Another option is to fly into Sonoma County Airport which is located in Santa Rosa and is a stress-free 40-minute drive to the coast.
The Layout: Unlike the structured highways of the interior valleys, the Sonoma Coast is defined by the winding, dramatic curves of Highway 1. You will absolutely want to rent a car to explore.
The region is comprised of a string of small coastal towns. Bodega Bay serves as your perfect basecamp, offering iconic harbor views, fresh seafood shacks, and rugged headlands. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Marshall to the south (a must-visit for oyster lovers) and the wider Sonoma Coast State Park stretching to the north, packed with hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and misty ocean views.
Where to Stay
Hotel Dega: Located right on the water in the heart of Bodega Bay is Hotel Dega, which perfectly blends contemporary chic design with coastal ease. Stay here if you want a relaxed, design-forward escape where you can wake up to peaceful harbor views right from your private balcony or patio. It’s the ultimate basecamp for travelers looking to slow down, enjoy a glass of wine at golden hour in their "Lookout" lounge, and stay just minutes away from local seafood eateries and the trails at Doran Beach.
Tip: Use code Lauren15 for 15% off your first visit
The Lodge at Bodega Bay: Tucked into the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, this luxurious, coastal resort is the ultimate choice for a romantic getaway or a restorative weekend. It beautifully balances rugged natural beauty with upscale amenities including a heated swimming pool and a top-tier spa. Don’t miss watching the sunset from the outdoor fire pits, and be sure to book a table at their acclaimed onsite restaurant, Drakes Sonoma Coast, for elevated locally sourced dining.
Where to dine
Madrona Bakery: If you’re driving north from San Francisco, a stop at Madrona Bakery is the ultimate roadtrip kickoff. Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge in downtown Mill Valley, Madrona is famous for its incredible naturally leavened sourdough bread, seasonal savory focaccias, and buttery pastries. Grab a coffee or matcha and a pastry or two to fuel your drive up Highway 1.
Howard’s Cafe: Officially called Howard Station Cafe, this quaint spot sits about 20 minutes inland in the small town of Occidental. Housed in a historic train station building, it is the ideal stop for a hearty weekend brunch. Expect massive portions of classic comfort food like organic egg scrambles, homemade buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, and fresh-squeezed juices.
Wildflour Bread: Located just a short, scenic 15-minute drive inland to the tiny village of Freestone, this bakery is an absolute mandatory stop on your way to or from the coast. Working out of a massive brick oven, they bake up heavy, hard-crusted sourdough loaves, savory flatbreads, and giant seasonal scones and sweet buns that sell out daily.
Fishetarian: If you are craving classic fish and chips or a sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder, this is the perfect stop. Its casual, counter-service style makes it ideal for a quick, fuss-free lunch. They also have a relaxed outdoor patio that looks out directly onto the bay.
Rocker Oysterfellers: As their name indicates, Rocker Oysterfellers is serving some of the freshest oysters - both grilled and freshly shucked - on the coast. The vibe here is relaxed and the seafood is fresh. Don’t skip the Valley Ford Creamery soft serve!
Drakes Sonoma Coast: Located inside The Lodge at Bodega Bay, Drakes is the perfect pick for an elevated dinner or a refined happy hour. The menu focuses on hyper-local ingredients including locally caught seafood, sonoma coast cheeses, and seasonal produce. Sit in the bar for a more relaxed ambiance or opt for the formal dining room for a more romantic experience.
Top Local Experiences
Sonoma Coast Vineyards: Located right next door to Hotel Dega, this tasting room is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. We loved visiting during golden hour, relaxing over a glass of their incredible Pinot Noir and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. They have a lovely waterfront outdoor patio as well as cozy indoor seating, making it a must-visit spot to catch the sunset.
Osmosis Day Spa: As a wellness-focused traveler, I always seek out a restorative spa experience during my travels, and Osmosis was a must-visit for our coastal getaway. Located just 15 minutes inland in the peaceful town of Freestone, this highly regarded sanctuary is not to be missed. They are famous for their unique, authentic Japanese cedar enzyme baths, therapeutic massages, and stunning, quiet zen gardens. It is the perfect way to treat yourself to some deep relaxation surrounded by nature.
Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy: A visit to Bodega Bay is not complete without a visit to Patricks. They have been serving homemade salt water taffy for decades and are impossible to miss, with their bright pink and white striped building. The perfect sweet treat to fuel your coastal exploring.
Hiking Bodega Head: This is the ultimate hike for a slow morning or scenic stroll. This easy loop trail offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay. If you’re visiting during the winter or spring, I’ve been told it’s also one of the best vantage points on the coast for whale watching.
What I packed
Good quality luggage: This is a non-negotiable for me. I absolutely love my Beis Carry On and Beis Checked Bag. My go-to weekend bag is my Quince Italian Leather weekender.I love that this bag is both sophisticated, practical and can fit under the seat in front of you on a plane. (Quince Code: INFG-26XXLAURENBENNETT10 for 10% off your first order!)
My Go-To Cashmere Sweaters: The Northern California coast is notoriously chilly. I wore my Quince cashmere crewnecks all weekend. I actually own this piece in four different colors; I love that it’s lightweight enough to drape over my shoulders when the sun is out, but perfectly cozy when you need a layer to fend off that brisk coastal breeze.
My favorite sneaker: Bodega Bay is a relaxed town so I opted for my Adidas Spezial sneakers for exploring the coast. I have them in the brown suede colorway, which gives them an elevated, pulled-together look without sacrificing comfort.
Travel Must Haves: You can find more of my go-to travel essentials linked here.
When to Visit
Best Time: September & October. While inland California cools down, early autumn is actually “peak summer” on the Sonoma Coast. This is when the notorious summer fog finally clears, leaving you with warm, sunny days and crisp, clear evenings. Because the weather is beginning to improve, it is a popular time to visit - so you'll want to book your accommodations and dining reservations well in advance.
When I visited: May. Late spring on the coast is absolutely lovely. The hillsides are a brilliant green from the winter and spring showers, and the skies are beautifully blue. While the weather tends to be mild, erring on the cooler, crisper side, sunny days start to become more regular. The summer crowds also haven't arrived yet, making it a peaceful, uncrowded, and budget-friendly time to explore.
How long to visit: While you can easily do a day trip, 2 to 3 nights is the sweet spot for a Bodega Bay retreat. It gives you the perfect amount of time to unplug, enjoy a relaxing spa day or hike the bluffs, and eat your weight in fresh seafood.
Local Pro-Tips
Transportation: As mentioned earlier in this guide, you will absolutely want to rent a car for this trip. Every single day of our coastal visit was filled with driving along Highway 1, discovering hidden pockets to pull over, and soaking in the pacific ocean views. A car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Visit Napa Valley: Napa Valley is just a scenic drive inland from Bodega Bay, making it the perfect add-on to your coastal retreat. If you want to enjoy both the ocean breeze and the sun-drenched vineyards, check out my Napa Valley Guide for a chic weekend in wine country.
Visit San Francisco: If you’re flying into SFO or Oakland, you’ll be right on the doorstep of my favorite city, San Francisco. I highly recommend adding 1–2 days to your itinerary to explore San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods and food scene before heading north to the coast (check out my SF guide for the best places to visit!)
