Bodega Bay

An Unexpected, Uncrowded, and Unspoiled Getaway

The sleepy yet rugged Sonoma Coast provides an almost poetic counterpoint to the high energy and sometimes hectic lifestyle of San Joaquin. The town of Bodega Bay is a gem-of-a-find on this scenic stretch of California coastline. It's a lot closer than Mendocino and there are numerous similarities, especially when it comes to scenic coastal vistas. Bodega Bay may be best known, especially by movie buffs, as the location where Alfred Hitchcock chose to film his classic thriller, The Birds. This quiet fishing town will soon celebrate 40 years since the filming, and a number of nearby locations used in the film can still be viewed.

What to do and see: Bodega Bay doesn't really have a downtown area to stroll, but a number of wharf and roadside areas offer enough small shops and galleries for minimalist shopping and casual walks. A different wine tasting experience awaits oenophiles at Gourmet Au Bay, serving sample wine flights on creative miniature surfboards (www.gourmetaubay.com). Whale watching, deep sea fishing, and a unique local adventure offering fishing charters for giant squid are all popular here. Calamari steak lovers should find this squid option very appealing (www.bodegabaysportfishing.com). Hiking the bluffs of Bodega Head (we saw whales within 50 feet of the cliffs), bird watching along the designated Doran Regional Park Bird Walk, and kite flying along Doran Beach are well-loved local activities. During the summer, free kite flying demonstrations are provided (www.bodegabaykites.com).

What really made our visit to Bodega Bay exceptional was the opportunity to explore the back roads and charming communities within a few minutes drive. We spent three days in Bodega Bay, and could easily have extended our stay to see and do more in these quaint history-filled towns with funky general stores, rowdy taverns, and charming churches.

Don't miss taking the short drive north to Jenner at the mouth of the Russian River, where the rocky coastline and pristine beaches will provide one Kodak stop after another.

In Freestone, visit Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, the only spa outside of Japan offering invigorating cedar baths as well as superb massages (www.osmosis.com). Wild Flour Bread, only open a few days a week, has folks from all over the county lining up for their tempting breads and sweets-and free samples are offered (www.wildflourbread.com). Freestone Vineyards, the closest winery to Bodega Bay, offers an attractive tasting room and highly regarded wines (www.freestonevineyards.com).

Bodega, a few miles from Bodega Bay, is home to photographer-favorite, the historic St. Teresa's Church, as well as the Porter School House built in 1873, a prominent setting in The Birds, but now a private residence. Casino Bar, the local roadhouse saloon, will make you think you're on the set of the TV show Northern Exposure (www.bodegacasinobarandgrill.com).

In Valley Ford, just walk around town and soak up the rural atmosphere, and be sure to check out the historic bank building which now houses a fish market and deli.

The last town, Occidental, offers the most to see and do of all the nearby towns, as well as a larger variety of restaurants and small shops. Zip line aficionados, like us, will love Occidental's new adventure complex offering seven adrenaline-pumping zip lines zooming over the Coastal Redwood treetops (www.sonomacanopytours.com).

Where to stay and dine: Bodega Bay Lodge, the only four-diamond property in the area, actually surpassed our expectations. Most rooms provide fireplaces and ocean or harbor views, and the staff was exceptionally professional and helpful. Fellow writers told us that their Duck Club is recognized as the area's premier special occasion fine dining restaurant, and we agree. The lodge also offers a complimentary evening wine/cheese hour, and is an ideal choice for weddings and family reunions (www.bodegabaylodge.com). The Links at Bodega Harbour, a championship golf course next door, is perfect for golf outing getaways (www.bodegaharbourgolf.com).

Other lodging choices include: The Inn at the Tides, which features great harbor views, complimentary continental breakfast, and fairly moderate prices. Their Tides Restaurant, another Birds location, across the street on the harbor side, is a casual dining spot with market-fresh seafood. And why not? The owners have their own fishing boats and processing facilities (www.innatthetides.com). Sonoma Coast Villa and Spa, in nearby Bodega, is a unique property, ideal for weddings and for those folks who want to be inland and away from the fog (www.scvilla.com).

Additional dining possibilities: Rocker Oysterfeller's at the historic Valley Ford Hotel (www.rockeroysterfellers.com); or Spud Point Crab Company, a hole-in-the-wall eatery with one of the most pleasant lunch surprises in years—their clam chowder and crab sandwiches are to-die-for, but get there early if you want to avoid a line (www.spudpointcrab.com).

For all things Bodega Bay and the nearby towns, visit www.sonomacounty.com and www.bodegabay.com