If you’re in the mood for a fun-filled California day trip oozing with coastal charm, tasty bites, and a few unique little adventures, Bodega Bay is the spot! I just spent the perfect day there (12 hours of pure bliss), and honestly, it could easily be stretched into an overnight stay if you want to keep the good vibes going. So, grab a friend or head out solo—this easygoing itinerary is packed with simple pleasures, stunning views, and zero stress. Ready for the best day ever?
>> Want more ideas? See my ultimate Bodega Bay Bucket List.
12-Hour Itinerary for Bodega Bay
9:00 AM
Coffee + Pastries at The Birds Cafe
First stop on the itinerary: The Birds Cafe for some coffee (or tea in my case) and a small breakfast snack. Let me start by just saying—this place is straight-up adorable. It’s the perfect blend of a coffee shop, seafood stand, and gift shop filled with coastal-inspired souvenirs.
And please don’t leave without trying the almond butter cake—it’s gluten-free and ridiculously good (like, I might’ve considered going back for seconds). It’s the perfect sweet treat to fuel up for the day ahead, and you’re gonna need it for all the exploring that’s coming your way!
PS: don’t order too much, you’ll be eating again real soon.
10:30 AM
Hike a Coastal Trail
After fueling up, it’s time to stretch those legs! The Bodega Head Trail is a fairly easy 1.6-mile loop along the coastline. Honestly, the views are incredible—you can see the ocean pretty much the entire time.
Here’s a tip: When you pass the Camper Coast parking lot, keep going left until you hit the dirt parking lot (there’s no sign, but trust me on this one). If you miss it and end up at another parking lot with a jaw-dropping view, consider that a bonus! The whole loop, with a few photo breaks, took me about 45 minutes. Totally doable, even if you’re not a big hiker.
12:15 PM
Lunch at Fishetarian Fish Market
By this point, you’ll be ready to eat again (hiking = hunger, right?). Fishetarian Fish Market is super casual come-as-you-are kind of place and perfect for outdoor dining.
I went for the fish and chips, shrimp tacos, and clam chowder—and yes, I was a little “fished out” afterwards, but it was worth every bite! Everything was fresh and delicious, and sitting outside with the coastal breeze is an added bonus.
TIP: If you (or the weather) prefers a sit-down indoor restaurant, go to Rocker Oysterfeller’s right next door.
Want more delicious fish? See my 7 Must-Try Seafood Restaurants in Bodega Bay, California
1:30 PM
Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy
Next up: time to satisfy that sweet tooth with a visit to Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy! You literally cannot miss this place—it’s a white and bubble gum pink striped building that just screams fun. Patrick’s has been around for over 50 years, so they know their taffy!
The walls are lined with bins upon bins of colorful taffy in every flavor you can imagine (seriously, it’s like a candy lover’s dream). Their most popular flavor is watermelon, but I couldn’t resist a bag of chocolate chip cookie taffy—because, well, why not, right? They’ve also got funky flavors like root beer, cinnamon, and cotton candy! It’s the perfect spot to grab a sweet souvenir (or a bag to snack on in the car… no judgment here!).
2:00 PM
Buy a Kite at Candy & Kites
Okay, I know this sounds random, but buying a kite? Way more fun than you’d think, especially at Candy & Kites! This place is such a blast, and it’s been around since the early ‘80s, so it’s basically a Bodega Bay legend. You seriously can’t miss it—the outside is decked out with bright kites and colorful garden wind spinners dancing in the breeze. It totally pulls you in!
I popped in, and next thing I knew, I was walking out with a bright orange triceratops kite (because, how could I not?). Of course, I was headed straight for the beach to fly it.
2:45 PM
Fly a Kite at Salmon Creek Beach
Obviously, if you buy a kite, you have to fly it, right? Salmon Creek Beach is the perfect spot for that—it’s a gorgeous, long stretch of sand (about 2 miles!) with plenty of room to let your kite soar. Plus, parking is free—yay for easy beach days!
The wind was just right when I got there, so getting my orange triceratops kite up into the air was a breeze (pun totally intended). The best part was watching it climb higher and higher, and you should definitely see how far you can get yours up in the sky!
4:45 PM
Wine Tasting at Sonoma Coast Vineyards
After a fun kite-flying session, it only felt right to totally switch gears and head to Sonoma Coast Vineyards for some wine tasting—because it was hitting that wine o’clock hour. This spot has been around since 2001, and they’re known for crafting incredible wines from the cool coastal climate.
The indoor tasting room is super cozy, but I couldn’t resist the outdoor patio since it was such a nice day. I sampled six wines (because, of course!), and the red blend was hands down my fave.
6:30 PM
Stop by The Birds Filming Locations
If you’re a movie buff—or just love quirky stops like me—you have to check out some filming locations from Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” while you’re in Bodega. First up is the Potter Schoolhouse, which was built way back in 1873. In the movie, it’s where all the kids run out screaming during the famous bird attack scene!
Right next door is the pretty St. Teresa of Avila Church, which dates back to 1860 and is the oldest church in continuous use in Sonoma County. You can’t go inside either, but it’s so fun to see these iconic spots in person and imagine the movie magic happening right where you’re standing. It’s a quick stop, but totally worth it for any Hitchcock fan!
7:30 PM
Dinner at Casino Bar & Grill
To wrap up the day, head to Casino Bar & Grill for dinner. Yes, it’s a dive bar, but in the coolest way possible. The bar itself is an old-school joint with a couple of pool tables and taxidermy on the walls, but the food was top-notch.
They have pop-up dinners put on by The Holly and Tali Show from Friday to Sunday, and the menu changes daily, so you’ll want to check out their Instagram on the day of your visit. We had a Seghesio Zinfandel, caprese salad with local greens, and flank steak with griddled cream corn and chimichurri. Everything was delicious—don’t judge this place by its cover!
Rocker Oysterfeller’s or Terrapin Grill are Great Backups if you go on a day when there is no pop-up dinner or just want a more fish-centric dinner.
Make it an Overnighter
The Lodge at Bodega Bay
If you want to turn your Bodega Bay day trip into an overnight stay, the Lodge at Bodega Bay is the perfect spot. This coastal retreat is located on a bluff on the Sonoma Coast, that makes for the perfect backdrop to unwind after a day of exploring. It really is no wonder this lodge took the number one spot on Condé Nast’s list of the 50 best hotels in the world. You’re in for a treat at this local gem!
Oh, and let’s not forget about Drake’s Sonoma Coast Kitchen, which is on-site and has some of the best seafood around. You have to try the Dungeness crab cakes and the seared scallops—they’re absolute must-haves! Plus, it’s no wonder this lodge took the number one spot on Condé Nast’s list of the 50 best hotels in the world.
Day Trips From Bodega Bay, California
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