The Lodge at Bodega Bay Journal

Two prime spots for birding near The Lodge at Bodega Bay are the Bodega Head Trail and the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail. The Bodega Head Trail boasts breathtaking coastal vistas and is renowned for sightings of majestic shorebirds, including the elegant Great Blue Heron and Western Gulls.

Just north of Doran Regional Park, the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail offers a relatively flat path that extends a little over a mile. This trail circles two freshwater ponds along Bodega Harbor and overlooks marshland that provides year-round habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. It's an excellent spot to observe avian diversity in a tranquil setting.

At The Lodge at Bodega Bay, guests are provided with binoculars to enhance their birdwatching adventures, along with a list of bird species commonly spotted in the area. With the days growing longer, there's ample time to revel in the beauty of the great outdoors!

Just a short drive from our charming resort, you can witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon at Bodega Head. This picturesque headland offers a prime vantage point to observe the magnificent gray whales as they journey along their migratory path.

From December to April, these gentle giants make their way south from the frigid waters of Alaska to the warmer breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. As you stand on the edge of Bodega Head, you'll be captivated by the sight of these majestic creatures.

Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera for your whale-watching adventure!

For families eager to create cherished holiday moments, The Lodge at Bodega Bay has you covered. Our expert team can curate a range of special activities, from seaside adventures and spa treatments to delicious meals prepared by our skilled chefs. Your kids can explore the wonders of the coast while you relax, knowing that your holiday is in good hands.

Couples seeking a romantic escape will be equally captivated by The Lodge's allure. Our cozy ocean-view rooms come complete with private balconies and breathtaking sunsets. Savor a glass of Sonoma wine by the fire or take a scenic hike by the shore for the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Secure your stay at The Lodge at Bodega Bay and make this Thanksgiving an occasion to remember. Celebrate a holiday seasoned with calm, coastal beauty, and the warmth of togetherness. Join us, and let's give thanks by the bay.

Nestled against the rugged coastline, The Lodge offers a brunch experience like no other. The star of the show is undoubtedly the menu, featuring a mix of traditional favorites and innovative creations. Imagine savoring a plate of classic Eggs Benedict or going for something more adventurous like the mouthwatering smoked salmon Benedict at Drake's Sonoma Coast, their on-site restaurant.

But brunch isn't just about the food; it's also about the libations. At Drake’s, you'll find the perfect companions to your meal – Chipotle Bloody Mary's and Bodega Bellinis. These refreshing beverages add that extra sparkle to your brunch experience, making it a memorable weekend ritual.

Plan to stay overnight at The Lodge and reserve your spot at Drake’s for a brunch that combines breathtaking views with delectable dishes and delightful drinks. Your weekend getaway just got a whole lot tastier!

For those seeking a golfing adventure, head north to Northwood Golf Club. Surrounded by towering redwoods in Sonoma County, this hidden gem provides a majestic setting and a demanding layout that seamlessly merges with nature. Dr. Alister MacKenzie, who designed the famous Cypress Point and joined efforts with Bobby Jones at Augusta National, took on the design challenge in 1928. This 9-hole course spans 70 acres and is open to the public. Experience the lush fairways and carefully crafted greens along the Russian River.

During your stay at The Bodega Bay Lodge, the dedicated staff will be delighted to assist you in arranging your golf outing. After a day on the links, relax and unwind by sipping a glass of wine at the Fireside Lounge or savoring the artisanal cuisine at Drakes Sonoma Coast.

If you're staying at The Lodge at Bodega Bay, you're in luck: there are several hot air balloon companies in the area that can take you on an unforgettable journey. Up & Away Ballooning, which operates in nearby Santa Rosa, has experienced pilots who will take you on a breathtaking ride over the rolling hills and vineyards of Sonoma County.

Another popular company in the area is Napa Valley Balloons, which offers rides over the iconic Napa Valley wine country.

Hot air balloon rides are generally best on clear, calm mornings as the light is soft and the colors of the landscape are more vivid. It's important to dress in comfortable, layered clothing that you can easily move around in, as temperatures can fluctuate during the ride. You will also want to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Get ready for a ride you'll never forget!

As much as we love the movie, we do worry some folks will get the wrong idea about the avian residents of our tranquil bay, which is actually an extraordinarily popular destination for birding enthusiasts and comes highly recommended by the National Audubon Society. During your stay with us, when you’re not busy spying on Great Horned Owls and other rare species, check out the old Potter Schoolhouse, where, in one of The Birds’ most memorable scenes, a murder of crows suddenly menaces the town’s unsuspecting children. Please also remember to keep a respectful distance from the building, as it is now a private residence.

Though The Birds is certainly one of the greatest movies ever made, experienced bird enthusiasts know that there’s nothing scary about the birds of Bodega Bay. In fact, they’re one of the many attractions that bring visitors from across the nation to Sonoma County each year. Filled with fantastic and varied birding spots, the Bay area is home to many rare species, including the Great Horned Owl and other majestic raptors. Make your reservation today at Bodega Bay Lodge to discover why our region is one of the Audubon Society’s top choices for birding. If you’re a fan of Hitchcock’s movie, you can also check out the delightfully gothic Potter Schoolhouse (now a private home), where the film’s infernal flock of crows first train their claws on the town’s children.

The schoolhouse (now a private home) isn’t the only notable Bodega Bay landmark that appears in the film, however. Perched atop the same hill, St. Teresa of Avila Church exudes an elegant simplicity, with its clean white exterior and a façade adorned with three stained-glass windows, one directly above and two that flank the front entrance, whose gothic arch mimics that of the presiding windows. Constructed in 1860 and declared a State Historic Landmark in 1968, St. Teresa is Sonoma County’s oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic church, and the various structural additions that have taken place over the years have attempted to preserve the aesthetic of its original design. If you’re an Ansel Adams fan, you might already have seen it. Like Hitchcock, Adams also immortalized St. Teresa of Avila Church in his 1953 black-and-white “Church and Road.” You can pick up a print of the famous photo during your visit to this quintessential Bodega Bay landmark.

Once the task is complete, the whales head back north to the Bering Sea to feed through the summer. If you’re staying with us this May, you’ll have the opportunity to see these massive, majestic creatures in person. Bodega Head, a rocky peninsula roughly four miles long and a mile wide, not only protects Bodega Bay from the brutal force of the Pacific, it also provides an ideal lookout spot for the 40-foot, 60,000-pound sea mammals on their northward journey. (The newly born calves are much smaller, of course, and they love playing alongside their mothers as they travel home.) If you’d like to witness this stunning annual migration, just let hotel staff know. We’ll be happy to help you arrange the perfect day of whale watching.

During your stay with us, we’d like to suggest a mode of transport you might not have considered: horseback riding. Here in Bodega Bay, we’re lucky to have two fantastic options for equestrian tours—Chanslor Stables at Chanslor Ranch and Horse N Around Trail Rides—each an easy 5-minute drive from our hotel. A fully functional western horse ranch, Chanslor Stables provides expert guides ready to take you across miles and miles of trails, from mountain peaks all the way to the sandy shoreline. Horse N Around Trail Rides is a family-owned operation with its own friendly team ready to escort you along a variety of trails that afford breathtaking views of rolling hills and shimmering sea. Both companies offer private rides. For more details and to see which company can best serve you and your family, check out the Chanslor Stables website here and the Horse N Around Trail Rides website here.

Chanslor Stables is located at 2660 Highway One, Bodega Bay, CA 94923.

Horse N Around Trail Rides is located at 18401 S Highway, Bodega Bay, CA 94923.

The original, slightly longer phrase, “happy as a clam in high water,” offers a clue. During high water, or high tide, clams are protected from predators. When the tides recede, however, there’s little to stop gulls and other waterfowl from taking their pick of the batch. One of the country’s top spots for clamming, Bodega Bay attracts visitors from far and wide ready to collect buckets full of these hard-shelled mollusks that are the key ingredient in clam chowder, a regional specialty in these parts. Before you grab your bucket, rake, and shovel, you’ll need to acquire an official California Fishing License (don’t worry, it’s easy to get). If you’re a newbie to clamming, we’d also suggest hiring a guide to show you the ins and outs of this satisfying coastal pastime. No need to sweat the details, either. Guests of the Bodega Bay Lodge are encouraged to call ahead so our staff can help you make all the necessary arrangements for your dig in the shallows.

Though The Birds is certainly one of the greatest movies ever made, experienced bird enthusiasts know that there’s nothing scary about the birds of Bodega Bay. In fact, they’re one of the many attractions that bring visitors from across the nation to Sonoma County each year. Filled with fantastic and varied birding spots, the Bay area is home to many rare species, including the Great Horned Owl and other majestic raptors. Make your reservation today at Bodega Bay Lodge to discover why our region is one of the Audubon Society’s top choices for birding. If you’re a fan of Hitchcock’s movie, you can also check out the delightfully gothic Potter Schoolhouse (now a private home), where the film’s infernal flock of crows first train their claws on the town’s children.

The effort that goes into the conservation of our coastlines is crucial, and Californians have always been Mother-Nature-forward and ready to jump on opportunities that affect our world in a positive way. With at least twelve State Marine Conservation Areas, ten State Marine Reserves and three Recreation Areas, it seems as if recreational activities are extremely limited in Northern California, but the reality is that many of the areas deemed "protected" have learning opportunities available in the Bodega Bay area—not to mention that 80% of open water is available for recreational fishing. The ocean is crucial to our life here on planet earth, especially in the Bodega Bay region, get involved and learn something new while visiting us in NoCal! Check out California’s Marine Protected Areas to learn more about our beloved coastline here!

No matter what time of year, ocean temperatures are pretty chilly up here in Northern California — however the warm summer weather really helps balance out the bite.

If you’re an advanced surfer, be sure to paddle out among some of California’s finest athletes. But if gliding on board through a big swell isn’t for you, grab a towel and watch the locals surf from the shore. A few of our favorite spots to catch some good wave riding or do some people-watching are Salmon Creek and Doran Beach. Whether your catching waves or soaking in the sunshine, summertime is the perfect time to hang ten or hang out right here on the California coast.

This spring, we are taking Drakes outdoors with a casual pop-up menu, inspired by Sonoma’s spring produce and the age-old tradition of breezy beach picnics. Take in the scenery while sampling the same great cuisine with a focus on local seafood and farm-fresh produce.

Drakes Spring Picnic Pop-Up will feature Chef Brendalee’s signature coastal cuisine in a relaxed outdoor setting with cozy fire pits and unmatched sunset views. Interested in a meal to-go? Drakes Sonoma Coast is available for carryout from 4 to 9 pm and in-room dining is available for breakfast from 7:30 to 11 am, and dinner from 4 to 9 pm. Drakes Sonoma Coast is scheduled to resume normal operations in June, and can’t wait to welcome you to our Spring Picnic Pop-Up in the meantime!

Reconnect with your significant other while strolling along a scenic stretch of beach or kissing beneath the crisp California skies. There is nothing more romantic than a coastal getaway for two, to express your admiration for one another and rekindle your connection.

Our spacious guest rooms and suites provide the perfect hideaway — with cozy fireplaces, private balconies, and luxurious amenities like Nespresso coffee, microfiber robes, and spa-inspired bath products — many with beautiful bay views.

Plan a private sunset sail along the Pacific Coast or cuddle up with a carry-out dinner from Drakes and enjoy a gourmet meal from the comfort of your accommodation here at Bodega Bay. End your day with a couples massage and a locally-grown bottle of wine while watching the sun go down. Leave Bodega Bay feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and even more in love than before you arrived.

Our in-house spa does it all—choose to remain in the comfort of your own suite or schedule a day of pampering in one of our tranquil treatment rooms. Each of our services mirrors the style of living we like to achieve here in Northern California, so you can expect an artisanal experience and a fresh, local feel when it comes to our specialty massages. We use ingredients from our own backyard to ensure an authentic spa experience. Try out our treatments that infuse cabernet grape seeds and warm tiger clam seashells to cleanse your skin and quiet your mind.

We are surrounded by so many beautiful nature preserves, redwood forests, oceanside cliffs, and protected sand dunes. A great way to see Bodega Bay and still be outside is by horseback. One of our favorite companies, Horse N Around, offers trail rides as well as rides on the beach and all over Bodega Bay. Horseback riding provides the perfect group or family activity, and solo riders are welcome to join in the fun as well.

There is something so beautiful and peaceful about a quiet ride through the beautiful backcountry trails of California, so saddle up and grab some of your pals for a fun day out on the ranch! California’s Northern Coast is dynamic— from the Pacific Ocean to the Redwood forest to the vineyards of Russian River Valley—and Bodega Bay puts you within easy reach of it all! 

Embark on an adventure that leads to NorCal’s best-kept secret, and experience a getaway where the journey is truly part of the destination.

Visit California has created Road Trip Republic, which outlines incredible routes for road trips around the state, with itineraries suitable for anywhere from 1-10 days.

The most epic itinerary—the “Born To Be Wild” road trip—happens to feature a stop at Bodega Bay Lodge. Start among Northern California’s redwood forests and relax at our secluded spot on the rugged Sonoma Coast, enjoying the catch of the day and the Russian River before heading toward SoCal.

The festival is a two-day event starting on March 27th and ending on the 28th, the ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for children. They will be showing The Birds along with The Trouble with Harry and The Man Who Knew Too Much after each showing of the feature film.

The Birds house has become a staple place to visit in the area for both locals and visitors. Alfred Hitchcock specifically chose the Bodega Bay setting for its hilly coast and dramatic morning fog. Thriller junkies will be ‘flocking’ to Bodega Bay at the end of this month to get the full Birds experience. Will you be among them?

But have you ever stopped to wonder how clams were caught? They live in waters too shallow for nets and don’t have mouths for hooks and lines, so what’s the catch? Clams live in the shallow salty waters of the bay, they bury themselves and only appear just before low-tide. We call the act of harvesting these delicious specimens, as you guessed it, “clamming.”

You must first obtain a California Fishing License before you begin your dig, along with a bucket, rake, and shovel to get the full experience. If you schedule a tour, your guide will help you find the best locations for a good-ole fashion clam dig, but if you decide to go on your own, just keep an eye out for the sand with clusters of breathing holes and dense vegetation. Ask us at the reception desk to help set up your clamming adventure in Bodega Bay.

These unique forests have many different functions and are a crucial resource for all types of sea creatures that live in the cold California waters. Kelp is a nutrient-rich algae that triples as a meal, hiding place, and nursery for animals like sea urchins, sea lions, and rockfish. Although kelp looks like a giant green plant, it is actually a fast-growing algae that can grow up to 18-inches a day. This fast-moving leaf seems to be doing just fine, however, it is currently in grave danger of disappearing. With warmer than usual water temperatures, overfishing, and a rise in sea urchin levels, these special forests are beginning to diminish. Help the Kelp is a great program from the Bodega Bay Area to increase the awareness of kelp destruction and to begin to protect and rebuild these crucial habitats. To learn more about the urgent kelp crisis, be sure to check out their landing page here.

A total Northern California bucket list item is to attend the Annual Old Grove Festival at the historic Redwood Forest Theater in Armstrong Redwoods SNR. This delicate, backwoods festival is what dreams are actually made of. Picture yourself in a clearing in the middle of hundreds of giant redwood trees, listening to live music while sipping on wine with twinkling lights, and voilá!—you're at the Annual Old Grove Festival. This antique stage was built in the 1930s for performers to integrate their performances with nature and to bring a unique experience to the audience. And unique it is! Purchase your tickets online to secure your spot at one of Northern California’s most unique musical experiences ever!

As of now, there are at least twenty-four craft breweries in the area and people have been flocking to Sonoma lately exclusively for the beer. So much so that the Beer Trail was created to encourage a similar culture to wine tasting, but with craft brews.

June is particularly exciting for craft beer enthusiasts because Beerfest The Good One will be taking place the first weekend in June. This festival showcases over sixty regional breweries and cider mills in one single event. Plus you can feel good about indulging in fine beer because the net proceeds from this festival go directly to Face to Face, a non-profit organization with a mission to end HIV in Sonoma County while supporting the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS. Taste beer and support a great cause the first weekend of summer in Sonoma County!

Each Spring these perfect little pups flock to Goat Rock Beach to frolic and with other frisky new-born pups in the area. From just 50 yards away you can basically see the detail in their little faces and hear their sweet little barks, while their family guards them ferociously during playtime. Goat Rock Beach is located in Sonoma County and is just a skip away from the hotel. Be sure to ask our front desk about the best time of day to catch these little guys in action. We know you are here for the wine, but you might just want to stay for the pups!

It’s Dungeness Crab season here in California and there are so many great ways to celebrate. Crab season begins the first week in November and runs through the month of June—which means, for eight full months you can enjoy freshly caught, delicious meaty crab from ocean to table. Not only can you capitalize on some of the best crab meat while you're in California for every meal, but you can also get your hands dirty and catch your very own crab!

There are two ways to go crabbing while you are in town. The first option is right on-shore—you can catch up to 10 crabs per season without a permit right from the pier. Or you can hire a boat for the day and have them show you the ropes of what it is like to be a professional crabber. We think both options are awesome!