I’m so late to share this post but now that we’re slowly creeping up on Spring I hope that one last glance back at a cozy winter weekend inspires you to hit snooze for a few days. Having not grown up on the West Coast I have this daydream of fisherman in tattered cable knit sweaters hauling fresh crabs in a neon threaded net. It’s early in the morning and they sip their hot cups of clam chowder, sprinkling in oyster crackers along the way so they are just the right mixture of soggy and crunchy. Of course, this has to happen both slow and fast because it is in a lacquered cardboard cup. All this to say I feel like Bodega Bay matches this daydream exactly. If you want to experience this whole scenario, become the fisherman, and maybe consider a thick puffer jacket – Bodega Bay is the place for you.
Where to stay
Our little trip to Bodega Bay was one of the first times we ventured out of our house. Wanting a bit more flexibility, we looked for a VRBO or Airbnb rental. We ultimately stumbled across this rental through a property management company and we could not be happier with our decision in the end. On top of all this my parents drove up and gave us some time to get away for a quick outdoor dining meal. For a family of four plus one toddler, this was more than enough room (we could’ve invited even more people)
One of our best COVID-19 travel tips is to bring a portable UV. While we also wipe down surfaces more than the average humans, mainly because our small child likes to taste test everything in sight, we also do a quick UV blast to have a bit of peace of mind in pandemic times. At home we also have a small version by our door, the HomeSoap. (not an ad, I’m just a very big fan) and we usually throw our keys, wallet, masks, and daycare toys in there as a quick ten minute reset.
Where to eat
Good for takeout
Bluewater Bistro
Address: 21301 Heron Drive, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
I miserably failed at grabbing pictures but the beauty of Bluewater Bistro is that it claims to be the only delivery in the area. As far as we can tell this is true. We set our expectations to medium and the food far exceeded them. As was the theme the entire weekend, we had the clam chowder bread bowl. The best advice I can give is to make sure you add garlic fries to your order. May all of the above make you as unabashedly happy as it made us.
Fisheterian
Address: 599 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
In defense of Fisheterian, I bet it is a great experience to sit outdoors and eat here as well. The indoor area is more of a deli style shop where you can line up at the counter, order, and takeout. We ordered online earlier that day and swung by to pick it up so we could eat all together back at the rental that night.
Good for outdoor dining
Now, the absolute best thing about these two outdoor dining recommendations is that they are within a 1 minute walk from each other. If the line is very long at one, you might take your chance with its neighbor. Ultimately we ate lunch at Fisherman’s Cove and grabbed takeout for my parents next door because Fisherman’s Cove had a more diverse menu and with Ben being allergic to shellfish, it was the better option.
Bonus points: Ben did not have a single allergic reaction in Bodega Bay so kudos to the fine eateries in this area who are thorough about cleaning knives.
Fisherman’s Cove Bodega Bay
Address: 1850 Bay Flat Rd, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
We arrived right at open and were rewarded with a no-line experience. The staff is very safe, masks on and the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. We grabbed a table outdoors and sat down to try a few things. When in Bodega Bay it only felt right to order some barbecued oysters, some of which I had on the spot and the rest I brought back to my mom. Ben got the fish tacos and I took the once in a very long while opportunity to eat a lobster roll. Everything was delicious and not slathered in mayo, though, if you’d like mayo I’m sure someone would be happy to help. Basically, nothing beats fresh seafood and a beautiful, chilly day in Northern California.
What to do
We went into the weekend hoping for a sleepy town with great seafood but we were pleasantly surprised to find there was so much to do in Bodega Bay. Below are a couple places we enjoyed visiting and a few that are still on our list for our next trip out.
Where we went
Take a hike! We hiked Bodega Head Trail, of the several hikes we had to choose from, this one was unchallenging, offered beautiful views, and was perfect for a grey day.
On the way out of Bodega Bay we stopped by Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery where we found an awesome selection of cheeses to take home with us, perfectly seasonal drinks, and snacks to go. If you have time to stay they also have a outdoor backyard area with umbrella for sitting outside and enjoying your order.
What’s left on our list in Bodega Bay?
Below are a few extras we didn’t make it to but will absolutely round back to try on our next trip.
- See: The Saint Teresa of Avila Church in Bodega (And all the other Birds locations)
- Eat: Bodega Bay Oyster Company
- Eat: Captain Davey’s Ice Cream Espresso
- Eat: Gourmet Au Bay
- Eat: The Birds Cafe
- Eat: Spud Point Crab Company
- Shop: Second Wind
