Guest Author - Louise Aiello
Just about 90 minutes north of San Francisco, the town of Bodega Bay wraps itself along both sides of the Pacific Coast Highway. In the evenings the fog and mists roll in from the ocean covering the Headland and the harbor overnight like a blanket. But by midday, the fog burns back, and the days are just right for kayaking, horseback riding, or hiking the Headland.
Bodega Bay gained notoriety in the 1960’s when it served as the setting for the Alfred Hitchcock movie, The Birds. The Tides Wharf and Restaurant, which served as the main gathering site in the film, is now primarily a tourist destination. The building burned down in 1996. As part of the reconstruction, the fish packing facility relocated to its own building at the end of the wharf, and the bar was closed. The earthy charm of real fisherman bragging about their biggest catches while downing a beer or two now belongs to a bygone era.
But you can still get a good meal at the Tides Restaurant. The Wharf Special, a bowl of New England clam chowder and a shrimp cocktail, is excellent for lunch particularly with a glass of white wine.
Sitting at The Tides you can gaze across the harbor at the Bodega Headland. In spring and early summer the Headland looks like a Monet painting brushed with pink, purple, yellow and blue wildflowers. Hypnotic waves splash against the huge boulders just offshore. The cries of seagulls and brown pelicans pierce the air as they circle in the skies between sudden dives into the ocean for food. A dirt trail leads along the edge of the Headland to a series of steep stairways providing access to sheltered coves with warm beaches.
Kayak rentals come with 20 minutes of instruction. It’s easy to quickly pick up enough skill to avoid tipping over. Kayaking around the bay you’ll see a wide range of bird life---ducks, egrets, seagulls, sandpipers, guinea hens, pelicans. You’re also likely to have a very close encounter with one of the large sea lions that patrol the areas close to where the fishing boats bring in their catches. Or, you can take the kayak up either Salmon Creek or along the coastline toward Jenner. Rentals for a two-person kayak are $65 for four hours or $85 for eight hours.
Horseback riding along the beaches or hillsides offers spectacular views of the coastline. Prices range from $55 to $125 depending on the length of the ride.
For the more adventurous, three hour whale watching boat tours sail a mile out onto the Pacific Ocean where the large pods of whales can be found during their annual migration. Those interested in catching salmon, trout or even crabs can take one of the sports fishing tour boats that leave the harbor before 7am and return around 4pm. Prices for fishing tours range from $75 to $125.
If you want to bring home some Bodega Bay treats for family and friends, Kandy and Kites is one store you’ll want to take time to enjoy; lemon and cinnamon drops along with salt-water taffy hide amidst the hundreds of variously shaped and sized kites and windsocks.
Places to stay in Bodega Bay include the Bodega Coast Inn, the Inn at The Tides, the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa
