There are few more quintessentially California experiences than sipping a glass of Sonoma pinot noir or chardonnay while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. And few places are better to do that than Bodega Bay, a quiet, tucked away corner of the wine region along the coast. Although perhaps made most famous in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller The Birds, there is nothing remotely unsettling about this exceptionally peaceful and friendly corner of California.
Coming out of the rainy season, spring is one of the best times to visit the region for a weekend getaway.
Where to go
Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery: The only tasting room of all the elite vineyards located in the Fort Ross AVA (American Viticulture Area) and California’s closest vineyard to the ocean. This idyllic coastal property produces some award-winning wines, specializing in pinot noir and chardonnay, reflecting the maritime (and sometimes extreme) climate and dramatic topography of the local vineyards.
In January 2012, Fort Ross Vineyard became part of the new Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, which established the region as separate and distinct from all other wine growing regions in California, epitomized by steep coastal ridges that have become one of the most valued cool-climate growing regions in the Golden State. And since June of that year, Fort Ross has been welcoming visitors to its tasting room, where the rustic barn with oxidized corrugated steel roofing strikes a balance between industrial chic, with views of the Madrone trees, vineyard expanses, and the coast. With concrete floors and a long onyx bar inside, the energy-efficient building is also home to a commercial kitchen, where the estate chef turns out fine dining pairings to highlight Fort Ross’s chardonnay and pinot noir wines.
The winery has been expanding its calendar of onsite events, as well, open to both members and visitors. Guests should make reservations for the tasting room in advance, but also keep tabs on the website and newsletter for additional events coming up, including outdoor movie nights and pig roasts. The winery can also host exclusive paint-and-sip private parties by reservation, too.
Doran Regional Park: A spot where there’s lots to do and also a great spot for doing nothing. This two–mile stretch of beach along the bay has paths for walking and birdwatching as well as designated spots for picnicking. Beachgoers can also fly kites or set up a spot for reading in the sun. (Just wear layers as Northern California beaches can be quite chilly most of the year, but when the sun is out, it warms up quickly.) Truly brave beachgoers can also go surfing, although previous experience is suggested given the waves can be quite strong along this part of the coast.
Sonoma Coast Helicopter Tour: When weather permits, there might not be a better way to see all of the varying landscapes—at once!—in Sonoma than from a helicopter. Visitors can sign up for 30-minute rides that will take them over vineyards, hills, the Russian River, and of course, the Pacific Coast.
Where to eat
Drake’s Sonoma Coast Restaurant: Located at the Lodge at Bodega Bay, this restaurant offers gourmet breakfast and dinner—and of course, this being Sonoma—has one of the best wine lists you will find in the area. While the quality of the food tastes like fine dining and the interior design is quite modern, the vibe is actually much more casual. (Jeans—even for dinner—is allowed.)
The Birds Café: You can’t get the full tourist experience without stopping at this coastal café named for the famous 1963 film set here. Even better, the café has an outdoor deck for patio dining, ideal for an al fresco lunch with tacos or fish and chips. (The patio is also dog-friendly.)
Terrapin Creek Café: Seafood lovers have an abundance of choices in the area, but Terrapin Creek Café is reviewed as one of the best for its scallops, octopus, and Dungeness crab, when in season.
Where to stay
The Lodge at Bodega Bay: Perched on a dramatic bluff high above the Pacific Ocean on Sonoma’s rugged coastline, this 83-room hotel offers the best view you could ask for in the area. While the location (including walking distance to Doran Regional Park) and calm coastal ambiance continue to be the driving force of this luxury hotel’s popularity, the property recently rang in its 50th anniversary in 2022 with a multimillion-dollar renovation. Amenities include onsite dining (including room service), a fitness center, corporate meeting rooms, and a pool and hot tub overlooking the bay.
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