Bodega Bay
If you’re craving ocean air and a change of pace, Bodega Bay is an easy and rewarding escape from Benicia. Just about a 90-minute drive—scenic the whole way—it’s best to head out early, as Highway 37 tends to fill up fast. Trust me, it’s worth the early alarm.
Once you arrive, the Sonoma Coast does not disappoint. Bodega Bay is packed with outdoor adventure and jaw-dropping views. One favorite is the Bodega Head Trail, a nearly two-mile clifftop loop with sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas—perfect for an easy hike and plenty of photo stops. You can also explore the hills on horseback, hop on a boat charter for deep-sea fishing, or simply enjoy the thrill of being out on the water with the wind in your hair.
From January through May, whale-watching tours offer a front-row seat to the migration of Pacific gray whales. Year-round, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular on the bay and nearby waterways, with guided options available if you want to learn more about the local ecosystem. Add in surfing, birdwatching, tide-pooling, beachfront camping, and even a round of golf by the bay, and you’ve got something for everyone.
A Little History
Bodega Bay’s story runs deep. In 1809, it became the site of the first Russian structures built in California, serving as a port for Fort Ross. Later, it was named for Spanish explorer Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. Film buffs will also recognize it from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds—a legacy the town still celebrates today.
Sebastopol
I love stopping in Sebastopol in the afternoon—it’s charming, creative, and just the right blend of relaxed and lively. Great restaurants, galleries, and quirky shops make it a perfect place to wander without an agenda.
Sebastopol’s roots are agricultural, famously tied to Luther Burbank, who developed hundreds of plant varieties here beginning in the 1880s. The town’s name comes from a colorful Gold Rush–era story involving a bar fight likened to the Crimean War’s Siege of Sevastopol—classic California lore.
Long before settlers arrived, the Coast Miwok and Pomo peoples lived here, and the town still sits atop several historic village sites. Over time, Sebastopol grew into a farming hub with a diverse population, including a vibrant Chinese community in the late 19th century.
Today, it proudly celebrates both its farming heritage and creative spirit. From the year-round farmers market and Gravenstein Apple Fair to art galleries, fine dining, wellness studios, and outdoor spaces like the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sebastopol has a little bit of everything. Be sure to stroll downtown—nicknamed “Antique Row”—and don’t miss The Barlow, a lively hub of tasting rooms, shops, and eateries just a short walk away.
