Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a small California coastal town on the borders
of Marin County and Sonoma County, and famous for being the filming location
for Alfred Hitchcock's film, The Birds.
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay was one of the lovely discoveries we made on our
first major Pacific Coast Highway drive, when we stayed at the Bodega Bay Lodge
and Spa. We know friends who've visited Bodega Bay since then and they've all
been as delighted as we were to discover its laid-back and slightly upscale charms.
Bodega Bay Sunset
There isn't much to do in Bodega Bay, and that is part of
its appeal. Many people come because they know it's where Alfred Hitchcock
filmed his horror classic, The Birds, and they stay to be seduced by this
little coastal town.
Our Pick of the California Guides
Its attractions are well-displayed in the movie, so take a look to see what it's like. Just put the birds themselves out of your mind. The seagulls aren't that aggressive!
Horseshoe Bay
Getting to Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is about 70 miles north of San Francisco, roughly
a 90-minute drive if you take the faster route inland along Highway-101.
Our
preference, if time isn't pressing, is to take the Highway-1 route along the
coast past the Point Reyes National Seashore. The distance is about the same
but your journey time could be twice as long as the roads are slower and
winding in places.
Surf Shop in Bodega
The Name of Bodega
Bay
Bodega is named after the splendid-sounding 18th-century explorer,
Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, although the original Bodega Bay is where
Tomales Bay now is, about a half-hour south. The Spanish later moved their base
to what they thought was a better location, taking its name with it.
Green Fields near Bodega Bay
What to Do in Bodega
Bay
Shopping: There are a number of art galleries and studios,
reflecting the well-heeled nature of many of the visitors, who rent vacation
homes here. It's not overly expensive, though, and you'll be tempted to buy
paintings, photographs, and other art-works from the local artists who have
settled here, lured by those relaxed charms.
Golf: There are three golf courses in the area.
Hiking: There are several excellent coastal trails of
differing lengths and difficulties.
Watersports: If you like being out on the water then you can
organise various watersports activities in Bodega Bay. These include
sailing, sports fishing, and kayaking.
Horse Riding: Go on a trail ride with the delightfully-named
Horse 'n' Around.
Whale Watching: You can watch from the shoreline at Sonomoa
Coast State Park, or take a tour out to sea with one of the charter boat
companies.
Where to Eat in Bodega Bay
For such a small place there's a lot of eating choices
packed in, whether you want fine dining or you want to keep it cheap. There are
plenty of places offering views over the water too. You'll find Mexican,
Italian, coffee shops, delis, BBQ, and, of course, The Birds Café.
Where to Stay in
Bodega Bay
We stayed at the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa, which we
absolutely loved.
The Main Street in Bodega
Filming The Birds
Much of the movie was shot in and around the wharf area, and there's no better place to relax and enjoy a bowl of clam chowder or other fresh seafood. But if you want to see the house that features prominently in the film, you have to head inland, going south on Highway-1, to the town of Bodega itself. It's about a 5-minute drive.
The Church from The Birds Movie
This little place is as appealing as Bodega Bay but don't
drive too fast or you'll shoot out the other side. Look out for a church on a
hill on the right, and then take a right on Bodega Lane up the next little
slope, and the handsome white house is at the top on your right. This is the
main house featured in the film, but the church was also used, and some scenes
were filmed in the streets around. You can learn more here.
The House from The Birds Movie
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