Bodega Bay is a small fishing village in Sonoma County, situated just 90 minutes north of San Francisco. There’s a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere in this small community setting that attracts visitors from far and wide, particularly in the summer months. This is a popular spot for hiking through the coastal scenery and enjoying the bay views.
A winding Sonoma Coast road climbs up to Bodega Head, a peninsular just off Highway One, with a plethora of hiking trails. Take some time here and explore one of the many walks that provide a magnificent view of the ocean below. When you’re done walking, take your pick of waterfront eateries and get amongst the stunning local produce, such as the juicy Tomales Bay Oysters!
With the bay as your oyster, how will you choose where to stay?! You’ll have your personal travel needs to consider and I’m dedicated to getting you into a spot that’s right for you.
Whatever your dream Sonoma Coast holiday looks like, bouncing between king sized beds and hot tubs or private balconies and pacific ocean dips… Let me help you figure you where to stay in Bodega Bay.
Let’s go! I’ve got you covered in this ultimate guide to where to stay in Bodega Bay.
- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Bodega Bay?
- Bodega Bay Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Bodega Bay
- Bodega Bay’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Where to Stay in Bodega Bay
- What To Pack For Bodega Bay
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Bodega Bay
- Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Bodega Bay
The Lodge at Bodega Bay | Best Luxury Hotel in Bodega Bay
Surrounded by the Sonoma Coast, The Lodge at Bodega Bay is my number one pick for hotels in Bodega Bay. Make sure to book the Whirlpool Room if you’re coming for a romantic getaway. This accommodation has room service, a private balcony, and a hot tub… You’ll only leave to indulge in the spa treatments by the pool.
If you’re coming with family, The Lodge at Bodega Bay is a stunning option. With a fully fenced outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, a gym, and two on-site restaurants, this is one of the best Bodega Bay hotels.
Fisherman’s Cottage | Best Airbnb in Bodega Bay
Lounge on the sunny private balcony and soak up the Pacific Ocean views from the Fisherman’s Cottage. Just a five-minute walk down to the Sonoma Coast, this cottage has two double rooms, a wonderful rental for a small family or group of friends.
Take advantage of the free parking, wander along the ocean shores, and sink into the slower pace of beach life at the Fisherman’s Cottage.
Beautiful Cottage Overlooking Bodega Bay | Best Cottage in Bodega Bay
A beautiful bungalow overlooking Bodega Bay, with large windows for Pacific Ocean views. This property is stylishly designed with minimalist furnishings, wood-beamed ceilings, and white-washed walls.
There’s a wood-burning stove to keep you cozy on chilly evenings. Outdoors, there’s a charming private garden, and a deck to sit out on. Location-wise, it’s within walking distance to restaurants and eateries in the town.
Bodega Bay Town
Bodega Bay itself is a small coastal village located 90 minutes’ drive north of San Francisco. It’s an ideal spot for those who are seeking a countryside experience, surrounded by access to good seafood, good wine, and beautiful seaside vistas.
Guerneville
Seemingly worlds away from the coastal relaxation afforded at Jenner and Bodega Bay, is the small town of Guerneville. Situated inland, this town was founded in the 1850s as a logging town, later becoming a popular vacation spot for wealthy San Franciscans in the late 19th century.
Jenner
Situated north along the coast from Bodega Bay is the small coastal town of Jenner. A good alternative to staying in the village of Bodega Bay itself, the clifftop Jenner offers up a quiet and laid-back seaside retreat – complete with beautiful, unobstructed Pacific Ocean views and dramatic sunsets.
Bodega Bay’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
You may recognize the area from movies such as The Birds and The Goonies, which were partially filmed in Bodega Bay. Today, the Bay lures those traveling to San Francisco, looking for a place to fish and enjoy a sunny getaway.
Accommodation in Bodega Bay Town comes in the form of charming cottages and historic hotels, all with captivating views out over the bay. If you’re here for a special occasion or romantic getaway, I’d recommend the Lodge at Bodega Bay. It’s my top choice for anyone visiting Bodega Bay for the first time, as it’s a great location for getting to know the area.
I also recommend taking a short drive from the rugged Sonoma Coast through the redwood forest out to the Valley Ford Hotel, built in 1864. Enjoy a meal at Oyster Rockerfeller’s, a farm-to-fork roadhouse on a property that predates Coast Highway One.
Jenner has a more rugged scenery and stunning sunsets over the Sonoma Coast. It’s a small coastal town at the mouth of the Russian River and is ideal for families who want to spend quality time together. There are numerous opportunities to get out into nature, enjoy the beaches, and explore wildlife.
Guerneville is my top pick for those traveling on a budget. Situated around a 30-minute drive from Bodega Bay itself, this Sonoma County town is a great option to explore the area. With its range of accommodations, eateries, and entertainment options, there are tons of options to keep visitors fed and watered right on the doorstep of this fun town.
To help you figure out which one might be best for your trip, let’s look into the details of these areas…
1. Bodega Bay Town – Where to Stay in Bodega Bay for Your First Time
Bodega Bay is a small coastal village located 90 minutes drive north of San Francisco. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a countryside experience and is surrounded by access to good seafood, good wine, and beautiful seaside vistas. Staying here makes for an easygoing vacation.
Bodega Bay Town is a working fishing town that attracts tourists looking for weekend getaways. You’ll find art galleries, charming eateries, and Bodega Heads State Park. The park is a hotspot for whale watching during their migration period, from January to April.
Inn at the Tides | Best Hotel in Bodega Bay Town
Located on the Sonoma Coast, surrounded by nature, this Bodega Bay Inn is the place to stay. Something of a landmark in the area, feel like a star as you relax in the lounge bar featured in the movie, The Birds. A fantastic spot for a vacation, you’ll be greeted with beautiful bay views, spacious rooms, and a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival.
With a variety of guest rooms, this Bodega Harbour Inn offers in-room massages, giving the ultimate spa treatment feel without leaving your room. One of the best Bodega Bay hotels, the Inn at the Tides also features an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center.
Sonoma Coast Villa | Best Bed and Breakfast in Bodega Bay
Feel tucked away in this Valley Ford hotel, just an eight-minute drive from the Sonoma Coast. Book a room with a private balcony and retreat to the king size beds, spa treatments, and no cell service! Did someone say romantic getaway?
The Sonoma Coast Villa has stunning grounds to explore, a nine-hole golf course, and an outdoor swimming pool, you can even bring your pet. Breakfast is included and there’s a variety of wonderful restaurants in town to try. Regarding my mention of no cell service, there’s free wifi in all guest rooms and cell service on Valley Ford Road.
Fisherman’s Cottage | Best Airbnb in Bodega Bay
Lounge on the sunny private balcony and soak up the Pacific Ocean views from the Fisherman’s Cottage. Just a five-minute walk down to the Sonoma Coast, this cottage has two double rooms, a wonderful rental for a small family or group of friends.
Take advantage of the free parking, wander along the ocean shores, and sink into the slower pace of beach life at the Fisherman’s Cottage.
Things to See and Do in Bodega Bay Town
- Enjoy wine tasting at the Sonoma Coast Vineyards, complete with views out over the ocean
- Swing by the local art galleries, including Ren Brown Collection
- Spot birds from the picturesque Birdwalk Coastal Trail
- Grab your hiking boots and walk the Pinnacle Gulch Trail – a public hiking trail that winds through a gated community
- Visit the Sonoma Coast Visitor Center to learn more about the area and get some friendly local knowledge too
- Take a sailboat on Bodega Harbour, to the outer bay and the open ocean for the day with a private capitan
- Hike out onto Bodega Head itself; in the right season, this is a prime spot for whale watching
- Drop by Spud Point Crab Company for its famous clam chowder (and other seafood)
- Head to Doran Beach, a 2-mile-long hotspot for kite flying and surfing
- Watch the local fishermen bring in the day’s catch at Tides Wharf
- Eat tacos at The Birds Cafe, to fuel up for a Birds pilgrimage to find locations from the movie, including Potter School House and St. Teresa’s Church
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Guerneville – Best Place to Stay in Bodega Bay on a Budget
Guerneville is seemingly worlds away from the coastal relaxation afforded at Jenner and Bodega Bay. This town was founded in the 1850s and later became a popular vacation spot for wealthy San Franciscans.
It’s a popular LGBTQIA+ vacation destination and is pride proud. Come for their annual Sonoma County Pride Parade and Celebration on the first Sunday of June to share the Guerneville queer cheer!
Guerneville is also known for its wineries and makes a fine base for exploring the redwood forests hugging the river. It’s more inland than the other areas, making it more affordable area to stay as a result.
West Sonoma Inn | Best Hotel in Guerneville
Hot tub on your private balcony overlooking Sonoma vineyards? Say less!
Enjoy the serenity in the woods while still being within walking distance of the small community setting of downtown. Home to an outdoor swimming pool, lovely gardens, and a barbeque area, the West Sonoma Inn is a great choice. Get the crew together, and get to Guerneville, this hotel has multiple guest room options, free parking, and free wifi.
Highlands Resort | Best Bed and Breakfast in Guerneville
Highlands Resort is nestled in a redwood forest, within walking distance of downtown. Offering glamping tents with a king bed and typical studio guest rooms, some of which have a hot tub.
The staff are very friendly and if asked will happily direct you to their secret local spot on the river to avoid the crowds. Highlands Resort has a communal outdoor pool, fire pits, and barbeque. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
Amazing Forest Treehouse | Best Airbnb in Guerneville
This treehouse accommodation in Guerneville offers a relaxing place to unwind in the forest. It’s close to Downtown Guerneville, but far enough away to feel secluded and private.
It’s set among a quarter of an acre of woodlands and is a rustic, unpolished option to get away from it all. This treehouse is historic, too. Built in the 1930s out of redwood, it’s full of unique details.
Things to See and Do in Guerneville
- Chill out on the awesome Johnson’s Beach
- Enjoy a cold one? Sit out on the deck and try the small batch brews served up at Stumpton Brewery
- Take in the retro vibes as you stroll along Guerneville’s Main Street
- Go for casual food at the down-to-earth Betty Spaghetti
- Browse Guerneville 5 & 10 to find vintage and nostalgic candy and toys
- Sip on bubbly at one of the oldest champagne houses in the country, Korbel California Champagne Cellars. Make sure to grab yourself a picnic from Korbel Delicatessen & Market next door
- Hit up Guerneville Bank Club, an ice parlour set inside a 1921 bank building
- Swing by The Farmhand for delicious deli fare; enjoy it on the deck overlooking the river
- Try out Californian cuisine at the hip Boon Eat + Drink
- Enjoy the live music at the lively Main Street Bistro & Piano Bar (the pizza is awesome)
- Feel like partying? Head to Rainbow Cattle Company, which has been an LGBT staple in town since 1979
3. Jenner – Best Neighborhood in Bodega Bay for Families to Stay In
Situated north along the coast from Bodega Bay is the small coastal town of Jenner. A good alternative to staying in the village of Bodega Bay itself, Jenner offers up a quiet and laid-back seaside retreat – complete with beautiful, unobstructed Pacific Ocean views and dramatic Californian sunsets.
The area around Jenner is rich in nature, with Sonoma Coast State Park on the doorstep. Fittingly, the town is a good base for hiking, and you can enjoy beach combing and tide pooling galore along the shoreline. Its variety of accommodation options makes fitting into this friendly and rustic coastal community a breeze.
I recommend visiting The Children’s Bell Tower while you’re here, built in the memorial for Nicholas Green. This young Bodega Bay local sadly died in Italy at seven years old, whose organs saved seven very sick Italians, four of them teenagers. A magical place between the green hills and the Pacific Ocean, this monument chimes with the wind, sounding like happy children at play.
Jenner Inn | Best Hotel in Jenner
The Jenner Inn property overlooks the impressive Russian River and is filled with charm. There are various tasteful guest rooms on offer, each individually decorated with different themes linking to the local area.
Erin Leigh By The Sea | Best Airbnb in Jenner
With its scenic setting along the Russian River, this cottage in Jenner features wide sweeping ocean views and laid-back interiors. Nearby you can find beaches, hiking trails, and quaint eateries along the coast.
Inside its large windows and simple wood furnishings, all wrapped up in a coastal cottage aesthetic, allow for undistracted sea views. The outdoor deck is a prime spot for soaking up Jenner’s beautiful scenery.
The Viking House | Best Cabin in Jenner
This riverside house is a quiet and peaceful spot for your Sonoma County vacation. Situated along the river in Jenner, this cabin-style holiday home comes complete with a spacious deck and is an epic place for sundowners.
There’s enough room to sleep six people, with a spacious living area boasting comfy furnishings that allow for cozy nights spent around the fire. This cabin is a great option for families visiting the area.
Things to See and Do in Jenner
- Go for a delicious family meal at River’s End Restaurant & Inn and enjoy views of stunning sunsets
- Watch the seals play at Goat Rock State Beach
- Learn about local history at Jenner Visitors Center, situated in a former boathouse
- Enjoy the tasty freshly baked pastries at Cafe Aquatica
- Try out some more beachcombing at Blind Beach; the easy Kortum Trail connects this with Shell Beach
- Head to Sonoma Coast Vineyards for a wine tasting or a picnic
- Check out the boulders and rock formations at Sunset Boulders, a popular activity for families
- Explore the Jenner Headlands Preserve: 5,630 acres of prairies, redwoods, and Douglas fir forests
- Hike around Sonoma Coast State Park (try the six-mile Pomo Canyon Trail)
- Head to visit the Children’s Bell Tower and feel and hear the incredible mountain air
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Bodega Bay
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Bodega Bay and where to stay:
What To Pack For Bodega Bay
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
How do I get to Bodega Bay?
Well, depends on where you’re coming from eh? Directions to Bodega Bay are pretty straightforward, cruise along Highway One on your California roadtrip and keep on keeping on until you hit the water… Not literally though!
What is the loud ol’ horn sound that you can hear across Bodega Bay?
An unmissable part of Bodega Bay is its fog horn at the end of Doran Beach. It keeps a constant watch over this little corner of the Pacific Ocean – and I mean constant. I would be sure to book somewhere that’s not too close or bring some good earplugs!
Where should I eat at Bodega Bay?
Oyster Rockerfeller’s. Hands down. You are in wine and oyster country and the Valley Ford Hotel’s farm-to-fork roadhouse offers a divine marriage of both if you ask me. Enter through the saloon bar, meet locals, and chat the chat. There is also a large dining room as well as a very spacious outdoor dining area with decks and some stately shade trees. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Bodega Bay
Speaking of road-tripping, everyone needs good travel insurance. You never know what’s going to happen!
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Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a beautiful destination in California, with its dramatic shorelines, hiking trails, and wildlife watching. This is truly the place to come if you need to reset and enjoy the finer things in life.
The mild winter season offers an ideal opportunity to explore with fewer visitors, allowing you to immerse yourself in the area’s natural splendor fully. If you’re a fan of crab, the winter months present the prime occasion to savor this delicacy in the charming coastal town of Sonoma County.
I hope my write-up has been helpful to you! Still not sure where to stay? If it’s your first time, I’d recommend making your base in Bodega Bay town itself. Relax at the Inn at the Tides for a memorable stay with stunning bay views.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, I’d pick a beautiful coastal cottage such as Fisherman’s Cottage. Situated by the sea you’ll have a typical Bodega Bay experience with birdsong and ocean views.
Let me know your favorite Bodega Bay hotspots in the comments below!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
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Photo: @amandaadraper
