Bodega Bay Family Travel Guide – Kid-Friendly Things To Do
One of Northern California's best-kept secrets is Bodega Bay. This small beach town is located right on the bay in Sonoma County. This seaside town is breathtakingly beautiful and an amazing destination for having a whale of a time in the great outdoors, plus enjoying fresh seafood eats.
Driving along the gorgeous California State Route 1 North, you will come right through Bodega Bay. The town itself is small, only 13 square miles, but there is plenty to do and discover. It wraps around the bay perfectly, making for plenty of coastal beach spots to explore.
The most popular activities are hanging at the beach, hiking the nature reserves and boating. Bodega Bay is a beautiful whale hotspot all year round, and you can easily book tickets to sailing here.
This fishing village has become an under the radar tourist destination, offering fresh seafood restaurants, vacation rentals, and coastal views, which makes it a popular weekend beach getaway spot.
In this kid-friendly guide to Bodega Bay we outline the best beaches for a picnic, outdoor activities for older kids, where to eat with kids, local attractions and even wine tasting in Sonoma County with your children.
Best Time of Year to Visit Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay temperatures stay consistently cool throughout the year with averages ranging between the 50’s and 60’s Fahrenheit. This makes it a haven for inland dwellers looking to escape peak summer heat.
My family is the perfect example. During the month of August in Sacramento, many days have temperatures over 100 degrees. We spent the weekend in Bodega Bay to both escape the heat and the wildfire smoke that loomed over Sacramento. I was pregnant with my son at the time and the cooler temperatures and clean air was really needed.
Diekmann’s Bay Store.
Book Your Stay in Bodega Bay:
This beachside cottage sits right on Portuguese Beach. During your stay you can sit in the hot tub on the deck and watch ocean waves.
Some of the perks available to guests at The Bodega Lodge are onsite bike rentals, a swimming pool and hot tub. The beach is also a 10 minute walk away.
This adorable Seaside Cottage is 5-minute walk to Salmon Creek Beach, it has a private patio for watching sunsets and a serene garden.
Best Beaches for a Beach Day in Bodega Bay
Spending time in the sun by the water is one of the most popular kid-friendly things to do in Bodega Bay. The Sonoma Coast has a number of picturesque little beaches interspersed with rocky points.
Northern California's famed coastline offers travelers a mix of scenic beaches with rocky coastlines, hidden coves and sandy beaches. Each beach offers something unique – besides sand and water – which is why we've made this list.
Keep reading to get an idea of the best beaches in Bodega Bay to help you decide which to add to your trip itinerary.
Doran Regional Park
Doran Regional Park, located off Highway 1 on the south side of Bodega Bay, has a beach, picnic, camping, and public restrooms. A great place to pitch a tent, have a spectacular picnic, and play frisbee with the little ones.
Sonoma Coast State Park & Goat Rock Beach
This huge stretch of beach runs from a coastal point about 6 miles north of Jenner and continues about 17 miles south to Bodega Head.
The coastal range is located along Highway 1 and consists of several beaches, including Goat Rock Beach which has a parking lot and easy accessible sandy stretch of beach for picnics.
Bodega Head
Bodega Head offers stunning panoramic ocean views from the top of the cliffs, leisurely walking trails, easy beach access, and plentiful views of wildlife including seals and migrating whales. All which makes this a place to add to your list of things to do with kids in Bodega Bay.
If you're looking for a family-friendly place to recharge your batteries after walking along the seaside trails, visit the long-standing Spud Point Crab Company which is located up the road. They are known for their clam chowder and crab sandwiches.
Westside Regional Park
Westside Regional Park in Bodega Bay has year-round campgrounds and is a popular place to launch boats and kayaks into Bodega Harbor. If you want bay views without having to get dirty on the sand, there's benches on the bluffs with panoramic water views.
Westside Regional Park has 46 campgrounds for tents/cars in Bodega Harbor. All campgrounds require reservations, which can be made 12 months in advance.
Wright’s Beach Campground
Campers who want to set up right on the beach, overlooking the ocean, prefer to choose Wright's Beach Campground. Visitors enjoy exploring the coast, wildlife viewing, photography, and bird watching. There's also walking and hiking trails right in this area.
Roadhouse Coffee Cafe.
Things To Do with Older Kids in Bodega Bay
If your kids are past the baby and toddler stage, you have many more options for activities while on vacation. Below I’ve listed popular and adventurous things to do with your older children.
Horseback Riding in Bodega Bay
One of the most popular activities to do with older children is horse riding. There are two horse riding options in the Bodega Bay area, Chanslor Stables and Horse N Around Trail Rides.
Chanslor Stables - If you want to combine ocean views with a cruising horseback ride, Chanslor Stables offers guided horseback rides with spectacular coastal vistas.
Miles of riding trails lead to mountain peaks, grassy meadows, coastal dunes and the beach. Private rides are also available.
Horse N Around Trail Rides - Horse N Around Trail Rides runs all year round and offers a variety of trails for rides right on the beach. There are different riding options available. You can choose a 60-minute ride along the sand dunes and panoramic views of Bodega Bay Harbor and the Sonoma Coast. Or book a 90-minute ride along the beach that includes a tour of the dunes and harbor, plus a ride on a long stretch of beach. You can also walk through Hagemann Ranch, an incredible family ranch with gorgeous views of the coastal hills.
Fishing at Hagemann Ranch Trout Farm
Enjoy trout fishing in an old pond that has been producing rainbow trout for over 35 years! This trout farm is located in the mountains on over 500 acres between the towns of Bodega and Bodega Bay, off Highway 1 in Northern California. They have all the equipment you need for fishing available to rent onsite, and they have. a snack bar.
Kayaking in Bodega Bay
Rent a kayak and explore the beauty of Bodega Bay! Watch cruising seals and flocks of seabirds on your own or on a guided tour. Beginner kayakers are welcome and encouraged to try out their skills, as everyone will be guided through the basics and looked after during the tour. All equipment and pre-departure briefing are included in the rental.
Where to Eat with Kids in Bodega Bay
As parents ourselves, we understand how tricky it can be to find kid-friendly restaurants when you’re traveling. You want to make sure the vibe is casual and there’s a kid’s menu. Especially when you’ve got a picky eater like our toddler.
I’ve vetted all the below restaurants to make sure they are casual eateries for those who want a leisurely meal that children can also enjoy. I also made sure that they have other types of food besides seafood, because neither my child or my husband will eat fish, shellfish or crustaceans.
Diekmann’s Bay Store
If you are looking for a to-go place to pick up a picnic lunch, Diekmann's Bay Store has everything you need. Here you can find burgers, sandwiches, or homemade pizzas, as well as wine, beer, and local cheeses and meats. Ideal for families with children of all ages.
When we first arrived into Bodega Bay after driving from Sacramento, we were super famished and wanting a quick meal. We picked up a pizza from Diekmann’s and had a beach picnic.
The Boat House
The Boat House is a casual restaurant with a kitschy nautical theme. They serve all kinds of fried sea food, burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs. Loyal patrons love their clam chowder bread bowls, fish tacos and fish n’ chips.
Drakes Sonoma Coast
Another coveted foodie destination is Bodega Bay is Drakes Sonoma Coast. This is another restaurant that has thought of little travelers and provided a lengthy kid’s menu with treats such as hot chocolate, Shirley Temples, ice cream and milk and cookies. Diners can enjoy spectacular ocean views and artisan farm-to-table meals of seafood, veggies and meat.
The Birds Cafe
For those looking to enjoy their meals outside, there is a beautiful outdoor patio at The Birds Cafe. Enjoy the warm sunshine and breathe in fresh sea air. The food is casual sea food with some unexpected menu gems such artichoke tacos and artichoke fritters.
Roadhouse Coffee Cafe
I know us adults need our caffeine fix in the morning, and you’ll want to know where your local coffee shop is. The Roadhouse Coffee Cafe has popular hot drinks such as Mexican mocha, chai latte, white chocolate mocha, hot chocolate and spiced cider. They also have breakfast pastries such as scones and bagels.
Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy
As you’re driving through Bodega Bay towards the beach, you’ll likely pass by the pink and white candy striped little hut. This is literally a tiny candy shop filled with all kinds of salt water taffy flavors. Some of my favorite off-the-wall flavors include pickle, coconut curry, chicken and waffles, frosted cupcake and maple bacon.
Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery
The Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery shop is another popular place to pick up picnic lunches to take to the beach. Their grab and go selection includes gourmet cheese boxes, sandwiches, pastries, snacks, wine, beer and ice cream. They are located just outside Bodega Bay and it’s a popular pit stop heading into the coast.
Across the street is the historical Valley Ford Hotel, which feels like you’re stepping into an old-world era of the past.
More Attractions to Visit in Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay Farmer’s Market
The Bodega Bay Farmer's Market offers the freshest, locally grown produce, specializing in organic and gourmet varieties of fruits and vegetables. You can also buy duck and chicken eggs, as well as handmade bread, olive oil, and first-class goat and cow cheeses.
If you've booked a vacation house with a full kitchen, you can cook up a delicious family dinner with the fresh produce you pick up. When visiting with children, you can try their honey and jelly. Adults can try salsa and hummus and buy organic skin care products.
Each week, a different food truck offers hot food, which will also be an interesting foodie adventure.
The Farmer’s Market is seasonal between the dates of Memorial Day Sunday through October. It takes place on Sundays between 10am - 2pm at 2255 Highway 1
Bodega Bay CA, 94923.
Potter Schoolhouse
All film buffs will be excited to learn that Alfred Hitchcock's infamous The Birds was set and filmed in Bodega Bay. The 1963 film classic, in which birds suddenly turn murderous and attack the townspeople of Bodega Bay, was filmed almost exclusively in town.
Some of the film's most notorious landmarks, such as the schoolhouse and the church, can still be visited. It is great fun to watch the movie before visiting Bodega Bay and then go exploring all the sites. Although you cannot enter the private residence, it provides excellent photo opportunities.
Children’s Bell Tower
If you’re looking for a picnic spot in a quiet place, you can find picnic tables and benches near the Children’s Bell Tower. This heartwarming monument is dedicated to the true story of “The Nicholas Effect.” In short a local boy from Bodega Bay was killed while his family was vacationing in Italy. The family donated his organs to save the lives of other dying children. This sad but moving monument was erected in their honor.
Families, schools, and churches all over Italy donated bells to hang from three towers. One hundred and thirty bells were used – church bells, ship bells, school bells, mining bells, and even cowbells. Some of these antique bells had been passed on through the generations.
This bell tower, which was blessed by Pope John Paul II, contains the names of Nicholas and sick children who were given a new chance to live a full life.
Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy Shop.
Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy Shop.
Kid-Friendly Sonoma County Wineries
Bodega Bay is part of Sonoma County and you’re less than an hour drive away from world-class wineries. In my kid-friendly guide to Sonoma County, I list the best wineries that welcome parents with children. My husband and I have brought our toddler with us to these wineries for tastings and vineyard tours. I also give many more suggestions on nearby things to do with your children just outside Bodega Bay.
Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery.
Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery.
See More Hotel Stays in Bodega Bay:
The Inn features a swimming pool and hot tub. It is located next to The Tides Wharf which has a restaurant, shopping and bay views.
This unique beach cottage has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a full kitchen for making vacation dinners. Salmon Creek Beach is just steps away!
This beach house has sophisticated interior design and comfortable furnishings. Nearby is the Doran Beach and cycling trails.
Family Beach Day Essentials:
If you’re a parent who hasn’t yet discovered the magic of Melissa & Doug toys, let me introduce you. They are very high quality play sets that last a long time and kids loves them.
Getting your kids to wear sunscreen can be a battle. When we discovered glitter sunscreen it was a big game changer. This easy to apply sunscreen has biodegradable glitter which leaves skin sparkling. It also smells amazing!
We have a collection of serape blankets that we always take with us to the beach. They are comfy to lay on and easy to wash in the washing machine after a beach day.
