Sure, Bodega Bay’s known as the seaside hamlet where Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 avian horror-flick was filmed, but when you’re not worried about a repeat attack by domoic acid-addled birds, it’s downright charming. Unfortunately, word’s gotten out about that, and overnight prices can run steep in the peak season.
Instead, why not day-trip it the scenic way, sampling some of the North Bay’s tastiest hotspots as you go? Hop in the car — dogs are invited — and choose your own adventure with these delightful food (and drink) options. You can snack as you go, or collect items for a picnic-style feast once you hit the beach.
Brickmaiden Breads, Point Reyes Station
Whether you’re coming from the East Bay, South Bay or Peninsula, by the time you’ve reached Point Reyes Station, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. You may not be as ravenous as the gaggles of cyclists you’ve likely passed along the way, but it’s definitely snack time.
Follow the smell of fragrant carbs to Brickmaiden Breads, where you’ll find an abundant display of freshly baked delicacies. Feeling like an extra-special treat, I went for the almond cardamom cake ($6.50) — because when in doubt, cake for breakfast is always the right choice. That said, the dried apricot-and-pecan scone looked dang tasty too, as did the bergamot-and-rose snickerdoodle. The menu changes frequently, so check for the latest updates. Meanwhile, for lunch later, I picked up a ficelle sandwich with bulgogi tofu, chile oil and peanutty slaw ($9).
Looking to extend your pit stop? Head toward Point Reyes Books for some browsing. This cozy bookshop is carefully curated, with an especially strong nature and environment section. Pick up a beach read for later, maybe?
Heidrun Meadery, Point Reyes Station
Just north of town in Point Reyes Station, you’ll find Heidrun Meadery, a bucolic tasting room and shop serving sparkling mead, or honey wine, including variants made with local wildflower honey. You’re welcome to stop and sit a while — the tasting room invites lingering on a sunny day — but there are more destinations ahead, so it may be wise to just pick up a bottle and continue on your way.
The Marshall Store, Tomales Bay
Next, you’ll drive along Highway 1, rolling along the waterfront edge of Tomales Bay until you arrive at The Marshall Store. If you’re visiting on a weekend, prepare for a line — but don’t be alarmed. It moves quickly. Grab a table at the outside waterfront patio and dining area. Oysters are what the Marshall Store is best known for — they’re from the owners’ family farm, Tomales Bay Oyster Co., and come prepared six ways: raw, barbecue, Rockefeller, Kilpatrick, chorizo-style or smoked.
But there’s something for everyone. Seafood avoiders can chow down on the tri-tip, pulled pork (braised in Guinness) or Cajun sausage sandwiches, or a baked brie wheel made with roasted garlic and cheese from the Nicasio Valley Cheese Co.
Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay
From Marshall, it’s a little over a half-hour to get to Bodega Bay’s Doran Regional Park. You’ve finally made it to your destination! Grab a blanket to sprawl out for the afternoon at this dog- and family-friendly beach, and set out your collected goodies — bread, mead, pastries or oysters — for your DIY picnic.
It’s still the Sonoma coast, so bring a sweatshirt, but the active breezes on a recent spring visit didn’t seem to deter tots or pups from playing in the water — and in fact, the conditions made for excellent kite-flying. One lovely feature of Doran is that the park sits along a spit, and on the inlet side, the water is flat enough for activities like stand-up paddle-boarding or kayaking. The park also has campgrounds if you’re not ready to leave yet.
Captain Davey’s, Bodega Bay
By the time you’ve played at the park for a while — and eaten all your other snacks, you might be feeling in need of caffeine or something sweet. Satisfy both by heading over to Captain Davey’s, a quaint ice cream and coffee shop in town. Affogato, anyone?
Re-energized for the drive back, you can skip the scenic route, ditching Highway 1 for the faster U.S. 101.
Should you be inclined to make a pit stop for some out-of-the-ordinary shopping on your return trip, the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets are home to not one but two pet-oriented bookshops. Morti’s Used Book Nook and Cat Adoption Lounge is a cat cafe open weekends that also sells used books, and the Word Horde Emporium of the Weird and Fantastic shares its space with a charming pet shop.
IF YOU GO
Brickmaiden Breads: Open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 40 Fourth St., Point Reyes Station; brickmaidenbreads.com.
The Marshall Store: Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday and Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday with limited menus at 19225 Highway 1, Marshall; themarshallstore.com.
Doran Regional Park: 201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, $7; parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/
Captain Davey’s: Open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Monday at 537 Smith Brothers Road, Bodega Bay; captaindavey.com.