The San Francisco Bay and its surrounding areas are full of fishing towns in Northern California that are worthy of a quick road trip. Take a coastal ride out of San Francisco and head north toward Bodega Bay, one of the loveliest coastal towns in Northern California. This is a wonderful day trip, and the drive is beautiful as well. If you take the historic 101 you'll be in Bodega Bay in 1.5 hours—and you won't be disappointed. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the fishing opportunities in Bodega Bay, as well as the beauty, uniqueness, and culture—which all feel refreshingly frozen in time. And if you're a Hitchcock fan, this town is definitely worth a stop. Let's explore one of the most intriguing California fishing towns.
When you arrive in Bodega Bay you'll notice Saint Teresa of Avila, a white wooden church, on a hilltop above this small village. Also, artist Ansel Adams made this church the subject of a black-and-white photograph in 1953.
The fishing industry is one of the oldest and most important industries along the North Coast of California. Today, there are around one hundred commercial boats in total, including small, trailered boats, fishing out of Bodega Bay.
Spud Point Marina is in Bodega Harbor. The harbor is the hub of commercial and sport fishing in Sonoma County and is a popular destination during crab and salmon seasons.
Bodega Bay features a remarkable Dungeness Crab fishery. You can see many traps are ready for the crab season.
The quaintness of the town is attractive because the population is only around 1,000.
Make sure to explore and appreciate the immense beauty of the beaches in Bodega Bay. The sunsets here are so colorful and mesmerizing.
Walk around the harbor and get a sense of the town. Bodega Bay was founded in 1775 and became an active harbor until the 1870s.
Bodega Bay was featured in Alfred Hitchcock's film "The Birds." In the movie, a seashore village is the site of murderous birds attacking the local townspeople. A famous scene in the film is at the Potter Schoolhouse.
Many feel Bodega Bay is reminiscent of a New England fishing village, even after some real estate development. The allure of this town includes the surrounding hills, quiet fishing harbor, and fog. Come and visit for a unique experience.
Get some aerial views of beautiful Bodega Bay:
Have you been to Bodega Bay, one of the best fishing towns in Northern California? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments. To explore more of this area, take one of these fantastic road trips to unforgettable destinations in Northern California.
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