Bodega Head: Spectacular Wild Surf, Ancient Wanderers, Whales and Wonders

Along Westshore Road to Bodega Head you'll find great seafood, crab and clam chowder by the commercial Harbor. The drive along the Bay is also a fantastic and world-renowned place to bird watch. Fish, clam and gig for crabs in season.The UC Davis Marine Laboratory is also open for tours most Fridays, with large aquariums and displays. There's also wine and great food at the end of Eastshore Rd by the Marina on the east side of the Bay, where private fish and whale Charters go out. If you're outfitting for surfing,wind surfing, kayak, paddle board, or other coastal activities, Bodega Bay Surf Shack has the gear and guides.

Open from dawn to dusk. The seacoast is magnificent all year. Seasonally, the Head turns lush green by the end of February and wildflowers have started to bloom by March. Different species open in turn right through November, although the peak in color and varieties is usually April to July. Whales might be seen at any time of year, but the greatest pulse is late winter to mid spring when the Grays are heading north. Bird migrations follow changes in temperature: they traveling south in mid fall and north in early spring, with local nesting populations onshore and offshore swelling by mid spring.

Weather on the Head: Forest Gump said it best, “you never know what you’re gonna get”. Crystal clear see-forever blue skies, whipping chill wind, soft tropical breeze, hot bright sun, dense grey fog, rain-driven tempest, epic sunsets: they’re all possible.

That’s fun and exhilarating if you’re properly dressed, so check the forecast and bring layers you can put on or take off depending on the ocean’s mood. It’s about 10 to 20 degrees cooler here than inland. If there’s fog it often burns off by early afternoon, which is also when winds may kick up.

The amazing sea cliffs on Bodega Head are tall and sheer because they’re slowly eroding and tumbling into the sea. To keep from falling with or off them, stay back from the edge. What looks solid on top may be undercut beneath.

There are two pit type toilets at the main parking lot, and another pair at the upper lot near the Hole in the Head location. State Parks staff work very hard and keep them clean.

There's no drinking water available on the Head, so bring your own.

Dogs are not allowed on Bodega Head, but they’ll be tail waggin’ happy to know they are welcome in County parks around the Bay and on ten State beaches just a little up the coast, on leash.