Family Day at Bodega Bay

 

Bodega Bay on California

Bodega Bay, California. One of the most quaint coastal towns in Northern California. Not primarily known as a family hot spot, Bodega Bay has plenty to offer families. We visited in late September and it was typical NorCal beach weather — overcast. So, as you can imagine, layers are the way to go, because by noon, the sun was breaking in through the clouds and it warmed up. 

It always pays to talk to the locals, and this trip was no exception. We met up with good friends of ours and their three children, add them to our two kids, and the adults needed a plan. After visiting the small grocery store in town to pack our picnic lunch, we stopped at the local chamber office (next to the gas station on Hwy 1, can’t miss it). The gentleman inside highlighted a map with at least seven beaches that would be great to take the kids to, and one other suggestion inland, if we decided to take a break from the waves.

With map in hand, we drove down Hwy 1 about 12 miles to a small road tucked behind an alley of Steinbeck-reminiscent beach cabins and found our way to the parking lot. Once over the sand dune and down to a large log, we sat down, fed the kids, drank wine, and fended off the seagulls long enough to go and play tag with the waves. Honestly, this was the easiest kid activity ever! Living in Colorado, my kids don’t get to the ocean very often, and to be there playing in the sand, running in the (cold) water and rolling down the sand dunes, was all the plan we needed. 

For more information about Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast, visit www.bodegabay.com.

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