Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the peninsula's tip, Bodega Head rises 265ft above sea level. To get there (and see the
open ocean), head west from Hwy 1 onto Eastshore Rd, then turn right at the stop sign
onto Bay Flat Rd. It's great for
whale-watching
. Landlubbers enjoy
hiking
above the surf,
where several good trails include a 3.75-mile trek to Bodega Dunes Campground and a
2.2-mile walk to Salmon Creek Ranch.
Bodega Marine Laboratory & Reserve
SCIENCE CENTER
( 707-875-2211;
www.bml.ucdavis.edu
; 2099 Westside Rd; 2-4pm Fri)
Run by University of California (UC) Davis, this spectacularly diverse teaching and re-
search reserve surrounds the research lab, which has studied Bodega Bay since the 1920s.
The 263-acre reserve hosts many marine environments, including rocky intertidal coastal
areas, mudflats and sandflats, salt marsh, sand dunes and freshwater wetlands. On most
Friday afternoons docents give tours of the lab and surrounds.
Ren Brown Collection Gallery
GALLERY
(
www.renbrown.com
; 1781 Hwy 1; 10am-5pm Wed-Sun)
The renowned collection of modern Japanese prints and California works at this small gal-
lery is a tranquil escape from the elements. Check out the Japanese garden at the back.
Chanslor Ranch
HORSEBACK RIDING
( 707-785-8849;
www.chanslorranch.com
; 2660 N Hwy 1; rides from $40)
Just north of town, this friendly outfit leads horseback expeditions along the coastline and
the rolling inland hills. Ron, the trip leader, is an amiable, sun-weathered cowboy straight
from central casting; he recommends taking the Salmon Creek ride or calling ahead for
weather-permitting moonlight rides. The 90-minute beach rides are donation based, and
support a horse-rescue program.
Overnight trips in simple platform tents, which are excellent for families, can also be ar-
ranged. If you book a ride, you can park your RV at the ranch for free.
Bodega Bay Sportfishing Center
FISHING, WHALE-WATCHING
(
707-875-3344;
www.bodegacharters.com
; 1410 Bay Flat Rd)
