Bodega Bay Vacation Rentals

Spud Point Crab Company is a family-operated business by the waterfront at Spud Pointe Marina in Bodega Bay. The owners provide all the fresh fish from their own boat and they run this unique restaurant, which features a delicious clam chowder, fresh catch of the day, and of course, crab. You can eat-in or take-out…and it’s always delicious!

Point Reyes National Seashore is only 45 minutes from “At the Bay’s Edge”, and it covers over 100 square miles, including 32,000 acres of coastal wilderness area. There are 147 miles of hiking trails, and numerous beaches. Kayaking, biking, hiking, beachcombing, and visiting the Pt. Reyes Light Station are just a few of the self-guided activities awaiting your visit.

The park is also home to one of the largest populations of tule elk and a thriving breeding ground for the once nearly extinct elephant seals. Jutting 10 miles into the Pacific Ocean, Point Reyes also offers one of the best spots for viewing the migrations of the California gray whale. Have fun!

The annual gray whale migration is underway. Each year approximately 15,000 gray whales swim south from their Arctic feeding grounds, en route to their Baja California breeding and calving grounds. From December through May, gray whales can be observed a few miles off California’s shore.

For more information on Whale Watching Trips leaving from Bodega Bay:
Oceanic Society: Naturalists give talks about the whales and their migration
Wil’s Fishing: Departs twice daily for whale watching

Many of my guests are suprised to learn that Bodega Bay is one of the best birding spots in Sonoma County. More rare birds have been spotted here than in any other area in Sonoma County. Madrone Audubon organizes many birding trips to Bodega Bay, including Walkabouts, Field Trips and Beginners Bird Walks.

Check out the Audobon’s monthly calendar for Bird Watching in Bodega Bay….it details who you can expect to see.

Molly (my Newfoundland) and I took a walk over to Bodega Bay’s Spud Point Marina today….and saw this duo! She sees / hears them all the time as they swim by the house and poke their heads up for a look….but this is the first time she’s seen them out of the water and she wasn’t quite sure what to make of them!

On the evening of the Twelfth Night, or the Day of the Epiphany, the last rite in the Old Christmas celebration took place — the burning of the Christmas greens. This celebration commenorated the visit of the Magi to adore Jesus. Join in this tradition, when local Christmas trees will be burned in a huge bonfire.

Bodega Harboour Yacht Club is holding it’s annual Burning of the Greens on Friday January 6, 2006 at the Bodega Harbour Yacht Club…bagpiper is at 5:30, cocktails and appetizers at 5:30, and the burning ceremony will be held at 6:30 pm. You can call 707-875-3519 to make a reservation, cost is $8.

The lighted boat parade in Petaluma drew a crowd of 2,000 this year, and there are many boats lit up at night in the Spud Point Marina in Bodega Bay as well….the holiday spirit is all around!

Bodega Head is just a few minutes from At the Bay’s Edge, and features both dramatic views and several hiking trails.

There are no entrance or park fees, the 3.0 mile partial loop hike is easy. There is only one short easy uphill stretch, and the rest of the hike is nearly flat. You can split this hike into two, shorter ones — a 1.1 mile out and back to the overlook, or a 1.8 mile loop through the headlands. And the view is spectacular no matter what route you take!

A Charlie Brown Christmas is celebrating 40 years this month, and there is a fabulous display commemorating this anniversary at the Charles Schultz musuem in Santa Rosa. The display is on through January 6, 2006.

This museum is very dynamic and always has special events, in addition to their ongoing exhibits. There’s even a Snoopy Labyrinth…something for everyone! It’s well worth the trip!

The Tomales Bay Oyster Farm sells oysters, mussels and clams. They are only 45 minutes from At the Bay’s Edge and it’s well worth the trip….they are located down by Pt. Reyes — so there’s lots to see and do along the way.

The oyster farm has been in operation since 1909 — and is open to the public every day from 8am – 6pm. They welcome you to eat there with picnic tables and grills….or take your order home to enjoy!