Breakfast:
- Wildflower in Freestone: bring cash and try the still-warm scones and cinnamon pull-apart bread.
- Cape Fear in Duncan’s Mills: a short drive for a delicious and inventive breakfast or brunch.
- Gold Coast Coffee in Duncan’s Mills: stellar coffee from beans roasted onsite. Also brick oven pastries.
- The Café at The Union Hotel: try the handmade granola!
Dining:
- Willow Wood Cafe in Graton: Best breakfasts in the universe plus incredible lunches and dinners.
- Been hearing good things about Hazel in Occidental. We’re hooked on Union Hotel so strongly that we barely know the competitors but this one is definitely worth a try. You can literally walk to Lucas Wharf Restaurant and enjoy a full menu of fresh seafood. If it’s crowded, ask if you can eat the Fisherman’s Stew by the front entry fireplace.
- The Tides is one of Bodega Bay’s most famous restaurants; but equally compelling is its deli counter, which stocks everything you need for a gourmet picnic, Sonoma County Coast style. For a great picnic, drive to Goat Rock Beach (15 minutes north) or park the car and take the trail from Wrights Beach along the coastal ridge to Goat Rock. It’s a lovely trail with plenty of nice places to picnic along the way.
- A wonderful bar and night life place is just across the street from Willow Wood Market called Underwood.
- Across the street from our house is Ruby’s for morning cinnamon rolls and expresso – and for lunch voted “Best Burgers” in Sonoma County at The Hot Dog House.
- Near us also is Spud Point Crab Co. for clam chowder and all things crab. You’ll pass right by this wonderful local eatery when driving to (or from) the Headlands for a hike.
- Enjoy fresh fish and chips at The Boat House on Hwy 1 a few minutes away by car.
- Terrapin Creek offers fine 5-star dining right in Bodega Bay, with impressive menus that change with the season. Expensive, but not outrageous. Consider this one for special occasions and be sure and make reservations.
Our Personal Favorites:
- Bodega Headlands: It’s a 3.4 mile loop that the whole family can enjoy and is a magnificent way to get your geographic bearings of the area. Watch for whale migration January through May.
- The Union Hotel: I (Erika) literally grew up in this cozy family-style Italian restaurant that’s been a local favorite since 1879. The handmade ravioli is out of this world. Fresh salads, minestrone, antipasti come with meals ordered family style and there are numerous a la carte items to choose from. Service is friendly and ummatched. Take a peek at the menu.
- Sophie’s Cellars: This unprepossessing little wine tasting shop in Duncans Mills is Sonoma County’s best-kept secret. One delightful stop brings you tastings and information from some of the best wineries in the Russian River, Alexander and Dry Creek Valley appellations.
