On A Tank Of Gas: January

Community Comments

Bodega Bay, Jenner and Occidental

By Janis Dice

With the holiday buzz fading, now is a good time for a relaxing adventure that loops through the coastal communities of Bodega Bay, Jenner and the inland village of Occidental.
    About a two-hour drive from Sacramento, Bodega Bay is one of the easiest-to-reach spots along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Take Interstate 80 west to Highway 37, hop on 101 north for about 12 miles, then follow East Washington Street west through Petaluma. After passing through vintage business and residential precincts, the city street becomes the Bodega Highway.
    As it dips past cow- and sheep-studded pastures for almost 30 miles, the road merges with Highway 1 near Valley Ford. Head north about five miles to reach Bodega Bay’s mixture of inns, galleries, kitschy shops, ocean-view restaurants and down-to-earth eateries.
    Discovered by Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra in 1775, this fishing village is a tourist hub, with the Bodega Harbour Golf Course anchoring the south side, and marinas and beaches tied to the north end of town. In between are fancy vacation homes, weathered bungalows and a handful of pricey motels.
    The Inn at the Tides is a mid-range lodge, with rooms running from $199 to $269 this time of year. With lush grounds, bay views, an indoor-outdoor pool, spa and exercise center and in-room massages available by appointment for $80 per hour, the place is designed for rejuvenation.
Continued...

• Share
  • Digg This
  • del.icio.us
  • Newsvine
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Furl It
  • !Y My Web
  • Google
• Email
• Print

Recommend This

Community Comments