Winter is when Bodega Bay shows its wild side. The crowds thin out, the harbor stays busy with fishing boats, and the coastline puts on its most dramatic show. Here’s what to expect.
Storm Watching on the Coast
Storm watching usually starts in November and runs through winter, with the biggest swells typically from December through February. Conditions change from day to day, so check the forecast before you go. Bundle up, bring binoculars, and watch from a safe distance. Sneaker waves can catch people off guard, so stay off the rocks and follow posted warnings. Bodega Head is a popular viewpoint.
Gray Whales On the Move
Gray whales travel south along the coast from about December through February, with the busiest stretch in January. In late February and March, the northbound migration begins, so you may see whales traveling in both directions. Bodega Head is a good place to look from, and calm, clear days give you the best chance of a sighting.
Dungeness Crab, With a Caveat
Recreational crab season opens Nov. 7 this year, but some areas along the coast remain closed because of elevated domoic acid, a natural toxin that can build up in crab. Commercial crab fishing in Northern California is delayed until January 1, 2027, after whale entanglement concerns and meat quality testing pushed back openings in recent years. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you plan a crab dinner, and expect fresh local crab to be harder to find during the holidays. [Insert the local restaurants you recommend for crab, after confirming they’re serving it this season.]
Where to Eat
The Bay View Restaurant & Lounge at The Inn at the Tides serves what it describes as creative wine country cuisine, with views of the bay. Dinner runs Thursday through Sunday from 6:00 to 9:30 pm, and the bar is open Thursday through Sunday from 4:00 to 10:00 pm. Reservations are required. The restaurant also posts seasonal menus, including one for Thanksgiving.
Where to Stay for a Cozy Winter Weekend
The Inn at the Tides sits on the harbor and has a restaurant in its main lodge. If you’d like a home rather than a hotel room, Wine Country to Coast rents vacation homes in Bodega Bay, including larger homes for groups, and its listings can be filtered for pet-friendly stays and hot tubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is storm watching season in Bodega Bay?
Storm watching usually begins in November and runs through winter, with the strongest swells typically from December through February. Check the forecast before you go, since conditions change daily.
When can you see gray whales near Bodega Bay?
Southbound whales pass mostly from December through February, and northbound whales return from late February through spring. Bodega Head is a good viewing spot, and calm days give the best chance of a sighting.
When does Dungeness crab season open?
Recreational crab season opens Nov. 7 this year, but some areas remain closed due to domoic acid. Commercial fishing in Northern California is delayed until January 1, 2027. Dates are set by state regulators and can change, so check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for current openings.
Is Bodega Bay open in winter?
Many restaurants, shops, and lodgings stay open year-round, though some reduce weekday hours. Call ahead or check the business’s website before you visit.
