Guest Post By Carmen Dexter
Bodega Bay is home to all these things, along with prime whale watching, fishing, and the distinction of being the site of the film, The Birds. If you’re looking to step up your Instagram game, the following locations are the most Instagrammable spots in Bodega Bay, in no particular order.
Bodega Head
Bodega Head juts into the Pacific Ocean in the most majestic way! This rocky point protects the Bodega Bay from the ocean’s powerful waves. There’s a small beach that’s perfect for setting up a tripod but you’ll probably want to stay out of the water. Picture backgrounds include the ocean and very large, jagged, dark rocks. Bodega Head also includes several hiking trails where you can take snapshots.
Kortum Trail
Depending on the season, you might find some brilliant blooms to include in your Instagram shots. The trail hosts many native plants and flowers like California poppy, coastal prickly pear, and thistle.
Doran Beach
There’s a rock jetty on the west end of Doran Beach where you can fish. You’ll also find a boat launch and a campground, providing even more opportunities for distinctive snapshots. Horses are allowed on the east end of the beach, so you can even post pics of you and your pony!
Pinnacle Gulch
A half-mile trail takes you to the beach at Pinnacle Gulch. Once there, you’ll find unique areas just begging to be the background in your posts. The quarter-mile-long beach features interesting rocks, including a rock formation just offshore and a tidal pool. It’s usually not crowded; you can take your photos in privacy. The trail down to the beach features wildflowers when in season, creating yet another background for your pictures.
Schoolhouse Beach
School’s never out at this beach with its stunning landscapes. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re guaranteed to get fabulous pictures. Rocky cliffs surround the wide pebble beach and large, chunky rocks jut out from the water and the shore.
In warmer months, wildflowers grow on top of the headlands, presenting a collection of colors. Don’t plan on taking any pictures from the water, though, because swimming and wading are dangerous due to strong rip currents and chilly water.
Goat Rock Beach
Surf conditions at Goat Rock can be extremely dangerous, so it’s recommended to stay completely out of the water. You can position yourself in front of the interesting rock formations and the breaking waves without getting too close.
Potter’s Schoolhouse
No trip to Bodega Bay would be complete without a stop at Potter’s Schoolhouse. In the film, The Birds, it was known as Bodega Bay School. It’s where blackbirds ominously clustered on the playground before attacking humans.
Although the historic building is actually a private home these days, you can take pictures as long as you stay outside the fence. Some re-enactments from the movie will give your Instagram pics your friends won’t have.
Before You Go
Carmen Dexter is a journalist and teacher living in Texas. Her favorite activities include concerts, football games, and, of course, writing! On any given evening, you’ll find Carmen playing with her dogs, Rizzo and Rocky.