If you’re looking for a California coastal escape where luxury meets laid-back vibes, The Lodge at Bodega Bay is it. It was recently crowned the #1 Hotel in the World by Condé Nast Traveler readers. After spending some time there, I can confirm that the hype is real.
Located just a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco, this is the perfect quick getaway that will make you feel like you are on a full-blown vacation.
Looking for more of my top Bodega picks? Read these next:
Unbeatable Location
One of the things that makes The Lodge at Bodega Bay so special is its location. It’s literally right next to Doran Beach, which means you can walk from your room to the sandy shore in minutes. We spent a lazy afternoon there, just enjoying the sound of the waves and letting our toes sink into the sand—total bliss! And if you’re into nature walks, you’ll love the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail (just ask reception for a map). We took the easy 1.5-mile loop that winds through beautiful wetlands, and saw so many birds, including some Great Blue Herons!
The lodge has this wonderful, secluded vibe, but you’re still just a stone’s throw from all the “action” in Bodega. So, the taffy shop, fish houses and hiking trails are really close!
*Plus, it’s close enough to be able to spend an afternoon in Hopland and have a day trip to Mendocino. Win, win!
Dining at Drakes
Drake’s is the onsite restaurant at The Lodge at Bodega Bay and offers an unforgettable dining experience with a little something for every mood. One night, we indulged in their fancy dining room, perfect for a special night out. The atmosphere was elegant, and the food was incredible—especially the giant bowl of Tomales Bay manila clams!
But for most of our meals, we kept it casual at Drake’s Fireside Lounge or the bar dining room, both of which welcome walk-ins. The Fireside Lounge quickly became our favorite spot to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the epic sunsets by the outdoor fire pits. And the bar dining room was our pick for breakfast and a casual dinner. Don’t worry, no matter which place you pick to have your meal, the food and service are superb!
We live pretty close to the lodge and have vowed to make it our spot to go for a happy hour glass of wine and a sunset.
On-Site Activities: Relax, Unwind, Repeat
We spent the entire weekend at The Lodge at Bodega Bay without ever getting in our car—there was just that much to do! The property offers a variety of activities that make it easy to stay put and fully immerse yourself in relaxation. From daily nature walks along the bird walk trail (where we spotted Great Blue Herons and Western Gulls) to morning meditation sessions with hot cider, every moment was a chance to unwind and connect with nature. And let’s not forget the nightly s’mores kits—a nostalgic treat that was individually packed with all the essentials. I may have burned my marshmallow to crispy perfection, just the way I like it!
For the ultimate in relaxation, the Sonoma Coastal Massage is one of the most popular treatments offered at their on-site spa—perfect after a day of exploring. The hot tub with its panoramic bay views was another favorite spot, along with the sauna for a cozy, warming escape. Plus there were outdoor fire pits scattered around the property which were prime real estate during sunset, so be sure to snag one early for a blissful evening under the stars.
Dreamy Accommodations
Let’s talk about the rooms—because, wow. Our room was a sanctuary of comfort, complete with a cozy fireplace, an nespresso machine (my caffeine lover husband was so happy!), and a welcome bottle of Cabernet that made us feel instantly at home. The views? Simply breathtaking views of the bay
Check Rates & Availability for The Lodge at Bodega Bay
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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