On the coast of California, approximately 60 miles north of San Francisco, lies Bodega Bay; a charming, windy inlet that hugs the Pacific Coast shoreline and marks the boundary between Marin and Sonoma counties. Most famous as the setting of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, The Birds, Bodega Bay offers far more than cinematic allure. Among the many reasons to visit the breezy, coastal enclave are quick daytrips to area hotspots, charter sportfishing and stunt kite-flys, but there are several more. Here’s a look at five Style faves.

Comb the Beaches
Just north of Bodega Bay on California’s Highway 1 are three pristine beaches – vantage points from which to watch local surfers and skim-boarders ride restless waves, stargaze after sunset, and walk hand-in-hand with your sweetie, kicking sand and pocketing seashells. Salmon Creek is great for families as it intersects with the ocean, making it a safe spot for little ones to play and explore; Goat Rock is a well-known landmark that yields exceptional views, and Portuguese Beach offers a lengthy stretch of sand, surf and cliffs. Visit bodegabaytravel.com.

For more about Bodega Bay, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Folsom El Dorado Hills edition. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.