{"id":81872,"date":"2025-05-27T17:20:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T00:20:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/?p=81872"},"modified":"2025-05-27T17:33:50","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T00:33:50","slug":"best-places-to-stop-along-highway-1-in-sonoma-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/best-places-to-stop-along-highway-1-in-sonoma-county\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Sonoma Coast on Highway 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

The longest state route in California, Highway 1 traces the rugged Sonoma Coast along the Pacific Ocean, passing through Bodega Bay, Jenner, Fort Ross and other charming towns. This iconic drive offers endless opportunities for scenic strolls, seaside meals, wine tasting and soaking up unforgettable views. Here are a few standout spots for your next road trip.<\/p>\n

Valley Ford: A Tasty Pit Stop<\/h5>\n

Estero Cafe:<\/strong> Approaching Bodega Bay from the south on Highway 1, make a pit stop in Valley Ford for coffee or a tasty breakfast burrito at Estero Cafe<\/a>. For the road, grab a brown paper bag of homemade teriyaki beef jerky next door at Valley Ford Market \u2014 it\u2019s a local favorite. 14450 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-3333.<\/p>\n

Bodega: History and Hitchcock<\/h5>\n

Saint Teresa of Avila Church:<\/strong> Just north of Highway 1 in the town of Bodega, you\u2019ll find this New England-style white wooden church<\/a>, captured in Ansel Adams\u2019s 1953 black-and-white photograph \u201cChurch and Road\u201d and 10 years later in Alfred Hitchcock\u2019s film \u201cThe Birds.\u201d Built in 1862, it is the oldest Catholic Church in continuous use in Sonoma County. 17242 Bodega Highway, Bodega<\/p>\n

Bodega Bay: Seafood, Surf and Scenic Views<\/h5>\n

Doran Beach:<\/strong> Coming out of a steep ravine as you enter Bodega Bay, turn left on Doran Beach Road and wind down to the 2-mile spit that stretches into Doran Beach at Doran Regional Park (parking fee $7). It\u2019s a great place to picnic, explore the beach and watch surfers and fishing boats come and go through the harbor. 201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay.<\/p>\n

Sonoma Coast Vineyards:<\/strong> As you enter Bodega Bay, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, specializing in limited production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is on the left. On a sunny day, the back patio makes a perfect cheese-plate picnic perch for watching snowy egrets that roost in trees along the eastern edge of the bay. 555 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-921-2860.<\/p>\n

\"Outdoor
People dine on fresh seafood at Fishetarian in Bodega Bay. (Kim Carroll \/ Sonoma Magazine)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fishetarian Fish Market:<\/strong> Just north of Sonoma Coast Vineyards, Fishetarian serves excellent seafood \u2014 oysters, chowder, crab sandwiches, grilled fish tacos, fish and chips and more \u2014 all available for online pickup and best enjoyed at picnic tables overlooking the bay. Or bring your meal to the beach. Doran Beach is nearby, or drive further north to Salmon Creek or Goat Rock Beach. 599 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9092.<\/p>\n

Patrick\u2019s Salt Water Taffy:<\/strong> The pink and white stripes that adorn this building \u2014 and serve as the backdrop for many Instagram photos \u2014 are only half as fun as what\u2019s inside. Grab a bag of salt water taffy for the road, whether it\u2019s chocolate caramel mocha, peach or another of the countless flavors available. 915 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9816.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Sasha Bonar (@sashabonar)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n