Bodega is a tiny town featuring a historic general store and schoolhouse. As suggested by the Hitchcock movie that was filmed here, it is a popular spot for bird-watching. Wander through the town centre to appreciate the serenity in this quaint little community.
Among the most iconic structures in the region is the Potter Schoolhouse, a private residence that was used for part of the 1963 horror film The Birds. Capture photos of this 19th-century house, which has been a restaurant, an inn and a guesthouse. Admire the green tiles and white slabs that make up the façade of this house.
Visit the Saint Teresa of Avila Church, which also appeared in the psychological thriller. Take photos of the steeple and elegant white façade of this wooden church. Enjoy the views of the town from the church’s hilltop vantage point.
Gaze up at the range of peaceful birds from the grounds of these famous movie sites. Walk along the riverbanks of Salmon Creek, which flows through the centre of the town.
Head to one of the food markets that are scattered throughout the town. Purchase snacks and drinks and lay down a blanket in a plaza for a picnic during the area’s hot summers and mild winters. Browse the many shops and restaurants at the heart of this small community.
Note that the town is often referred to as Bodega Roads or Bodega Corners to distinguish it from Bodega Bay. It takes its name from the 18th-century European settler Juan Francisco Bodega y Caudra.
The town is located in Sonoma County in the northwestern section of California. Fly to San Francisco International Airport and drive north for 75 miles (120 kilometres) to get here in around 2 hours. Visit nearby areas, such as Bodega Bay, the Doran Regional Park and Bodega Head. Take a bus between the town and the Bay Area.
View Hitchcock’s 1963 horror film before you visit Bodega, a town intrinsically linked to the movie.