Kites and Clam Chowder in Bodega

One of the great things about Sonoma County is its coastline. Sorry Napa, we've got you beat there. Our northern California beaches feel more like Cape Cod than Malibu, but we like it that way. For a coastal adventure in the Wine Country, spend a lazy afternoon on a drive to Bodega Bay, where you can savor some seafood and saltwater taffy, and even fly a kite. For an idyllic afternoon, hit the following stops along Highway One in Bodega Bay.

First Stop: Candy & Kites

Mr. WCC and I never need an excuse to head out to the coast, and since it was our son's third birthday, it was time to follow a family tradition and get our little guy a kite. There's no better place to purchase one than at the famous Candy & Kites in Bodega Bay.

Candy & Kites has been around since 1983. You can find any kind of kite in this shop, from single line kites to stunt kites. The shop also sells garden spinners, banners, flags, and beach toys. There is a great selection of saltwater taffy as well. Candy & Kites is a great resource for local happenings in Bodega Bay, including the local kite club gatherings. For directions to Candy & Kites, look here.

You can't go to the beach with just a kite. You've got to bring along some saltwater taffy and a seafood feast. You can purchase taffy at Candy & Kites, but we think it's just as fun to make another stop on Highway One at a classic saltwater taffy stand. After stopping at Candy & Kites, travel south to Patrick's Saltwater Taffy located just a few minutes away at 915 Highway One. You can't miss the pink and white striped building. At Patrick's, you'll find any flavor of saltwater taffy, and some beachy trinkets to collect.

Third Stop: The Tides Wharf & Restaurant

We recommend the Tides Wharf & Restaurant for the best clam chowder around. You have the option of a sit down formal restaurant with views, or you can pick up chowder, crab, sourdough, and wine at the Fish Market. For a full review of the Tides Wharf, see this previous post.

Fourth and Final Stop: Doran Beach Park

Travel south of the Tides Wharf on Highway One to Doran Park Road, and pay the $6 fee to enter the park for your picnic and kite flying. Doran Beach is a two mile stretch of sandy beach also perfect for strolling and castle building. This is where the local kite club hangs out on a regular basis.

Kites at Doran Beach

There's our little guy's poison dart frog chasing his sister's hound dog

Beautiful and enormous scarlet kite

A rainbow kite spinner

For all things Bodega related, see things from local gal Kathlene's perspective at her blog here. For more information on Bodega Bay, visit this website. For a map of Bodega Bay, print this page. Most days, Bodega Bay is foggy, but now and then, especially is spring and fall, you'll catch blue skies like we did. Check the coastal weather here.

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