The best running trails around Bodega Bay

At the end of the West Shore of Bodega Bay, priceless views across the water spread below the Bodega Head, a hill accessible by on of several trails that continue at the end of the paved road. Bodega Head Trail skirts the cliffs and two beach coves, while Overlook Trail branches off to climb the Head summit.

The Cheney Creek Trail follows the eponymous creek. On some maps it was initially called Doran Marsh Trail. The wide gravel trail is flat and has good views of the marsh. The new Cheney Creek bridge creates fantastic shortcut and carefree bike trail connection from Doran Beach Regional Park to Bodega Bay along the wide and smooth gravel trail that crosses the wetlands. It links up to the Bird Walk coastal access loop trail, which exits either at the main trailhead parking or a half mile further north at the ramp closer to Bodega Bay. Fantastic birdwatching all along the trail.

Doran Regional Park is located just south of Bodega Bay, and has a two‑mile beach ideal for swimming, bird‑watching, or just walking along the water. There is also a campsite with 120 sites and basic amenities.

The Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail is a loop trail that takes you along a saltwater marsh. The trail is gravel and mostly flat.

The Cheney Creek Trail is a straightforward trail that follows the trail of the same name. The trail is flat and has good views of the bay.

This section of the Bodega Head Trail has wonderful views of the bay. This section is especially beautiful

Great view of Bodega Bay. There are some nearby picnic tables that are perfect for a break with a wonderful view.

Protected by a bay from the wild whims of the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Bay is a picturesque fishing village on the Sonoma Coast that is home to sights, sounds and activities - on land or by sea - that call to the adventurer in all of us. Bodega Head, a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, is perfect for strolling along the cliffs and spotting migrating whales observe. A special magic surrounds Bodega and Bodega Bay north of San Francisco. Alfred Hitchcock shot the film “The Birds” here, and the region served as a place of strength and inspiration for artists. The secret of Bodega? Tony Anello, 67, thinks about whether he should start with Alfred Hitchcock. Or rather with Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the disguise artists? Or at the end with Ansel Adams, the photographer of the century? They all worked in Bodega and shaped the image of the place, whose motifs are world-famous and whose name hardly anyone knows. "Well, at least I can name the best-kept secret," says Anello finally: "The recipe for my clam chowder." He says this with a poker face, half mischief and half seriousness behind it - and to the chords of a blues guitarist who has set up next to Anello's fish stand and entertains those waiting solely for tips.