The best walks and hikes around Salmon Creek

Long sandy paradise cove lined by a somewhat sandy trail and a road. The sand on the beach is bikeable at low tide close to the water.

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.

Doran Beach is a beautiful, quiet beach along Campbell Cove. There are picnic tables if you prefer to stay out of the sand, but still enjoy the wonderful view.

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.

Upper Dunes Trail offers dramatic views of the bluffs and a chance to feel the ocean breeze as you trek through the scrub and sand, filled with wildlife. In the spring, you can expect an explosion of color from all the wildflowers. The trail connects multiple paths leading to the beautiful Salmon Creek Beach; however, the first 2 miles of the route can be challenging due to the very soft sand and heavy equestrian use. Some choose to take Westshore Road as an alternative, take on a side trail, or reverse the route and begin their adventure from the Bodega Head Trail. Whichever path you take, your reward will be fantastic views and an incredible experience on this gorgeous peninsula.

This overlook offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding area. Bodega Head is a beautiful long Peninsula that juts straight south, creating a protected lagoon that shelters Bodega Bay and the harbor. It is a prime spot to observe the whales' migration. It has a substantial population of marine mammals, making it a great place to spot and capture photos of the many pelicans, harbor and elephant seals that inhabit the area.