Early in California's history, a Spaniard by the name of Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra Mollineda and a group of explorers set anchor at the mouth of Tomales Bay at the southern tip of Bodega Bay. This is according to a journal kept by a member of the party. This group claimed large portions of the land in the name of Spain. In the mid 1800s, Mexico gained independence from Spain. California was granted to the citizens and soldiers of Mexico.

Captain Stephen Smith and his Peruvian wife, Manuela Torres, established Rancho Bodega which encompassed a large area of Bodega Bay. Firman Camelot founded the city of "Bay" in the late 1800s, which later became Bodega Bay.

The Bodega Bay of today is a popular spot to vacation in a coastal town that still has an old fashioned easy lifestyle. A place where people come from far and wide for a clam chowder cook-off.

Golf in Bodega Bay or nearby at one of these courses:

• Bodega Harbour Golf Links in Bodega Bay, CA
• Northwood Golf Club in Monte Rio, CA just 9.9 miles from Bodega Bay
• Forebay Golf Course in Santa Nella, CA is a short 12.2 miles from Bodega Bay

Things to do:

• Bodega Bay Sports Fishing Center offers you a chance to reel in the big fish. Salmon, Halibut, Rock Cod, Ling Cod, Sport Crabbing and Whale Watching. Reservations (707) 875-3344 Aggressor Adventures prides themselves on offering the best trip possible - Sportfishing and Whale Watching. Reservations (707) 829-4728
• Hagemann Ranch Trout Farm offers trout fishing in the old pond that is stocked with rainbow trout. (707) 876-3216
• Chanslor Stables gives you the chance to enjoy an exhilarating horseback riding on the beach. Maybe a guided trail ride is something you have wanted to try. Chanslor Stables offers you views along the coast or atop a hill. 2660 Coast Hwy One, Bodega Bay, CA (707) 875-3333
• Bodega Bay Surf Shack offers surf lessons and kayak rentals. (707) 875-3944

Restaurants:

• Sandpiper Restaurant & Café has a warm friendly atmosphere with seafood dishes and some upscale seafood dishes, too. Friendly and accommodating service. 1410 Bay Flat Road, Bodega Bay, CA (707) 875-2278
• Mosaic Restaurant and Wine Lounge has a delicious coffee-encrusted steak and an abundance of wine. 6675 Front Street, Forestville, CA (707) 887-7503
• Tides Wharf Restaurant offers seafood with a view. 835 Pacific Coast Hwy, Bodega Bay, CA (707) 875-2777