48 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {due west} PHOTOGRAPHY: LOTUS ABRAMS Standing on a windswept bluff on Bodega Head, gazing out at the Pacific Ocean as the waves crash onto the beach below, it’s not hard to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Sonoma Coast. There are so many reasons to visit this remote, unspoiled area. Sweeping vistas appear around nearly every bend along Highway 1; stunning trails and beaches beckon; and seaside eateries offer a taste of the region’s freshest bounty. Spend a few days exploring the area around Bodega Bay and Jenner—luxurious lodgings invite you to linger. BODEGA BAY Start your getaway in picturesque Bodega Bay. Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller The Birds— filmed in Bodega Bay and the surrounding area—put this petite fishing village on many a traveler’s map. But credit also goes to the natural beauty of its setting, offering ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits. Part of Sonoma Coast State Park, don’t miss Bodega Head Trail, an easy 1.7-mile loop on a rocky peninsula that juts out into the Pacific, providing panoramic views of the ocean as well as the bay. Depending on the time of year, you may glimpse migrating whales, seals, wildflowers and seabirds on your walk. Across the channel from Bodega Head, sheltering the bay and harbor, Doran Regional Park is another scenic spot to explore, with its two-mile-long beach, rock jetty (a popular spot for fishing) and grassy dunes that connect with the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail. When it’s time for lunch, head to one of Bodega Bay’s casual seaside spots for fresh seafood specialties like local oysters and clam chowder. Two popular options are Fishatarian Fish Market for fish tacos and local brews and
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