Jenner or Bodega Bay??
 

DH and I will be in Healdsburg next week and would like to drive out to the coast one day. Had thought we'd go to Jenner and found a winery or two to visit en route...but am wondering if Bodega Bay is nicer. We're hoping for pretty views and fresh fish. Any thoughts, Fodorites?

Does it have to be an either/or situation? They are about eight miles apart.
http://www.bodegabaytravel.com/

The Boat House in Bodega Bay (while admittedly funky) has good seafood. Lucas Wharf also gets good reviews and has more of a view, if I remember correctly.

We love Lucas Wharf for dining: excellent crab cakes, margaritas, and the calamari appetizer.

Make sure you watch Hitchcock's The Birds before coming as it was filmed around Bodega Bay.

I agree both are easily doable - From Healdsburg take the Russian River Rd (stop at some wineries) to Jenner then follow the coast down to Bodega Bay have a late lunch and head back up Bodega Hwy to Hwy 101. Very scenic day trip.

that was a really looooong drive from napa though. i agree, the boathouse has good fresh seafood.

Thanks to all who posted. I didn't realize the two areas were so close by. We'll do them both!

Any ideas for hotels in or near Jenner/Bodega? Thanks!

In Bodega we stay at Inn at the Tides. In Jenner it's Jenner Inn http://www.jennerinn.com/

Coming from a previous resident of Bodega Bay and long term visitor; stay overnight in Bodega Bay. I recommend renting a house or staying at the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa over the Inn at the Tides. Both are pricey, but I love Bodega Bay Lodge because it is so close to Doran Beach. You could also pass Jenner and keep driving north up Hwy 1 to Timber Cove and stay the night at Timber Cove Inn. http://www.timbercoveinn.com/
There really is nothing to do in Timber Cove but watch the sea. But the inn is extremely better lodging than what you will find in Jenner. Jenner only has a few options and they're not spectacular. You could save Jenner as a day trip (you can go to any number of beaches between Bodega Bay and Jenner). Be careful and read all signs posted at local beaches. Rip tides are very dangerous in this area. Another nearby quaint town that offers day shopping and a place to get a decent coffee is Duncans Mills. And you could also drive over to the town of Bodega, Freestone and Occidental. All excellent choices for day trips!

Bodega Bay Crab Company has the best clam chowder in Bodega Bay. It's located on West Shore Road across from the Marina. You can't miss it. Eat there and watch the boat traffic or get it to go and drive up a mile or so to the Head and watch the sunset.