Sonoma County Oceanfront Bars

Traversing the Pacific Coast Highway offers many great views. However, if you're driving your attention is (hopefully) on the winding road. How about stopping and enjoying a drink along the ocean? Sounds relaxing.

Following are some places to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Pacific traveling from south to north along Highway 1. The first three are in the Bodega Bay area; the last is about an hour farther up the coast.

Drake's Fireside     image from sonomamag.com

Drake's Fireside Lounge at Bodega Bay Lodge
There are outdoor fire pits to enjoy or an indoor bar if it's too chilly for you. There's also a restaurant with ocean views and lodging -- all first-rate.

Lucas Wharf
A casual restaurant and bar sitting on Bodge Bay. An outside patio is available on sunny days so you can share with the seagulls.

Gourmet Au Bay 
Restaurant and bar on Bodega Bay specializing in wines, but with some beers available, also. Outside seating available. A great seafood restaurant.

Ocean Cove Bar & Grill
More casual with fish and chips plus clam chowder being the mainstays. Sits on a small cove in coastal northern Sonoma County (what you might call a long way from nowhere). Lodging also available.