Located on the Pacific Coast, 68 miles north of San Francisco, Bodega Bay facilitates a host of outdoor activities including some of the best whale watching in the United States. Bodega Bay is characterized by Bodega Head, a peninsula between the ocean and the bay and an ideal vantage point from which to observe whales. Whales migrate past this point twice a year, from January to February and April to May. The city is close to a number of parks and beaches, including Doran Regional Park, where camping, surfing and body-boarding are popular activities. Visitors can also expect to find exceptional golfing, horseback riding, kayaking and diving opportunities nearby. In addition to Bodega Bay's recreational prospects, a variety of gift shops and art galleries, such as the Branscomb Gallery, provide an interesting collection of items and a unique shopping experience.