The perfect spring day might be spent with a partner, shooting a round of golf or hiking down a wildflower-edged trail to Pinnacle Gulch Beach in Bodega Bay. After enjoying the bright blue skies and white-capped waters, finish the afternoon with a visit to the Bluewater Bistro at Doran Beach. Wind uphill on Heron Drive past the enclave of Bodega Harbour homes, arriving at the restaurant in time for the sunset.

Upstairs in the Fireside Lounge, perch at the bar for a glass of locally made wine, or sit at one of the handful of tables. All have expansive views of the 16th hole and the sand traps on the golf course bordering the beach. Order golf-ball-sized Bluewater Dungeness crab cakes paired with tomato-ginger chutney or a hot bowl of fresh salmon chowder, and watch the sun sink over the low hills of Bodega Head. Fill up on a blue-cheese burger, fresh snapper fish and chips, surf and turf, or a rustic Sonoma-style pizza. Share a piece of chocolate mousse cake to put a sweet topping on the evening.

All menu items are under $20, making the spectacular setting affordable for all diners. On Thursdays, a wide variety of live music is offered from 5pm, along with martini specials. Ensconced in the large couches, patrons stay warm themselves by the stone fireplace, even as the waves rumble and the wind whips through the lavender and rosemary landscaping outside. 21301 Heron Drive, Bodega Bay. 707.875.3513.—S.D.

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