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Things to Do in Bodega: The Birds Filming Locations
Five sites anchor Bodega's historic core, all within a short walk of the village center. Three have direct connections to Alfred Hitchcock's “The Birds” (1963).
Bodega is the inland village in the Sonoma County hills, about five miles east of the coastal town of Bodega Bay. The two are easy to mix up: the Potter Schoolhouse and St. Teresa of Avila Church scenes in “The Birds” were filmed here in the inland village, not on the coast.
Points of Interest
Five places,
all walkable.
The historic core of Bodega is a single small loop. Three of the buildings below have direct connections to Hitchcock's “The Birds.” All are visible from the road; please respect private property.
Film History
Potter Schoolhouse
Built 1873
The two-story Italianate building Hitchcock used for the schoolyard attack in "The Birds." Sheriff Samuel Potter donated the land in 1872; classes ran here until 1961. Sonoma County Historic Landmark No. 30, within the Bodega Historic District. Today a private residence at 17110 Bodega Lane, visible from the road, no trespassing.
Carpenter Gothic, 1859
St. Teresa of Avila Church
Dedicated 1861
Built of redwood in 1859 by New England ship's carpenters on land donated by Jasper O'Farrell. Dedicated June 2, 1861 by Archbishop Alemany. The oldest church in continuous use in Sonoma County, California Historical Landmark No. 820, and famously photographed by Ansel Adams in 1953.
Educational Heritage
Watson School
1856
A Greek Revival one-room schoolhouse on land donated by James Watson in 1856. It operated continuously until 1967, 111 years, the longest run of any one-room school in California. Now part of Watson School Historic Park (Sonoma County Regional Parks); exterior viewing only. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Community Market
Bodega Country Store
Since the 1850s
A general store at the heart of village life since the early Bodega Corners period. It appeared in "The Birds" as itself. The store reopened under new ownership in 2018, with a focus on local provisions, snacks, and an informal visitor-information role.
Arts & Culture
Artisans' Co-op
A cooperative gallery showcasing the work of local artists (paintings, sculpture, jewelry, textiles) and a working extension of Bodega's longstanding arts community.
Photography & Visiting Notes
- Potter Schoolhouse is a private residence. Photos from the road are welcome; trespassing is not. Morning light hits the front facade well; coastal fog creates the most atmospheric shots.
- St. Teresa of Avila Church is an active parish with regular services. Visitors are welcome inside for quiet contemplation outside service hours; the surrounding cemetery has graves dating to the 1850s.
- Watson School is part of Watson School Historic Park (Sonoma County Regional Parks); exterior viewing only, the building is not open to the public.
- Drone use is restricted in parts of the village; check current regulations before flying.
- Pet visitors are welcome on village streets and trails on leash. Service animals are permitted everywhere.