Bodega Bay has a variety of shopping including two small grocery stores, fish markets, a hardware store, bakery, gourmet food and wine shop, beauty salons, etc. In addition, it boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, galleries and specialty shops. Most people find it convenient to go to Sebastopol or Santa Rosa for their major shopping needs.

Sebastopol, population 29,257 (2000), has large grocery and drug stores, banks, doctors, dentists, a movie theater, live theater, and many small specialty shops. Approximately 15 miles inland, 20 minutes driving time.

Santa Rosa, population over 190,152 (2000), is the regional center of the North Coast area and has a comprehensive array of commercial and cultural enterprises. It is approximately 21 miles away or 35 minutes driving time from Bodega Bay. The Highway 101 corridor running through Sonoma County from Santa Rosa to the Marin County border is mostly urban and many additional businesses are located nearby.