Hwy 1, Bodega Bay

Anyone who drives into Bodega Bay via the 1 is probably thinking the same thing: "Why am I driving through farmland, where is this road taking me, and when will I get cell reception back?" The road certainly goes through the middle of nowhere, but fortunately it is up for redemption very quickly when you get into town.

The road winds up past the harbor, which is an interesting beast in and of itself. On a good day, it's full-on California water sports scene - you might as well be in San Diego. On a bad, foggy day, you might as well be in a Hitchcock movie (yes, he did choose to film a movie here). No matter what kind of day it is, you will be rewarded with views of the crashing ocean if you head just a little further north, where the temperatures are always chilly, the seafood is always fresh, and the surf is always pumpin'. Best part? You will never find massive crowds up here.

Maybe the drive through cow country is worth it.

Northern California is notorious for many things, including expensive real estate, cool, foggy weather, beautiful scenery, and traffic galore. These ingredients all factor into the unreal amount of beach traffic that can be found on a clear, beautiful summer day.

But for some reason, Western Sonoma County north of Point Reyes has avoided this phenomenon. The result is an uncrowded stretch of driving that leads to the stunning beaches, cliffsides, and parks of Bodega Bay, CA. Visitors can enjoy surfing, kayaking, kite boarding, abalone diving (or picking, for those who value their lives) and searching for wildlife, including pelicans and sea lions.

If you want to hit the beach, just like everyone else, but traffic is not your cup of tea, this spot could be well worth considering. Just remember that the Bay Highway is the access road, not the final destination.