Bodega Bay, a haven for delectable clam chowder, mouth-watering saltwater taffy, and awe-inspiring ocean views, proudly boasts its small coastal town charm. Yet, amidst these aforementioned delights, nothing gets the locals screaming "All Hail Bodega Bay! Yay!" quite like talking about Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 film 'The Birds.' You see, in these parts, the wonderful citizens of Bodega Bay don't just love the movie; they practically have a full-blown crush on it, and that adoration takes center stage at the infamous 'Birds' Museum within the Bodega country store.
Now, you might wonder, how on earth did this seemingly innocent quaint town in Northern CA become ground zero for all things dedicated to Hitchcock's avian thriller? Well, dear reader, as any self-respecting cinephile might inform you, the iconic movie was filmed in and around this very area; a solid claim to fame. And oh boy, are they proud of it! So proud, in fact, that they've conjured up a whole museum, amongst other things, to celebrate the feathered frenzy.
It's also directly across the street from the famous church. Double score for lazy Birds fans who don't want to travel far!
Your welcoming committee upon entering? None other than the man himself, Alfred Hitchcock. Except, he's in deformed mannequin mode and was wearing an xmas hat the day I visited. It's almost poetic to see him like this—wrinkly, waxy, and melting in the sun, mirroring the legendary director himself. It's a fitting introduction to the peculiar world that awaits.
Once you step inside, you'll discover the actual museum tucked away in a corner, unveiling a treasure trove of paintings, photos, memorabilia, and other oddities related to the 1963 classic. Though it may be small in stature, it's bursting at the seams with all things 'Birds,' as one might expect from a place that adores the film more than a seagull loves a French fry. It's a feathered fiesta, a cinematic nest, and a pretty solid ode to Hitchcock's masterpiece.
In addition to the visual feast, the museum has amassed a treasure trove of used props, scripts, postcards, shot glasses, autographs, books, posters, and enough merchandise to make your head spin faster than Tippi Hedren being attacked by these feathered fiends. You'll also find 'Birds' wine, a delightful beverage that probably pairs well with the suspense of a Hitchcock thriller. And if that's not enough, feast your eyes on high heel shoes inspired by the film, providing the perfect footwear for fleeing from avian adversaries. It's truly a one-stop shop for all your 'Birds' needs.
Now, as you meander through the collection, brace yourself for a relentless assault of Alfred's visage. Be ready to see his face plastered on everything, from postcards to shot glasses—a semi-nightmarish experience for some, and you might develop a sudden aversion to those beady little eyes. Imagine looking at Hitch in caricature form or, worse yet, encountering his face as a terrifying plastic mask. It's a sight for sore eyes, for sure. Makes the birds themselves seem not very scary.
But wait, there's more—a Tippi Hedren mannequin that not only showcases the glamour of the actress but also features a deliciously bad pun related to tipping.
Wait for it...
Boom!
Hats off to the fantastic city of Bodega Bay for not only embracing its feathery film history but also for keeping their landmarks as tourist-friendly. Some towns shy away from their cinematic past, especially when said history involves birds going on a murder spree against innocent women and children. But not Bodega Bay—they've not only owned it but turned it into a quirky, Hitchcockian spectacle that would make the old maestro proud.
As a bonus, there are other local areas of interest for the super fan to explore. Dive into The Tides restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal without worrying about avian attacks—unless you count overly aggressive seagulls eyeing your fish and chips. Don't miss the schoolhouse, where you can reminisce about a simpler time when the only thing you had to fear was a bird apocalypse. And, of course, the famous church, strategically positioned just across the street from the museum. It's a double score for the laziest of Birds fans who don't want to venture too far.
