If you’ve ever watched Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller The Birds, you might find yourself wondering about the church in those famous scenes. The church from The Birds is St. Teresa of Avila Church, and you’ll find it in Bodega, California.
This charming 19th-century church pops up in several key moments from the movie. It still looks almost exactly like it did back in 1963 when the crew filmed there.
If you ever visit Bodega, you can walk right up to the same hilltop church that helped set the eerie mood in Hitchcock’s film. It’s not just a movie set—locals know it well, and it’s a real piece of history.
Curious about Hitchcock’s work or just want to stand where The Birds was filmed? St. Teresa of Avila is a real link to those iconic moments.
Location of the Church in The Birds
You’ll spot the church from The Birds in a small town that’s packed with history. The area’s tight-knit, and Hitchcock filmed key scenes right here.
The church and the old schoolhouse sit side by side, giving everything a classic small-town vibe.
St. Teresa of Avila Church in Bodega
St. Teresa of Avila stands right in Bodega, Sonoma County, California. This Roman Catholic church dates back to the 19th century. You can’t miss its tall, striking bell tower—it’s a dead giveaway from the film.
The structure still looks almost unchanged since filming, so you get that feeling of stepping back in time. If you visit, you’ll probably notice the calm, charming atmosphere, which is pretty different from the movie’s wild scenes.
Ansel Adams snapped a photo of this church in 1953, years before Hitchcock chose it for his film.
Relationship to Potter Schoolhouse
Right next to St. Teresa of Avila, you’ll find the Potter Schoolhouse. Built in 1873, this old school building set the stage for those unforgettable school scenes in the movie.
Hitchcock picked both buildings to create that perfect small-town look he wanted. Seeing them together makes the film’s setting feel real and grounded.
You can check out both spots on one visit. Potter Schoolhouse also stands as a window into early California’s rural life.
Setting vs. Filming Reality
In the movie, the town and its buildings give off a peaceful, almost New England vibe, but the real place is Bodega Bay, California. Hitchcock chose the church and schoolhouse for their classic look—they just fit his vision.
The film makes it seem like the church sits right in the heart of town, but in reality, it’s only a short walk from Bodega’s fishing docks and little shops. That blend of coastal scenery and old buildings made Bodega Bay a perfect spot for filming.
The layout you see on screen doesn’t quite match the real-life setup, but honestly, that’s part of the movie magic.
If you want more details, check out the Bodega Bay filming locations guide.
Historical and Cultural Significance
This place blends art, film history, and some seriously beautiful nature. It’s inspired famous photographers, appeared in classic movies, and still draws visitors today.
Ansel Adams’ Iconic Photograph
Ansel Adams, probably America’s most famous photographer, captured the wild beauty of the Sonoma Coast near Bodega Bay. His black-and-white photo of the rocky shoreline and the Tides Wharf really shows off the area’s dramatic scenery.
Adams’ work brought attention to this region’s natural charm long before it hit Hollywood’s radar. You can almost feel the power of nature and the changing tides in his photos.
His images invite you to notice the wildness and quiet strength of this coastal place, with the church from The Birds nearby.
Connection to Alfred Hitchcock
The church is deeply tied to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film The Birds. Hitchcock picked Bodega Bay for its moody atmosphere and stunning coastal views.
He cast Tippi Hedren in the lead, and she quickly became the film’s face. The church—a small white building near the water—shows up more than once and really adds to the film’s unsettling mood.
You won’t spot an Aston Martin here like in some other Hitchcock movies, but the setting itself makes those scenes unforgettable.
Appearances in Other Films
Besides The Birds, this church and its surroundings have shown up in other movies, like Shadow of a Doubt and The Fog. These films, shot along the Sonoma Coast or nearby, use the same dramatic scenery to build suspense.
Last Summer is another example where Bodega Bay’s atmosphere shapes the story. Watching these films, you might notice how this church and its landscape have shaped Hollywood’s idea of mystery and drama for decades.
Present-Day Visiting Tips
Thinking about visiting? You’ll find the church near Bodega Bay without much trouble.
It sits just a short walk from the shoreline, right by Tides Wharf—a spot locals and visitors both love for its food and those classic coastal views.
Stroll along the coast trails. The ocean breeze hits you, and there’s always a good chance you’ll spot some interesting birds—honestly, it’s hard not to think of old movie scenes while you’re out there.
Just a heads up, the site feels pretty small and it isn’t some official museum. Bring your camera, but try to be mindful of the place.
If you have time, wander through the nearby towns or check out more of the Sonoma Coast. There’s something about this area that mixes nature and film history in a way that’s tough to describe, but you’ll get it once you’re there.
