Updated June 2025
I have lived in California for my whole life so I have a lot of fond memories of spending time at California beaches and swimming pools over the years. It all started with sandcastles and running from the waves, then underwater somersaults and tea parties at my neighborhood pool. When I was a teen I remember walking my dog on the beach in a bikini and feeling so cool until the dog took a crap in front of a cute boy! Then there were the naked midnight sprints on the beach. What on Earth were we thinking?
Now that I am a Mom, I want to recreate the swimming memories for my kids, minus the dog pooping on the beach, of course! So I have my own list of favorite beaches and other swim spots in Sonoma County and am happy to share them with you. Thankfully in Sonoma County, the weather is mostly warm in the summer and there are plenty of places to enjoy the water.
Johnson’s Beach
Map: https://bit.ly/3y9guv0
Nearby Goodies: Nimble & Finn’s gourmet ice cream and pie
Johnson’s Beach is on the Russian River and conveniently located in the middle of downtown Guerneville. It’s a lovely beach for the little ones because the water is shallow and warm and there are plenty of smooth river rocks to gather in a sand bucket. There is a fee for parking in their lot. They offer umbrella rentals, boat rentals, and a snack shack with affordable food and drink options. They are cashless so bring your cards to pay!
Monte Rio Beach
Map: bit.ly/3yYYMuo
Nearby Goodies: Mondo Truck Shave Ice
Monte Rio Beach is another large beach on the Russian River, about 5 miles downriver from Johnson’s Beach. Located in downtown Monte Rio, it has a large parking lot and boat rentals in the summer. On weekends you can find a shave ice truck called Mondo Truck (@mondotruck) in downtown.
Rio Nido Roadhouse Pool
Map: bit.ly/3eOoDxj
Nearby Goodies: The Rio Nido Roadhouse restaurant and pool snack bar have all you need!
The Rio Nido Roadhouse is a community gathering place and tourist destination in the town of Rio Nido, located about 2 miles upriver from Guerneville. They have a swimming pool, a restaurant with a large lawn, and a hotel. During the summer they have outdoor live music on the weekends. The pool season begins over the Memorial Day Weekend and goes through Labor Day Weekend. The day pass for the pool is $15. How fun it would be to check out the pool in the afternoon, then have dinner on the lawn while listening to live music?
River Electric
Map: bit.ly/3xSb71R
Reservations: Reserve your Day Pass!
River Electric is located near downtown Guerneville. It’s the newest swimming spot in West Sonoma County. A day pass ($32 – $28) gets you access to the pool, a towel, and a reserved pool chair. Kick back, relax, and enjoy food and drinks from the restaurant.
Morton’s Warm Springs
Map: bit.ly/3iTJXng
Reservations: https://www.simpletix.com/e/day-visit-2025-tickets-202470
Nearby Goodies: Ice Cream is available daily at the on-site cafe
Located in Glen Ellen in the Sonoma Valley, the geothermal Morton’s Warm Springs is nestled in an oak tree forest just outside of town. They have two geothermal mineral spring pools, and a large grassy area that is perfect for picnicking. There is also a third geothermal wading pool for infants and toddlers. The temperature ranges from 85° F to 88° F. They also have a snack bar called Cafe 108°. Some days they only offer drinks and soft serve and on others there is a full menu (see CAFE 108° SCHEDULE). You are welcome to bring picnic food with you to BBQ and enjoy at the springs!
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Map: bit.ly/3svfiQk
Reserve: https://www.thefamilycoppola.com/en/ffcw/visit/pools-and-cabines#reserve
Nearby Goodies: The winery has 2 restaurants on site, including a poolside cafe.
Farther north in Sonoma County, in the Alexander valley wine region is the amazing upscale pool at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Listen to the relaxing tunes of Brazilian Bossa Nova as you sip a wine slushy while the kids play under the dancing fountains. Two pools totaling 3,600 square feet are surrounded by lounge chairs, and European style cabines. Be sure to plan very far ahead if you want to enjoy the Coppola pool because reservations do sell out.
Doran Regional Park
Map: bit.ly/3mamsIu
Nearby Goodies: Captain Davey’s Coffee and Ice Cream
Located in Bodega Bay, the long and wide Doran Beach is a lovely spot for families to enjoy playing in the ocean in the summer. Because it is south-facing, the waves are usually gentle, and it is the only coastal beach in Sonoma County that is safe for swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing. In the winter especially, keep an eye out for high surf warnings which would render the water unsafe.
The water is on average a frigid 53 degrees so you may want a wet suit which can be rented at a local surf shop. Be sure to bring layers and prepare for both sun and fog, because you could have either or both on the same day. On holidays and hot days, Doran Beach gets crowded, and when the parking lots fill, rangers will turn visitors away. On those days, plan to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to get parking. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members.
This local insight brought to you by your hosts at Lucky Bend Lookout; a modern yet family-friendly Russian River vacation home. Check our availability and book online or call/text Sarah at 415-516-6961 to reserve.