Great Swimming Beaches in Sonoma County

Sonoma County boasts great swimming beaches all along the Russian River, Lake Sonoma, and the Pacific Coast, many of which offer a wide array of amenities for the perfect day at the beach. Pack your swimsuit and explore some of Wine Country’s most popular swimming beaches.

Swimming Beaches on the Russian River

Beginning in northeast Sonoma County and ending at the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River winds its way through the length of Wine Country. Along its shoreline, you’ll find several beaches that are perfect for swimming.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the water, we always recommend wearing a life jacket while wading or swimming in the Russian River. Read our water (and other) safety precautions here.

Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Healdsburg

Swim, wade, and splash on the large sandy beach at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Park. Created by a temporary dam, the swimming area is typically open July 1 to Labor Day. Surrounding the beach visitors will find fantastic facilities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and a small golf course. Lifeguards are on duty daily, 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Cloverdale River Park, Cloverdale

Running along the west bank of the Russian River sits Cloverdale Regional Park. A popular destination for birding and wildlife viewing, the park features a one-mile trail with kayak launches, picnic sites, and beach and fishing access. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset, with no lifeguards on duty. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach and trails.

Mom’s Beach, Forestville

Another popular spot for local families is Mom’s Beach. This delightful beach is great for a day of splashing in the water, kayaking along the river, or basking in the sun. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. There are no lifeguards on duty at this beach, and restroom facilities are only available May through November. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville

Johnson’s Beach is a longtime local tradition and extremely popular with summer visitors to the area. There are no lifeguards, but you’ll find a safe, roped-off area for kids to swim. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and inner tubes are available to rent, and there’s a small snack bar with a plethora of treats and drinks. For the camping fanatics in your group, the beach boasts several rustic cabins and tent campsites.

Monte Rio Community Beach, Monte Rio

The largest public beach on the lower Russian River, Monte Rio Community Beach has become a popular spot for families due its calm waters and array of amenities, such as a concession stand, BBQ grills, boat rentals, volleyball courts, and more. Open Memorial Day through the end of September, this beach is also ADA accessible and dog-friendly, but please keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty.

Other parks with swimming beaches on the Russian River include Riverfront Regional Park in Healdsburg, Steelhead Beach Regional Park, and Sunset Beach River Park, both in Forestville.

Other Swimming Beaches in Sonoma County

In addition to the Russian River, Sonoma County is also home to incredible lakes, which also offer incredible swimming opportunities. Again, make sure your prepared by reviewing the water safety precautions here.

The Swimming Lagoon at Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

Spring Lake Regional Park is one of the most popular parks in Sonoma County for many reasons, and its three-acre swimming lagoon is certainly one of them! The park is spacious, family-friendly, and teeming with fantastic amenities and other offerings, including 10+ miles of trails, boat access, watersport rentals, 31 campsites, and a large picnic area as well as a seasonal café. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there is an inflatable water park in the swimming lagoon where children (and adults!) can bounce, climb, and slide their worries away in the refreshing water. The park features wheelchair-accessible trails, picnic areas, and campsites. Lifeguards are also on duty daily during the summer swimming hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, Geyserville

Nestled on the beautiful coastal foothills of the Sonoma Valley, Lake Sonoma Recreation Area boasts more than 50 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect setting for a wealth of watersports and other outdoor activities. While guests are welcome to swim anywhere that offers safe entry, there is a designated swimming beach on the north side of the lake at Yorty Creek. The sandy beach features a picnic area, playground, fishing trail, and public boat ramp.

Leave No Trace

Before you arrive at any of our local parks and swimming beaches, we ask that you please look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles. With your help, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come.

View our safety tips for water activities in Sonoma County.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez.