Living in Sonoma County means more than just beautiful homes and world-class wine; it means having some of the most refreshing, fun-filled summer destinations right at your doorstep.

Here’s your insider’s guide to the best local spots to stay cool this summer and a glimpse into why so many people are proud to call this place home.

Beaches & Water Access

Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay

A favourite coastal retreat with calm waves and wide sandy shores, perfect for boogie boarding, kayaking, picnics, or simply relaxing by the water. This pet-friendly spot (on-leash) is great for families and a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

With its south-facing two-mile stretch, Doran is one of the safest beaches on the coast for water activities. Spend the day birdwatching, fishing, kite surfing, or exploring the jetty, then stay overnight at one of 120 year-round campsites.

Goat Rock Beach, Jenner

Sits where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, offering a scenic shoreline, coastal fog, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for a quiet walk, breathtaking photos, or simply enjoying the fresh ocean air. Picnic tables and restrooms make it easy to spend the day here. 

The beach is also home to a protected colony of harbour seals, so please keep at least 50 yards away, especially during pupping season from March to August. To help protect wildlife, dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Monte Rio Community Beach, Russian River

The largest public beach on the lower Russian River, perfect for families, casual paddlers, and dogs. With calm, shallow water, it’s ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply cooling off on a warm day. Kayak and SUP rentals are available, and the beach is dog-friendly and ADA accessible. 

Enjoy picnic areas, BBQs, volleyball courts, and a snack shack for a full day of fun. Known locally as Big Rocky Beach, it comes alive during Independence weekend with the popular Big Rocky Games and fireworks for a true summer celebration.

Open from Memorial Weekend through late September.

Lakes & Water Activities

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

This regional gem features a swim lagoon, paddleboats, and a floating inflatable water park in the summer, making it a favourite spot for family outings or relaxing picnics by the water.

Watercraft rentals are available, and nearby hiking and biking trails add even more ways to explore. The park is pet-friendly on leash, though dogs aren’t allowed at the swimming lagoon.

Lake Sonoma, Geyserville

If you’re looking for high-energy water sports, Lake Sonoma is the place to be. Enjoy boating, jet skiing, water skiing, fishing, and kayaking, with a full-service marina and boat rentals to make it easy. It’s also perfect for weekend getaways or camping.

Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach

With calm river waters and lifeguards on duty in summer, this is an ideal spot for swimming and launching a tubing adventure. Enjoy easy river access, shaded picnic areas, and spacious lawns. Leashed dogs are welcome on the lawn and in the parking lot, but not on the beach or in the river.

Brunch Spots Worth the Hype

Sunflower Caffé, Sonoma

A sunny garden patio offering fresh local fare on the historic Sonoma Plaza. Try their Eggs Benedict and ruby grapefruit spritz. Pet-friendly patio available.

Wit & Wisdom, Sonoma

This elegant tavern by Chef Michael Mina offers a brunch with flair, providing an ideal dining experience for visitors and locals seeking a unique tasting room in wine country.

John Ash & Co. at Vintner’s Resort, Santa Rosa

Enjoy a peaceful setting among vineyards with brunch options that come straight from the garden. This spot is perfect for special occasions or a quiet start to your day. For over thirty years, John Ash Restaurant has been a leader in wine country cuisine, helping to create the farm-to-table movement in Sonoma County.

Pet-Friendly Spots

Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol

There’s a dedicated off-leash dog park, plus dogs on leash are welcome throughout the park and on all trails. A paved trail circles the east side, passing the playground, picnic areas, sports courts, and fields. 

On the west side, over 3 miles of unpaved trails wind along Atascadero Creek, shaded by willows, ashes, and oaks, and crossing meadows, wetlands, and small streams.

Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail

Dogs are welcome on leash, except on the pedestrian-only loop. The 1.8-mile multi-use path follows the east side of the Laguna de Santa Rosa between Highway 12 and Occidental Road, winding through grasslands with oaks and eucalyptus.

Enjoy views of Mount Saint Helena, a loop around Kelly Pond for bird-watching, and a 0.6-mile footpath that connects to Sebastopol’s Laguna Wetland Preserve.

Riverfront Regional Park, Healdsburg

Scenic lakeside trails and redwood groves make Riverfront Regional Park a peaceful retreat for leashed pets and their owners. Just minutes from Windsor and Healdsburg, the park offers classic Wine Country views, a redwood picnic area, and two lakes for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

The 2-mile Lake Trail circles Lake Benoist with a spur to a small river beach, while the 0.5-mile Redwood Hill Trail winds through towering redwoods.

This Is What Sonoma Living Looks Like

Life in Sonoma County is all about balance, beauty, and quality of life. Whether you’re looking for a cosy home near the coast, a riverfront retreat, or a centrally located home near vibrant downtowns and nature, you’ll find it here.

Thinking of making Sonoma County your home? Whether you’re moving in, moving up, or moving on, we’re here to help. Call us today for local insights, available listings, and personalised real estate guidance.