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8 of the Best Water Activities in Sonoma County
With a prime coastal location and a major river passing through, Sonoma County has no shortage of water activities. There are plenty of ways to get into the water in this part of California, from kayak tours, to paddleboarding, to swimming in hotel and winery pools. If you’re a water enthusiast, don’t miss these eight Sonoma County attractions.
Getaway Adventures
2228 Northpoint Pkwy
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(800) 499-2453
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 388 reviews
If you want to explore the Russian River by kayak, Getaway Adventures is the place to go. Getaway Adventures’ guided tours include a peaceful ride down the serene Russian River, where you’ll get the chance to see wildlife, including blue herons and snowy egrets. If you want to combine your kayaking trip with a bike ride, check out Getaway Adventures’ Green Valley Paddle n’ Pedal tour: this tour begins with a bike ride through Green Valley, followed by a leisurely paddle down the Russian River with optional swimming available.
Insider tip: Getaway Adventures’ kayaks can fit small dogs, so feel free to bring your pup along. If you’re unsure if your dog is small enough, call and ask the friendly staff.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery Pool
300 Via Archimedes
Geyserville, CA 95441
(707) 857-1471
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 601 reviews
When he was creating his winery, Francis Ford Coppola wanted to include a pool where kids and adults could swim and enjoy themselves. Now, Coppola Winery features two swimming pools that total over 3,600 square feet and give a beautiful view of the hills surrounding the winery. For some privacy while you’re there, check ahead to reserve a cabine that fits up to four people and includes four lounge chairs, a private shower, and more.
Insider tip: At the Pool Café, try the pizza funghi e salsiccia. This delicious pie features homemade Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella, and grated parmesan.
Sonoma Coast State Park
9540-9542 Goat Rock Rd
Jenner, CA 95450
(707) 875-3483
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 140 reviews
Spanning seventeen miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail, Sonoma Coast State Park features dozens of beaches with craggy bluffs, rock formations, and ample hiking trails. While swimming is not allowed at these beaches due to the swift current, you are able to fish, walk along lovely beach-side boardwalks, and relax in the sand. If you’re interested in spending the night by the water, campgrounds are available throughout the park.
Insider tip: On the weekends, Sonoma Coast State Park has naturalists stationed around the beaches for their Tide Pool Roving Naturalists Programs.
Russian River Adventures
20 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-5599
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 47 reviews
Russian River Adventures offers eco-adventure tours in their inflatable SOAR canoes. They offer two self-guided options: a half-day and a full-day tour. The four mile half-day tour takes you from Memorial Beach to Crow Bar down a leisurely stretch of the Russian River; along the way, there are beaches where you can hop out of your kayak and go for a swim. The full-day tour is nine miles long, and takes you down a secluded, quiet portion of the Russian River. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll have a fun day paddling around.
Insider tip: If you want lunch during your trip (you’re going to get hungry), order it before you go out via Russian River Adventures’ website.
SUP Odyssey
12600 River Rd,
Guerneville, CA 95446
(415) 497-0179
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 12 reviews
If you’ve been wanting to try stand-up paddleboarding, check out SUP Odyssey. SUP Odyssey offers paddleboard rentals on the Russian River and they can rent a board for a couple of hours, a full day, or a whole weekend. Whichever the option, you’ll be given access to SUP Odyssey’s private beach from which to launch your paddleboard adventure. Or, sign up for a guided SUP tour of the Russian River (bundle it with a lesson if you’re a novice).
Insider tip: For an unforgettable experience, sign up for the Bioluminescence tour. During this nighttime SUP tour, you’ll get to see the water lit up blue and green by thousands of bioluminescent plankton.
Stillwater Cove Regional Park
22455 CA-1
Jenner, CA 95450
(707) 847-3245
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews
The 210-acre Stillwater Cove Regional Park features amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as beautiful hiking trails that wind through coastal forests. You can scuba dive and snorkel at Stillwater Cove’s beach too, and there’s a shore launch available for small boats and kayaks. You can also camp at the park at one of their stunning ocean-side campgrounds.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the historic one-room Fort Ross Schoolhouse, located on a 200-foot spur off of the main Stockhoff Creek trail. This spur is located close to the trailhead, and it’s well-marked, making it easy to find.
Flamingo Resort & Spa
2777 4th St
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 545-8530
TripAdvisor: 3.5 stars, 586 reviews
For a place to swim a few laps, check out the Flamingo Resort & Spa’s Pool Day Package. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you’ll have use of the Flamingo Resort’s two Olympic-sized pools, and will be given a guestroom for changing and showering, plus a $25 food and beverage credit. This fun Pool Day Package is $125 for use of a Super guestroom, and $175 for an Executive King guestroom, which can accommodate up to five guests. These options are available Monday through Thursday, from May to October.
Insider tip: Try the charcuterie and cheese plate from the poolside Terrace Grille. This tasty appetizer includes two types of pate, artisan cured meats, local cheeses, grilled bread, pickles, and stone-ground mustard.
Korbel Champagne Cellars
13250 River Rd
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 824-7000
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 365 reviews
After all this splashing around, you might be ready to relax and sample a few glasses of something refreshing, and there’s no more well-known name for sparkling wine than Korbel. Located right across the street from the Russian River, Korbel Cellars offers free 50-minute tours of their Champagne cellars and their history museum, and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to sample some of Korbel’s famous sparkling varieties. Afterwards, head to Korbel’s gourmet deli and try a sandwich or salad paired with your favorite wine. Be sure to grab a seat on the patio next to the impressive fountain, which features a ceramic chalice and carved lion heads.
Insider tip: If you want to get an up-close look at Korbel Cellars’ impressive collection of roses, perennials, and shrubbery, sign up for the garden tour, where you’ll get to see parts of the grounds that are normally closed to the public. Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday from April to October.
To experience all that Sonoma County has to offer, keep your water-based options firmly in mind. With pools, rivers, and coastal areas to explore, there’s enough to do in Sonoma County to have some fun, and cool off a little.
Kayaking Down the River
Image Source: Yelp
Getaway Adventures
2228 Northpoint Pkwy
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(800) 499-2453
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 388 reviews
If you want to explore the Russian River by kayak, Getaway Adventures is the place to go. Getaway Adventures’ guided tours include a peaceful ride down the serene Russian River, where you’ll get the chance to see wildlife, including blue herons and snowy egrets. If you want to combine your kayaking trip with a bike ride, check out Getaway Adventures’ Green Valley Paddle n’ Pedal tour: this tour begins with a bike ride through Green Valley, followed by a leisurely paddle down the Russian River with optional swimming available.
Insider tip: Getaway Adventures’ kayaks can fit small dogs, so feel free to bring your pup along. If you’re unsure if your dog is small enough, call and ask the friendly staff.
Swimming at a Winery
Image Source: Yelp
Francis Ford Coppola Winery Pool
300 Via Archimedes
Geyserville, CA 95441
(707) 857-1471
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 601 reviews
When he was creating his winery, Francis Ford Coppola wanted to include a pool where kids and adults could swim and enjoy themselves. Now, Coppola Winery features two swimming pools that total over 3,600 square feet and give a beautiful view of the hills surrounding the winery. For some privacy while you’re there, check ahead to reserve a cabine that fits up to four people and includes four lounge chairs, a private shower, and more.
Insider tip: At the Pool Café, try the pizza funghi e salsiccia. This delicious pie features homemade Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella, and grated parmesan.
Rugged Coastlines
Image Source: Yelp
Sonoma Coast State Park
9540-9542 Goat Rock Rd
Jenner, CA 95450
(707) 875-3483
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 140 reviews
Spanning seventeen miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail, Sonoma Coast State Park features dozens of beaches with craggy bluffs, rock formations, and ample hiking trails. While swimming is not allowed at these beaches due to the swift current, you are able to fish, walk along lovely beach-side boardwalks, and relax in the sand. If you’re interested in spending the night by the water, campgrounds are available throughout the park.
Insider tip: On the weekends, Sonoma Coast State Park has naturalists stationed around the beaches for their Tide Pool Roving Naturalists Programs.
Inflatable Canoes
Image Source: Yelp
Russian River Adventures
20 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-5599
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 47 reviews
Russian River Adventures offers eco-adventure tours in their inflatable SOAR canoes. They offer two self-guided options: a half-day and a full-day tour. The four mile half-day tour takes you from Memorial Beach to Crow Bar down a leisurely stretch of the Russian River; along the way, there are beaches where you can hop out of your kayak and go for a swim. The full-day tour is nine miles long, and takes you down a secluded, quiet portion of the Russian River. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll have a fun day paddling around.
Insider tip: If you want lunch during your trip (you’re going to get hungry), order it before you go out via Russian River Adventures’ website.
SUP Adventures
Image Source: Yelp
SUP Odyssey
12600 River Rd,
Guerneville, CA 95446
(415) 497-0179
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 12 reviews
If you’ve been wanting to try stand-up paddleboarding, check out SUP Odyssey. SUP Odyssey offers paddleboard rentals on the Russian River and they can rent a board for a couple of hours, a full day, or a whole weekend. Whichever the option, you’ll be given access to SUP Odyssey’s private beach from which to launch your paddleboard adventure. Or, sign up for a guided SUP tour of the Russian River (bundle it with a lesson if you’re a novice).
Insider tip: For an unforgettable experience, sign up for the Bioluminescence tour. During this nighttime SUP tour, you’ll get to see the water lit up blue and green by thousands of bioluminescent plankton.
Hiking Along the Coast
Image Source: Yelp
Stillwater Cove Regional Park
22455 CA-1
Jenner, CA 95450
(707) 847-3245
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews
The 210-acre Stillwater Cove Regional Park features amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as beautiful hiking trails that wind through coastal forests. You can scuba dive and snorkel at Stillwater Cove’s beach too, and there’s a shore launch available for small boats and kayaks. You can also camp at the park at one of their stunning ocean-side campgrounds.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the historic one-room Fort Ross Schoolhouse, located on a 200-foot spur off of the main Stockhoff Creek trail. This spur is located close to the trailhead, and it’s well-marked, making it easy to find.
Luxurious Swimming Pool
Image Source: Yelp
Flamingo Resort & Spa
2777 4th St
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 545-8530
TripAdvisor: 3.5 stars, 586 reviews
For a place to swim a few laps, check out the Flamingo Resort & Spa’s Pool Day Package. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you’ll have use of the Flamingo Resort’s two Olympic-sized pools, and will be given a guestroom for changing and showering, plus a $25 food and beverage credit. This fun Pool Day Package is $125 for use of a Super guestroom, and $175 for an Executive King guestroom, which can accommodate up to five guests. These options are available Monday through Thursday, from May to October.
Insider tip: Try the charcuterie and cheese plate from the poolside Terrace Grille. This tasty appetizer includes two types of pate, artisan cured meats, local cheeses, grilled bread, pickles, and stone-ground mustard.
Swimming in Bubbles
Image Source: Yelp
Korbel Champagne Cellars
13250 River Rd
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 824-7000
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 365 reviews
After all this splashing around, you might be ready to relax and sample a few glasses of something refreshing, and there’s no more well-known name for sparkling wine than Korbel. Located right across the street from the Russian River, Korbel Cellars offers free 50-minute tours of their Champagne cellars and their history museum, and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to sample some of Korbel’s famous sparkling varieties. Afterwards, head to Korbel’s gourmet deli and try a sandwich or salad paired with your favorite wine. Be sure to grab a seat on the patio next to the impressive fountain, which features a ceramic chalice and carved lion heads.
Insider tip: If you want to get an up-close look at Korbel Cellars’ impressive collection of roses, perennials, and shrubbery, sign up for the garden tour, where you’ll get to see parts of the grounds that are normally closed to the public. Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday from April to October.
To experience all that Sonoma County has to offer, keep your water-based options firmly in mind. With pools, rivers, and coastal areas to explore, there’s enough to do in Sonoma County to have some fun, and cool off a little.
Author
WineCountry Collective
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