Where to swim in Sonoma and Napa Valley

Things To Do | 0 comments

Monte-Rio-Beach

Looking for a place to swim in Sonoma and Napa Valley? 

We have compiled a list of unique, family-friendly places to swim.  In Wine Country, temperatures can rise to over 100 degrees.  Nothing beats a dip in a lake, river, or pool on a hot summer day.

This list of places to swim in Sonoma and Napa Valley, has something for everyone.  Whether you enjoy a luxury resort pool, a winery, a massive uncrowded lake, or a river with surrounding redwoods.  We have found all the best places to relax, unwind, and cool off with scenic views. And if you need a Mother’s Helper by the pool or would like a nanny during your trip, we have that covered too.  Check out our Vacation Nanny page for more information.

Only in wine country will you find a winery with a pool!  Francis Coppola created a place for families to enjoy the best things in life, both the pool and the wine.  In the middle of the park area, there are two swimming pools with chaise lounge chairs surrounding the pools.  This is a great place to be on a hot day in wine country.

An individual pool pass is $40 per adult and $20 for children ages 3-14 years old.  Included in the price is a towel, use of locker room and showers, and seating in white bistro chairs on the pool deck.  You can buy your pool pass at Guest Reception, these are first come, first serve basis.

Or if you want a more relaxing wine country pool experience, reserve a cabine.  These accommodate 4 people. You can pre-select your chaise lounge chairs on the pool deck.  They come equipped with a private shower, towels, 1 Sofia Mini per adult (21 years or older), a deck of Francis Ford Coppola Winery playing cards, a copy of Zoetrope magazine.  Pricing starts at $185.

The pool is open Spring through Fall.   Pool hours are 11am-6pm.

  •         Spring: April 5- May 26th, open Friday-Sunday
  •         Summer: May 27th– October 3rd, open Daily
  •         Fall: October 4th– October 26th, open Friday-Sunday
Lake Berryessa

In Napa County, Lake Berryessa is the largest lake.  With 165 miles of shoreline, you are sure to find a beach to swim and relax on.  Popular activities include fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing, boating, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, road bicycling, motorcycle biking, birding, wildlife observation, picnicking, and swimming.

Oak Shores and Smittle Creek Day Use Areas offer free day use of beach activities, swimming, and fishing.  The Smittle Creek trail is 2.6 miles long and connects the two day use areas. For a fee, the concession areas offer boat rentals, camping, lodging, and other marina activities.  Day use areas have picnic tables, barbeque grills, restrooms, and drinking water.

In the summer, the water temperature can reach 75 degrees and is a beautiful turquoise color.  With over 22 miles of shoreline, Lake Berryessa is a popular lake to enjoy boating, but still remains uncrowded.  

Monte Rio Beach

Monte Rio Beach is the largest beach on the Russian River.  The surrounding ancient redwood trees provide a stunning view while enjoying a hot summer day.  This is a great spot to enjoy paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, swimming or floating around on a raft.  

The beach has volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, barbecue grills, and picnic areas.  There is a concession stand to buy cold drinks, ice cream, and lunch items. The beach is open to public starting Memorial Day until the last weekend of September.

When entering the town of Monte Rio, you will see a sign “Welcome to Monte Rio, Vacation Wonderland”.  This sign is from an era when the railroad brought thousands of tourists to Monte Rio and featured hotels and resorts.  Even though most of the hotels and resorts are gone, this town still brings together all of the Russian River communities and provides a vacation wonderland for the locals.  

Resort Pool Day Pass

Want to relax with a drink in your hand by a sparkling pool?  In Napa Valley, you can enjoy a resort day pool pass. For a fee, you enjoy the benefits of a resort pool without paying for a room.  Many of the resort pool passes have other amenities like food/drink service and scenic views. Upgrade to a spa or cabana pass, each come with more amenities and vary by resort.

Lake Sonoma

Located ten minutes west of Healdsburg is Lake Sonoma.  The drive is in beautiful Sonoma County, California, surrounded by beautiful vineyards along the way.  When the lake is full it has a surface area of 2,700 acres and 50 miles of shoreline.

At Lake Sonoma Marina, you can camp, enjoy a picnic, or rent a boat, kayak, or jet ski.  There is even a Marina Deli, where you can pick up fishing supplies, cold drinks, and deli food.  Camping is $30 a night and each campsite includes a fire pit, picnic table, and tent area.  

Two recreation areas at the lake are Yorty Creek and Warm Springs Recreation Area.  Both areas have restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and barbeque grills. Enjoy swimming, fishing and water sports as well.

Follow Us