01
Closest sandy swim
Spring Lake Regional Park Swimming Lagoon
East Santa Rosa • Lifeguarded Lake-Style Beach • Closest Full-Service Beach To Glen Ellen
A mellow, supervised swim lagoon with a sandy shoreline, just a quick hop over the hill from Glen Ellen.
When you want simple, hassle-free beach time without driving to the coast, Spring Lake’s swim lagoon is the move. There’s a sandy area for towels and sand toys, seasonal lifeguards, and usually a snack stand nearby. Pair a few hours of swimming with an easy stroll or bike ride on the lakeside paths.
02
Classic river hangout
Johnson's Beach
Downtown Guerneville • Bustling Russian River Beach • Iconic Summer Hangout
A wide riverfront beach with rentals and an old-school resort feel, ideal for full-on summer days.
Johnson’s Beach is the classic Russian River scene: umbrellas, rental kayaks and inner tubes, and kids paddling in the shallows. Expect more of a social vibe here, with families, groups of friends, and music floating across the water. Arrive earlier on hot weekends—parking and shade both go quickly by midday.
03
Best for a relaxed float
Monte Rio Beach
Monte Rio On The Lower Russian River • Laid-Back River Sandbar • Best For Slow Afternoons And Floats
Sleepier than Guerneville, this broad river bend offers easy water access, shade, and a low-key picnic vibe.
Monte Rio Beach sits under tall trees where the river slows down and widens, making it feel a touch more relaxed than the scene upriver. There’s plenty of room to spread out, wade in, or launch a lazy float downstream. It’s a good pick if you want classic Russian River swimming without the bustle of the main resort strip.
04
Best ocean day trip
Doran Regional Park (Doran Beach)
Bodega Bay Shoreline • Wide, Gently Sloping Ocean Beach • Best For Beginners And Long Walks
Two miles of forgiving sand along Bodega Bay, with calmer surf than most of the Sonoma Coast.
Doran Beach is where Glen Ellen locals often send friends who are nervous about the rougher Sonoma surf. The long, gently sloping shoreline is ideal for long walks, sandcastle duty, and letting kids play at the water’s edge while you watch the waves and passing fishing boats. Bring layers—it can swing from sun to fog and wind in a single afternoon.
05
Most dramatic coastline
Goat Rock State Beach
Near Jenner On The Sonoma Coast • Rugged, Scenic Ocean Beach • Best For Views And Photography
A striking mix of sea stacks, cliffs, and broad sand where the Russian River meets the Pacific.
Goat Rock is all about drama: pounding surf, sculpted rocks, and sweeping views that feel far wilder than the drive from the valley would suggest. It’s not a safe swimming beach, but it’s hard to beat for storm watching, sunset photos, or simply walking the sand and listening to the waves. Look for harbor seals near the river mouth and respect posted wildlife protection signs.