01
Closest sandy spot
Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach
Healdsburg • Classic Sonoma County River Beach • Closest To Windsor
A dammed-off stretch of the Russian River with sand, lawns, and seasonal lifeguards just a short hop from Windsor.
This is the go-to beach when you want water and sand without committing to a long drive. In summer, the seasonal dam creates a calmer swimming area, and the wide lawns make it easy to spread out with coolers and shade tents. Parking can fill on hot weekends, so arrive earlier in the day for the smoothest experience.
02
Lively river classic
Johnson's Beach
Russian River – Guerneville • Lively Riverfront Scene • Best All-Day Hangout
A bustling Russian River hangout with a long pebble-and-sand shoreline, rentals, and a summer-camp vibe.
Johnson's Beach is where Windsor locals head when they want a river day that feels like an event. The broad shoreline and gentle current make it friendly for casual swimming, floating, and people-watching, with rentals often available for extra fun on the water. Expect crowds and a festive atmosphere on hot weekends, plus a very different, quieter feel on weekday mornings.
03
Shade-and-redwoods option
Monte Rio Public Beach
Russian River – Monte Rio • Laid-Back Riverside Stretch • Best For A Relaxed Float
A mellow river beach edged by redwoods, ideal for laid-back swimming, picnics, and gentle tubing.
Monte Rio offers a slower-paced alternative to the busier river spots upriver. The sandy and pebbly shore plus nearby trees mean you can move between sun and shade as the day warms up. It’s a solid choice if you’re bringing a mix of swimmers, readers, and relaxed floaters who want space to spread out without too much noise.
04
Top coastal pick
Doran Regional Park
Bodega Bay • Wide, Mellow Ocean Beach • Best Coastal Escape
A long, gently sloping ocean beach on a sheltered spit, great for walking, picnics, and cool salt-air days.
Doran is usually the first ocean stop Windsor folks recommend, thanks to its relatively gentle surf and easy access. The nearly two-mile stretch of sand is ideal for long walks, flying kites, or letting kids dig and explore while you keep an eye on the waves. Pack layers: even on sunny days the wind can pick up, but that salt-air chill is part of the appeal.
05
Most dramatic scenery
Goat Rock Beach
Sonoma Coast Near Jenner • Dramatic Coastal Bluff Beach • Best For Views And Sunsets
A rugged Sonoma Coast beach where the Russian River meets the Pacific, better for walking and views than swimming.
Goat Rock is the beach you choose when you want drama: pounding surf, rocky outcrops, and sweeping views in every direction. Strong currents and steep drop-offs make this a look-but-don't-swim destination, but the payoff is stunning scenery, especially at golden hour. Bring a camera, a windbreaker, and a thermos, then wander the sand and bluffs until the light fades.