Bust out the swim trunks or sleek maillot and venture to Wine Country.
Aside from the trellis-grown flora and corked concoctions, the region is home to some of the best watering holes anywhere in California. Grab your towels, make sure to hydrate, and remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours at our favorite places to dip into the drink.
Wine Country's Best Lakes & Beaches for Swimming
Lake Sonoma
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Lake Sonoma
If you're looking for something a little more private, find your own bend in the 50-mile shoreline of Lake Sonoma. This is the place to go for boating, fishing and, of course, swimming. Head for the Warm Springs Recreation Area—located below the dam—to find a number of picnic sites, two sand volleyball courts, a playground and lawn area for sports. // 3333 Skaggs Springs Rd. (Geyserville), russianrivertravel.com
Johnson's Beach
Johnson's Beach is a popular sandy spot on the Russian River. It's walking distance to downtown restaurants, shopping and redwoods. The Beach offers canoes, single and double kayaks, and pedal boats for rent ($40/day or $12/hour) as well as umbrellas, beach chairs and inner tubes. There's a snack bar on the beach and beer is for sale at the boathouse. The best part—entrance is free. The beach, however, is only open on the weekends from May 27 to June 17; it opens daily from June 18 to September 8. // 16241 First Street (Guerneville), johnsonsbeach.com
Spring Lake
Take a dip in the three-acre swimming lagoon or suntan on the sandy beach at Spring Lake. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the lagoon is manned by lifeguards and treated with chlorine weekly. The 72-acre lake, however, is open year-round for windsurfing, canoes or paddle boats. Rent a boat from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Be sure to set up a mayo-less summer spread at one of the available 200 picnic tables. // 393 Violetti Road (Santa Rosa), sonomacounty.ca.gov
Healdsburg Memorial Beach
Offering a bevy of beachside swimming areas and kayak put-ins, Healdsburg Memorial Beach snakes alongside some of the most sought-after sands in NorCal. Open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, be sure to arrive early to grab a spot at the $6 on-site parking, which can fill up by midday. Should you wish, you can even bring your four-legged companion along—just be sure they're on a six-foot (or shorter) leash. // 13839 Old Redwood Highway (Healdsburg), sonomacountry.ca.org
This story has been updated since it was originally published on May 26, 2017.
