Russian River Beaches

Easily accessed from Highway 101, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is a really pretty little place on the Russian River. It's a big beach park with some outstanding natural scenery all around, with many locals coming down to the sandy spots here at weekends or on special occasions like the 4th of July.

Lifeguards come on duty at the weekends and there's a roped-off swimming zone here, so it's a nice spot to bring kids of all ages for a little splashing around.

Another good way to make the most of your day at this Russian River beach is to pack a big picnic and find one of the cozy little areas to chill out with good food and good company.

If you're looking for a huge recreational area to explore for a full day of fun and never get bored, Riverfront Regional Park is the place for you. Located in Healdsburg, not too far from the Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, this park covers 300 acres of land including a huge redwood forest, multiple lakes, and lots of small sandy and pebbly beaches for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Fishing can be a lot of fun here, with various species swimming about in the various lakes, and there are several miles of trails to be enjoyed too.

Do note, however, that there is a parking fee at this park, so you'll need to bring a little cash along to gain access to the Russian River beaches.

Located in the lovely little town of Cloverdale, Cloverdale River Park is actually the biggest public park to be located on the banks of the Russian River.

It's easily accessible and has a lot of good amenities including boat launch sites, picnic tables, and ample free parking.

You can enjoy some lovely views of untouched Californian countryside here and there are plenty of great activities to enjoy including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.

Several sandy spots can be found at Cloverdale River Park as well, so it's a nice spot to come with the kids, but don't forget to pack a picnic as you won't find any restaurants or cafes in the park.

Located out in Forestville and open all day long, Sunset Beach River Park is one of the most tranquil and picturesque spots you could ever hope to find along this California river.

It's just off River Road and is actually quite easy to miss, meaning that many tourists and locals don't even know about this pretty little beach and it never gets particularly busy or noisy.

The biggest 'crowds' you can expect to find at Sunset Beach River Park are just a few fishermen and friends hanging out together.

The fishing is great here but the pebbly beach is a nice spot to sit and enjoy a picnic or romantic stroll as well.

Jenner is where the Russian River winds its way out into the Pacific Ocean. It's the end of the line for the Russian River, but it's still a lovely spot to appreciate the river's beauty from the comfort of a soft strip of sand.

Jenner is a sleepy little town and a big hit with wildlife lovers, with many seals and sea lions being spotted along the shore.

If you're looking for a great way to spend a day, head down to the mouth of the Russian River and find a nice spot on the sand; you'll be able to sit here for hours, watching the sun go down and listening to the gentle hum of the water.

Located along the serene end of the Russian River, Monte Rio Beach is the river’s largest public beach comprised of three smaller beaches. Big Rocky Beach, found on the eastern side of the Monte Rio Bridge, is filled with family-oriented beach activities.

Families can play volleyball, kayak, and paddle board out on the water, and enjoy a delicious meal outdoors.

Food may be brought in and prepared in various barbecue areas or purchased from one of the many concessions.

The smaller Sandy Beach and Dutch Bill Beach are popular areas for fishing, fly-fishing, and picnicking.

Monte Rio Beach and its upper parking lot are open to the public all year round.

20488 Highway 116, Monte Rio,CA 95462, Phone: 707-865-2487

Families are in for loads of summer fun at Steelhead Beach. The beach is filled with activities for every age. Visitors love swimming and paddling out on the water, sunbathing along the beach, and enjoying a yummy outdoor picnic or barbecue. Tubing and boating on larger crafts are also popular activities in the summer. During colder seasons, visitors still frequent the area for fishing, birding, and wildlife viewings. There are also short trails along the riverbank for easy and scenic hikes. This dog-friendly beach gets pretty busy during the summer season, so beachgoers are recommended to arrive early in order to find parking.

9000 River Road, Forestville, CA 95436, Phone: 707-433-1625

A relaxed spot on the Russian River, Mom’s Beach is the perfect place to visit with kids. The beach, also known as Forestville River Access, is frequented by families looking to enjoy a picnic, sunbathe, splash around in the water, or simply enjoy the scenery and a good book. The river is also a great place for those wanting to paddle out in a kayak or looking for a challenging fishing spot. Families are welcome to bring their furry friends as long as dogs are licensed and on a leash. The beach and parking lot are free and open to the public daily.

10584 River Drive, Forestville, CA 95436, Phone: 707-433-1625

Located at the mouth of the Russian River, Goat Rock Beach is one of the less crowded beaches in the area. The beach usually only encounters a high number of visitors during the peak of summer, but its frequency of visitors has nothing to do with its beauty. Due to the ocean’s strong current, swimming at the beach is strictly prohibited, but visitors are welcome to admire its jaw-dropping scenery. Goat Rock Beach has a beautiful summertime sandbar, rocky outcroppings and cliffs along the coast, and hypnotizing waves crashing along the sandy shoreline. Several marine mammals can also be found frequenting the beach including river otters, elephant seals, and sea lions. Visitors may view the animals from a recommended 50-yard distance.

Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road, Jenner, CA 95450, Phone: 707-875-3483