Summer in Sonoma County is truly one of the most magical times anywhere. The sun is shining, the kids are out of school, and there is plenty to do. Although it can get pretty hot, there are many outdoor activities that will cool you while satisfying your need for adventure.
Float down the Russian River
How lucky are we to have a cool and shallow body of water running through multiple towns in this area? Grab a floatie and some beverages and drift for hours down the slow-flowing Russian River. Stop on one of the many sandy banks for a relaxing picnic or a game of frisbee.
Pro tip: park one car at the starting spot and one at the end so you don’t have to walk many miles back.
Take a kayak tour
If you prefer the safety of a small personal boat over a raft, you need to try out kayaking this summer. Many outdoor destination spots all over the river offer kayaking tours. Some even go all the way out to the ocean.
Lay out on Dillon Beach
If you love doing nothing but laying on the sand, Dillon Beach is the perfect spot. It’s a wide beach with plenty of parking located just down the road from Bodega Bay. In the hotter months, the water is the perfect temperature for wave surfing when the sand gets too hot.
Hike to a waterfall
If your itching to get some exercise, Taylor Mountain is the perfect spot for a shady hike. Take their four-mile loop while staying cool under the big trees. In the middle of the hike is a beautiful waterfall, the perfect spot to cool down after working up a sweat.
