Kids are back in school, Labor Day is approaching, and the calendar may say summer is winding down. But here on the Russian River and throughout Sonoma County, we're not ready to put away our swimsuits.
Late August and September brings our warmest, sunniest weather — and with the peak summer crowds beginning to thin, it's a great time to squeeze in another weekend getaway. Better yet, sneak away for a weekday stay, when the Russian River feels a little quieter and you’ll find the best rates.
If you're staying with Russian River Vacation Homes and your vacation home doesn't have a pool, no problem. There are several places around Guerneville, Rio Nido, Monte Rio, and Sebastopol where you can purchase a day pass or pay a daily admission fee and spend an afternoon poolside.
Here's a roundup of our favorites for a last-minute soak before fall really sets in.
The River Electric - Guerneville - 16101 Neeley Road
For a full-fledged summer pool day, start with The River Electric in Guerneville. This 12-acre camp resort and swim club has two pools, plenty of lawn for lounging and an on-site Pool Bar serving food and drinks. The 60-foot round Main Pool is the center of the action, while the smaller “Little Dipper” is the adults-only swimming area when it isn't reserved for a private event.
Day passes start at $35 and include a portable lawn chair and pool towel. Upgrades are available for chaise lounges and cabanas. The pools are generally open 11 am to 8 pm, although hours change during private events. Outside food and beverages aren't permitted, which is a pretty good excuse to order lunch and make an afternoon of it. It’s an easy walk from downtown Guerneville – across the historic walking bridge.
Good for: An all-afternoon pool day, couples, groups of friends and families who want food and drinks right at the pool.
Rio Nido Roadhouse - Rio Nido - 14540 Canyon 2 Road
For something old-school Russian River, head to the Rio Nido Roadhouse. The Roadhouse has been a summer gathering place for generations, combining a public swimming pool with a restaurant, bar, and live music. It's casual, family-friendly, and very much a part of the classic Russian River summer experience.
Daily pool passes run around $15, making this one of the more affordable places to cool off. The regular pool season generally runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, although the Roadhouse may extend the season when late-summer weather cooperates. Because pool hours can change for concerts and special events, check the schedule before you go.
And when everyone gets hungry after swimming? You're already at the Roadhouse.
Good for: Families, casual afternoons and anyone looking for a classic Russian River experience without spending a lot.
Surrey Resort - Guerneville - 16590 Highway 116
For a rustic resort-style afternoon, check availability at the Surrey Resort in Guerneville. The Surrey offers access to its outdoor pool and hot tub through ResortPass, with amenities that also include showers, a fitness center and free parking. Pool and fitness center hours are generally 8 am to 8 pm.
Pricing varies depending on the date and type of pass available, which makes this a particularly good place to check if your schedule is flexible. Cabana options are available if you'd like to settle in for the day.
Good for: Couples, a quieter pool day, and anyone who appreciates the addition of a hot tub.
Dawn Ranch - Guerneville - 16467 Highway 116
Want to turn your pool afternoon into a bit of a splurge? Try Dawn Ranch. The historic 22-acre resort barely outside downtown Guerneville offers public day passes to its heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Set among meadows and redwoods, this is less "quick dip" and more "let's make a day of it."
Day passes are offered through ResortPass, with prices varying by date and demand, starting around $50, so it's worth comparing weekday and weekend dates before choosing your pool day. Food and beverage service is available, and the setting makes Dawn Ranch a fun choice when you're celebrating something — or simply feel like treating yourself.
Good for: Couples, celebrations, grown-up getaways and a more upscale resort day.
Casa Secoya - Monte Rio - 19455 Highway 116 (Northwood)
Here's an option that may not be on everyone's radar yet. Casa Secoya in Monte Rio offers day passes to its seasonal outdoor swimming pool, tucked among the redwoods along Highway 116.
Day passes start at $22 including fees and include access to the pool and resort amenities, with towels and free parking included. The pool is currently listed as open 9 am to 7 pm daily. Casa Secoya is especially convenient for guests staying in Monte Rio, Duncans Mills, and the western end of the Russian River area.
Good for: A relaxed and affordable pool day, couples and families staying on the western end of the river.
Ives Pool - Sebastopol - 7400 Willow Street
Not every pool day needs to involve a resort. Ives Pool, located in Ives Park just a few blocks from downtown Sebastopol, is a longtime community pool offering Public Swim and Family Swim along with lap swimming, lessons and other aquatic programs.
It's one of the most affordable choices on our list. Single-use admission is only a few dollars, making it an easy add-on to a day exploring Sebastopol. There are two pools: a six-lane main pool and a smaller pool used for Family Swim. Unlike most of the resort pools on this list, Ives operates year-round. The important thing to know is that recreational swimming is offered during specific time blocks rather than all day. Check the current schedule before you leave your vacation home.
Then make a day of it: swim for a while and head into downtown Sebastopol for lunch, ice cream, shopping or a visit to The Barlow.
Good for: Families, budget-friendly swimming and combining a pool day with an afternoon in Sebastopol.
Make the Most of the Last Weeks of Summer
One of the best-kept secrets about the Russian River is that summer doesn't necessarily end when school starts. Late August and September can be glorious here: warm afternoons, cool evenings under the redwoods, and a little more breathing room than you'll find during the busier weeks earlier in the season.
If your schedule allows it, consider a weekday getaway. Vacation rental rates are lower than on weekends, restaurants and tasting rooms tend to be quieter, and snagging a good spot beside the pool gets a whole lot easier. Book a Russian River Vacation Home, grab your swimsuit, and keep summer going for another day or two.
After all, there's plenty of time for pumpkin spice later.
Pool schedules, admission prices, seasonal closing dates, and day-pass availability can change due to weather, private events and demand. Always check directly with the pool or resort before heading out.
References & More Information
The River Electric - Swim & Day Passes: https://theriverelectric.com/swim/
Rio Nido Roadhouse - Pool & Fitness: https://www.rionidoroadhouse.com/pool
Surrey Resort - ResortPass: https://www.resortpass.com/hotels/surrey-resort
Dawn Ranch - ResortPass: https://www.resortpass.com/hotels/dawn-ranch
Casa Secoya - ResortPass: https://www.resortpass.com/hotels/casa-secoya
Ives Pool - Sebastopol: https://www.ivespool.org/
Looking for more suggestions – ask us! We’re here to help.
