Luther Burbank Home and Gardens in Santa Rosa, photographed in June 2012.

Outdoors

Swimming holes and lakes near Santa Rosa

Lakes, rivers and beaches near Santa Rosa where swimming is allowed on public land.

9places to swim
24 mito the closest
3within 30 miles
June–Octoberbest months

Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.

Closest picks

1

Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)

24 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

Lake Sonoma's Boat-In Sites are scattered around beautiful Lake Sonoma, only a 45-minute drive north of Santa Rosa and a two-hour drive from San Francisco.

2

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)

27 mi east · Bureau of Reclamation

Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs east of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa provides ample public recreation opportunities.

3

Point Reyes National Seashore Campground

28 mi south · National Park Service

Point Reyes National Seashore offers four backcountry hike in campgrounds and thirteen boat in campsites along Tomales Bay. Note: For reservation purposes, our campgrounds are organized under the "loop" column of the reservation grid.

Map of all 9 places

Map of 9 places loads as you scroll.

Within 30 miles (3)

24 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)

Lake Sonoma's Boat-In Sites are scattered around beautiful Lake Sonoma, only a 45-minute drive north of Santa Rosa and a two-hour drive from San Francisco.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Water sports

27 mi east · Bureau of Reclamation · Campground

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)

Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs east of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa provides ample public recreation opportunities.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Nature education

28 mi south · National Park Service · Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore offers four backcountry hike in campgrounds and thirteen boat in campsites along Tomales Bay. Note: For reservation purposes, our campgrounds are organized under the "loop" column of the reservation grid.

  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horse Camping

30 to 75 miles (6)

46 mi south · National Park Service · Campground

Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)

Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horseback riding

46 mi south · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

An area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world.

  • Boating
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming

60 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

Kyen Campground and Oak Grove Day-Use Area are conveniently situated on Lake Mendocino, in California's Northern Coast Range where redwood forests meet wine country.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Swimming

60 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Letts Lake Campground

The main feature of the area is a 35-acre lake for non-motorized vessels, trout fishing and swimming. A one-mile trail leads along the lake shore. There are accessible restrooms and a popular fully-accessible fishing pier.

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Recreational Vehicles
  • Swimming

60 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Letts Lake Campground

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Paddling
  • Picnicking
  • Swimming

60 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Pomo Day Use Area

Pomo Day-Use Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where the redwood forests meet California wine country. The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Disc Golf
  • Hiking
  • Picnicking
  • Swimming

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Santa Rosa. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Santa Rosa

Fun Things to Do in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

Fun Things to Do in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

An activity Short shared by Sonoma County.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Around Santa Rosa

Outside, Santa Rosa
Outside PhotoBilldrury · CC BY-SA 4.0
South exterior of Garcia Hall, Santa Rosa Junior College
Garcia Hall, Santa Rosa Junior CollegeE bailey · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lindley Center exterior (1), Santa Rosa Junior College
Lindley Center exterior (1), Santa Rosa Junior CollegeE bailey · CC BY-SA 4.0

More outdoors near Santa Rosa

Questions

Where is the closest place for swimming near Santa Rosa?

Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma) (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 24 miles northwest of Santa Rosa as the crow flies. Next are Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca) (27 mi) and Point Reyes National Seashore Campground (28 mi).

When is the best time for swimming near Santa Rosa?

Based on Santa Rosa’s average highs, June–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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