Summer just isn’t summer without a lazy cocktail and lunch (or breakfast or dinner) by the pool. If you don’t have your own, here are some local locales for taking a cool dip and snacking on some solid grub. Though many are at local hotels where you may want to book a staycation, there are also day passes and spa privileges if you’re just stopping by.
Flamingo Resort, Wild Bird and Lazeaway Cafe
If you’re lounging in your swimsuit, grab a fried chicken sandwich, Little Gem salad, ahi tuna poke or vegan gelato with a supersized booze slushy from Wild Bird (for guests and health club members only). The Lazeaway Club has a view to the pool, with heartier fare including seared salmon, steak frites, a chopped salad and plenty of tropical drinks. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com, lazeawayclub.com
Morton’s Warm Springs, Cafe 108
A family-friendly natural geothermal springs pool features a charming poolside walk-up with pasture-raised beef hot dogs, a Vella Cheese Co. grilled cheese sandwich, fresh salads and Straus soft-serve ice cream. 1651 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen 707-833-5511, mortonswarmsprings.com
Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Pool Cafe and Rustic
A 3,600-square-foot pool with private cabines is one of Wine Country’s favorite cooling-off spots. Swimmers can grab a pizza, gelato or salad at the Pool Cafe. If you’re craving something more hearty, dry off and head to Rustic with Coppola favorites like spaghetti pesto, rigatoni with meatballs or the risotto of the day. Cabines need to be booked in advance. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1471, francisfordcoppolawinery.com
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, The Water Tower Bar
As you might expect at a Fairmont, the food is just as classy as the pool, with dishes like falafel wraps, summer melon salad, ahi tuna poke bowl or chicken mole tostada. Eating light? Try the farmers market crudité or seasonal gazpacho. Day passes to the pool are available Monday through Friday and can be booked through the resort, or ResortPass. 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, 707-938-9000, fairmont-sonoma.com
MacArthur Place, Layla
Hotel and spa guests can take advantage of the pool, or simply lounge on the deck and enjoy cocktails, a house Caesar, steak frites or fish tacos from The Bar. Or dine poolside with the full menu from Layla, one of Sonoma’s top restaurants. A mix of Spanish, Mediterranean and California cuisine includes ceviche, tomato panzanella salad, lamb chops with chimichurri and roasted summer squash. 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com
Montage Healdsburg, Hudson Springs Bar and Grill
This luxe Alexander Valley pool has its own poolside bar, Hudson Spring Bar and Grill, with simple fare like a chicken Caesar wrap or fruit plate. Go for a summery libation with the Smokey Paloma (Mezcal, hibiscus tequila, elderflower, lime, soda) and peel and eat prawns or a Wagyu burger. Post-swim you can dine on the patio at Hazel Hill restaurant or grab a cocktail and nibbles at Scout Field Bar. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707-979-9000, montagehotels.com/healdsburg
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Wit & Wisdom
Lounge chairs, a fire pit and poolside cabanas offer luxurious comfort at this Sonoma resort, renovated in 2021. Chef Michael Mina’s restaurant is outstanding, with cool seafood towers, wood-fired pizzas, seasonal salads, cheese and charcuterie platters and a tasty cocktail list. A horse trailer-turned-poolside bar — High Horse — serves up drinks, nachos, burgers and bacon-wrapped hot dogs daily. Day passes available through ResortPass. 1325 Broadway At Lavern & Napa Roads, Sonoma, 707-931-3405, lodgeatsonoma.com, witandwisdomsonoma.com
R3 Hotel, The Bars/Baked on the River
The Main Bar has a sliding glass wall overlooking the pool with plenty of great drinks. The recently opened Baked on the River, replacing the hotel’s former Betty Spaghetti, offers brunch and lunch on the patio. The menus includes old favorites like the Groovy Sconed and Gravy — bacon-cheddar scones with gravy and a soft egg — along with newer dishes to enjoy poolside, such as hot dogs, burgers and pulled pork sliders. 16390 Fourth St., Guerneville, 707-869-1400, ther3hotel.com
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort, House of Better
Make your way to Calistoga and let your worries float away in the mineral pools of this retro resort, renovated in 2021. Then grab a Southwest-inspired dish at the restaurant, House of Better. Choose from green chile stew, enchiladas, slow-roasted chile pork, guacamole, fish tacos, or healthy salads and bowls. The pools are for hotel guests only. 1507 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, 707-942-4102, drwilkinson.com, houseofbetter.com
Depot Hotel
You can’t swim in it, but a lovely reflecting pool with a surrounding Italian garden is perfect for summer dining al fresco. 241 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-938-2980, depotsonoma.com
