Sonoma County residents have a hot week ahead as the early summer heat in the north bay nears century-old records. So how to stay cool? Keep reading and find out.
Head to the coast or the river
Notoriously cold during most of the year, Northern California beaches are the ultimate getaway for hot weather days. Pack a picnic and some sunblock and head out to Doran Beach, or any of our favorite beaches. The Russian River has plenty of cool spots, too. Pro tip: Make your way to the beach early, before everyone else — and their cars — do the same. Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville has paddleboarding, picnicking, tubing and swimming. johnsonsbeach.com
Cool down under the canopy
Walk shaded by gentle giants in the Grove of Old Trees, perched high on a remote ridge top in Occidental. The grove is owned and managed by the land conservancy group LandPaths and includes 28 peaceful acres traversed by a network of wide, easy-to-walk trails. Access is free but be forewarned: There are no amenities, save for a picnic table. 17599 Fitzpatrick Lane, Occidental, 707-544-7284, landpaths.org
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve offers a year-round refuge for Sonoma County visitors and locals looking to get away from it all (parks.ca.gov). On hot days, it’s a good spot to cool down. Follow the paths meandering through the woods and take in the sounds of nature. Pro tip: Arrive early to enjoy the silence — sans selfie-snapping tourists on Segways. Then head to Nimble & Finn’s in downtown Guerneville for some cool sweet scoops.
Get some ice cream
On meltingly hot days, thoughts turn to ice cream and its cousins — gelato and sorbet. Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa is worth a special trip (thenoblefolk.com). Unique flavors include passionfruit, Thai tea, salted caramel and Dutch cookie, each inspired by local produce and the seasons. For more places to get a cool sweet scoop, click here.
Keep the kids cool and happy
Take restless and overheated little ones to Snoopy’s Home Ice, or spend the day bowling, playing laser tag or jumping on the trampolines at Santa Rosa’s (air-conditioned) Epicenter. Further north, play in the river at Memorial Beach.
Pair a movie with AC
A couple of Sonoma County movie theaters have received facelifts in the last few years, including Santa Rosa’s Airport Stadium and Petaluma’s Boulevard 14, and now come with reclining chairs, beer and wine bars, and online ticket sales allowing moviegoers to choose their seats before getting to the theater. Pro tip: Get your tickets online before the heat peaks and then enjoy a movie and air conditioning.
Become a cave(wo)man for a day
Many Sonoma County wineries keep their wine barrels cool in underground caves, open to thirsty visitors looking to escape the heat. Head into the caves at Deerfield Ranch or Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood, for example. Pro tip: Reserve a tour or private tasting ahead of the heat wave — you won’t be the only one craving a caveman lifestyle once temperatures rise.
Or enjoy your wine with some AC
If you prefer to stay out of the cave but still crave some local vino, most Sonoma County tastings rooms are air conditioned. Not sure where to go? Check out these popular wineries for first-time visitors. Pro tip: In the heat, stick to whites and Pinot.
Rosé all day in the kiddie pool
Prefer to stay cool in the comfort of your own yard? Get an inflatable pool. Not just for the kiddos, you can get a slightly larger version just for you. Fill it up, then grab a bottle of your favorite Sonoma County rosé from the fridge. Pro tip: Add another splash of cool pink with rose sorbet, or a cute can of brut rosé.
Get cool in a bigger pool
If a small plastic pool isn’t cutting it for you, take the family to Morton’s Warm Springs in Kenwood, or get a massage and lounge by the mineral pool at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, a luxury hotel in Sonoma Valley. For more poolside wine sipping, there’s Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville (reservations required). Find more local pools here.
Hit the patio
Embrace the heat from underneath a patio umbrella, a cold drink in hand and a good meal on the table (find winery patios here; and outdoor dining here). Or cool down with a cocktail and a few nibbles at one of our favorite bars for hot summer nights.
