10 Great Summer Resorts and Lodges in Wine Country

Summer in Sonoma County beckons with beaches, the ocean, rivers, and swimming pools. In scenic Sonoma Wine Country, you can enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate all year, but when the sun warms things up, come to dip your toes or breathe the cool sea breeze.

Pack your swimsuit for these refreshing stay-and-play destinations in Sonoma Wine Country.

The Lodge at Bodega Bay, Bodega Bay

This seaside oasis overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the only AAA Four Diamond hotel on the Sonoma Coast. Discover luxurious rooms with private balconies, wine receptions, s’mores evenings, beach walks, coastal sunsets, bocce ball courts, and a fireside lounge with amazing views.

The resort’s restaurant, Drakes Sonoma Coast, celebrates the bounty of this region with a menu highlighting local produce, seafood, and meats. The onsite wellness spa sits above the coastline, anchored by an outdoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool spa. Enjoy beach-themed treatments, such as the warm shell massage with Tiger Clam seashells.

Timber Cove Resort, Jenner

The exhilarating drive to Timber Cove cruises above the waves of the Sonoma Coast just north of the seaside town of Jenner and historic Fort Ross. This mid-century modern lodge with ocean and forest views features inspired rooms with record players and vinyl records, plus fireplaces or skylights. Relax in The Great Room before the huge stone fireplace and roaring fire, then take a brisk stroll in the crisp Pacific Ocean air.

The onsite restaurant, Coast Kitchen, serves seasonal, locally sourced cuisine in a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows for extraordinary ocean views. Guests travel from far and wide for a spectacular cliffside meal.

Flamingo Resort, Santa Rosa

This 1950s retro-chic landmark is a beloved destination for its style, lavish pools, expansive gardens, contemporary rooms, buffet breakfast, wine tasting passes, and ballrooms with fun activities like salsa dancing.

Lounge at two Olympic-sized pools, including the glamorous original that once welcomed sunbathing celebrities like Jayne Mansfield. This resort is a beacon of all that’s fun in Sonoma Wine Country, marked by its 50-foot, neon-trimmed tower with its iconic pink bird.

Elim Grove Cottages, Cazadero

Deep in the heart of the Russian River region, nestled beneath old-growth redwoods towering above scenic Austin Creek, these charming private cottages await. Five fairytale lodgings are set in a welcoming compound with a relaxing patio and plenty of peaceful views.

Onsite, you’ll delight to find the beloved Raymond’s Bakery (yes, bakery!). This is where Mark and Elizabeth Weiss create a mouthwatering array of fresh-baked breads, cinnamon rolls, scones, croissants, cookies, tarts, turnovers, brownies, biscotti, and more. Fans come from all over to taste and take home these magical treats.

Boho Manor, Monte Rio

Boho Manor is a Gatsby-themed hotel resort on the Russian River with luxurious rooms, lush decor, an inviting riverside deck, a snazzy onsite restaurant, and a speakeasy! Experience wine tastings, hiking and biking trails, live performances, and spa services, as well as amenities like kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles. 

Built in the early 1900s, this beautiful hotel was the location for the classic film “Holiday Inn,” starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Come settle into a river lounge with a specialty cocktail and a view.

Dawn Ranch Resort, Guerneville

This destination ranch sits on 15 acres among towering redwoods on the banks of the Russian River. Whether you choose a cabin, cottage, or chalet, these luxe lodgings feature queen or king beds, premium linens, and private bathrooms. More features include sunrooms, private decks, and dog-friendly options.

Walk or bike to downtown Guerneville and enjoy private river access, a pool, complimentary Wi-Fi around the main lodge, and onsite food and beverage options like elevated local fare or picnics in the wild.

Ocean Cove Lodge Bar & Grill, Jenner

An intimate cliffside retreat with 16 rooms nestled around a hot tub and gardens, the lodge is just minutes from Sonoma County State Parks, sandy beaches, ancient redwood forests, and glittering blue ocean coves. Tip: The upstairs rooms have private sun decks, hot tubs, and spectacular ocean views. 

Rustic and relaxed, with oak furnishings, original artwork, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and HDTVs with Direct TV and HBO.

River’s End Restaurant & Inn, Jenner

The pastoral property is situated on a bluff overlooking the Russian River as it flows into the majestic Pacific Ocean. Stroll for breathtaking vistas and beaches. Depending on the time of year, you may see migrating whales, playful seal pups, and impressive sea lions.

The onsite restaurant offers the freshest seafood, farm-fresh cuisine, and stunning ocean views, perfect for taking in the sunset. Originally built in 1927, the property features a cluster of five cabins, each renovated for modern luxury, with glass doors leading to private balconies and decks, gas fireplaces, or semi-private gardens.

Fort Ross Lodge, Jenner

Uniquely situated on the majestic Sonoma Coast between the historic Fort Ross Russian Settlement and Salt Point State Park, this coastal dream offers a special kind of summer magic. Just below the property lies a sheltered cove where seals lounge on rocky outcroppings and grey whales rest with their new calves on their migratory journey north. Absolutely breathtaking.

The Sea Ranch Lodge, The Sea Ranch

Spend your summer in this quaint, coastal community and join in activities, art exhibits, and exclusive experiences. In addition to its regular rooms, the property also includes a housing rental program called Sea Ranch Living, with a collection of homes within The Sea Ranch that guests can book. 

Bonus Spots to Stay

Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay

This isn’t a resort or lodge, but it is a great destination for a summer getaway in Sonoma County. The park’s two-mile stretch of sandy beach is quiet, secluded, and open to your leashed dogs, too. Protected by the bay, the water is calm, perfect for dipping toes, and there’s a rock jetty at the harbor mouth for fishing and crabbing under wind-scudded clouds. Bring your picnic basket, your camping gear, your RV, and even your boat. If you can pack in your horse, do that, too — part of the beach is equine accessible.

Bodega Dunes Campground, Bodega Bay

If you and your crew are into camping this season, don’t miss this oceanside spot with well-spaced sites, views, dunes, shade trees, fire pits, and firewood for purchase. What’s more, you’ll find hot showers, multiple restrooms with electrical outlets, and you can park your car right near your tents.

See Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet