Fun Things To Do in Rio Nido

Set beneath towering redwoods, this small hamlet — located where Rio Nido Creek meets the Russian River — dates back to the 1860s. Around the turn of the last century, the area became a popular with city dwellers as a great spot for riverside summer homes, and famed musicians of the day performed in open-air pavilions.

Today Rio Nido makes a laid-back base for outdoor adventures, and local acts still play while dancers groove the night away. Here’s some of the fun to be found on your visit to Rio Nido: 

Kick Back at the Rio Nido Roadhouse

You’ll know you’ve arrived at this famed local institution when you spot the double-wide trailer at the entrance to town. Park your car and join the fun. Aside from the full bar (with a large selection of beer on tap) and roadhouse-style food (buffalo wings, ribs, burgers, taco salad, pizza, all done with style), you can swim in the community pool out back and — on weekends — lounge beneath the redwood trees in Adirondack chairs and groove to live danceable music on the outdoor stage. There’s a different band every weekend, and music styles range from 1940 Big Band to the Beatles, French folk to reggae, raw country to cool blues.

Frolic in Rio Nido’s Community Pool

From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, you can enjoy an old-fashioned day around the family-friendly Rio Nido Roadhouse Pool (a lifeguard is always on duty, so bring the kids).

The snack bar dishes up hamburgers and  hot dogs, a more extensive menu is offered on the outdoor patio, and swim classes and special events are scheduled throughout the season.

Picnic with the Family at Bruno Farnocchia Memorial Park 

With soaring trees and a seasonal creek, this three-plus-acre park and community gathering spot is the perfect place for a fun-filled family picnic. There’s a lot to do, with a playground, horseshoe pits, a tennis court, picnic tables, and barbecues. The family pooch will enjoy the dog park, and the community garden is an inspiration to those who grow their own produce.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez.