Late summer in Sonoma County is made for sunny outdoor days. As the scent of fall starts creeping in, it’s our chance to delight in a picnic packed with seasonal fruit, a shady trail, cool water nearby, and enough golden-hour sunlight to convince yourself summer is not quite over yet. It’s a great time of year to enjoy a coastal hike or the calm of a riverbank. A few of our favorite late summer  public places are below, offering a refreshing excuse to get outside before fall fully settles in. Bring water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and a sense of adventure — and always check conditions, posted rules, and access information before heading out.

Chanslor Ranch Regional Park is Coastal Air and Open Space

Just outside Bodega Bay, Chanslor Ranch is a special place to experience Sonoma County’s working-landscape heritage alongside sweeping coastal scenery. The property’s broad grasslands, ranch setting, and proximity to the coast make it an ideal stop for anyone craving cool ocean air on a warm inland day.

This is the kind of outing that pairs well with a beach walk, a visit to Bodega Bay, or a scenic drive along the coast. While the Pacific may be better suited to toe-dipping, beachcombing, and watching waves than a casual swim, the bracing salt air and fog-kissed landscape provide their own version of a cool-down.

Take time to slow down and notice the details: the wind moving through the grasses, shorebirds overhead, working agricultural lands, and the changing colors of the coastal hills. Late summer can be one of the most beautiful times to visit, especially when the coast is cool and clear while temperatures climb inland.

Sonoma County Ag + Open Space purchased the 378-acre Chanslor Ranch property near Bodega Bay for $5.5 million in late 2023, protecting a highly visible stretch of coastal grassland and agricultural land along Highway 1. The property will eventually transfer to Sonoma County Regional Parks, helping secure long-term public access and conservation of the ranch’s scenic and working-land character.

Jenner Headlands Preserve: Wild Coast, Cool Water Views

For a more dramatic coastal escape, head north to Jenner Headlands Preserve. Perched above the Russian River estuary and the Pacific Ocean, the preserve offers expansive views of one of Sonoma County’s most iconic meeting places of land, river, and sea.

The trails here lead through coastal prairie and grasslands, with vistas that make the hike worthwhile long before you reach the highest point. On a late-summer day, the marine layer can turn a hot afternoon into a pleasantly cool adventure. You may spot raptors, wildflowers lingering in protected areas, and the ever-changing light over the Russian River as it approaches the ocean.

Jenner Headlands is a place to enjoy water from above rather than jump into it. After your hike, continue into Jenner or nearby coastal access points to enjoy the beach, watch the surf, or simply sit near the river mouth with a snack and take in the view. The cool coastal climate is a welcome reset during the final warm stretch of the season.

Sonoma County Ag + Open Space contributed more than $9 million to help acquire and permanently conserve Jenner Headlands Preserve, including securing a conservation easement that protects its coastal prairie, forests, wildlife habitat, and sweeping views above the Russian River estuary.

Cloverdale River Park: A Russian River Refresh

When the inland heat calls for an actual water break, Cloverdale River Park is a wonderful place to spend a late-summer afternoon. Located along the Russian River, the park offers access to one of the region’s most beloved waterways, with space for picnicking, relaxing, and enjoying the river at a slower pace.

Bring a chair, a towel, and a picnic, then settle in beneath the trees after a stroll through the park. Depending on water levels and conditions, visitors may enjoy wading, floating, paddling, or simply cooling their feet at the river’s edge. The river is especially inviting in late summer, when a morning adventure can easily stretch into an all-day outing.

As with any river visit, safety comes first. Swim with a buddy, keep a close eye on children, use properly fitted life jackets for paddling or floating, and be mindful of changing currents, water depth, debris, and water-quality advisories. A little preparation helps keep a spontaneous summer dip a good memory.

Cloverdale River Park was funded in part by Ag + Open Space to the tune of $390,000.

Steamer Landing Park & Petaluma River Park: A Cool, Local Escape

Steamer Land Park and Petaluma River Park offer a different kind of water-centered outing: a chance to connect with the Petaluma River and the open spaces, wetlands, and agricultural landscapes that surround it. The parks are an inviting destination for walking, launching a canoe or kayak, birdwatching, nature study, and taking in the quieter side of late summer.

The river corridor is an important part of the local landscape, providing habitat and helping connect people to the watershed that runs through the heart of Petaluma. A visit can be as simple as a leisurely walk during the cooler morning hours or an evening stop to catch the soft late-summer light over the fields and water.

While this may not be the place for a traditional swimming day, it is a meaningful spot to cool down in another sense: slowing your pace, stepping away from the heat and bustle, and enjoying the wildlife and river views so close to home. Bring binoculars if you have them as this is a great place to watch for birds and appreciate the many forms of life supported by healthy open space.

Ag + Open Space helped the City of Petaluma acquire a portion of the McNear Peninsula in 1996 to create Steamer Landing Park and is working with Petaluma River Park Foundation to provide funding for public access, recreation development, and restoration for the remainder of the peninsula, helping move forward a community park that protects and celebrates the Petaluma River, surrounding open space, wetlands, and agricultural landscape.

A Few Tips for Water Days

Before you go, make your late-summer adventure safer and more comfortable:

  • Check park hours, trail access, and any seasonal closures before leaving home.
  • Review local water conditions and advisories, especially after storms, high heat, or algae alerts.
  • Wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or floating.
  • Pack out everything you bring in to help protect waterways, wildlife, and public lands.
  • Keep dogs leashed where required and follow posted pet-access rules.
  • Respect working lands, restoration areas, sensitive habitat, and private-property boundaries.
  • Plan for changing weather—coastal conditions can be much cooler and windier than inland temperatures.