Park · Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Yes — Sunset Beach River Park has picnic areas open to the public. No reservation is needed for the picnic area. Fee: Parking $12 per vehicle in summer, $8 fall-spring (free for Regional Parks members). Alcohol isn't allowed here.
Checked September 2026 from parks.sonomacounty.ca.govStated on the venue's own website
Picnic tables sit near the parking area, then a short unpaved trail leads down to a rocky river beach looking upstream to the Hacienda Bridge and redwood-covered hillsides. Facilities are basic (a portable toilet), so this is more a swim-and-sunbathe spot with a picnic on the side than a full picnic ground.
Good for: Families · Dogs · Views · Budget-friendly
A small county river park west of Forestville with a rocky beach and one of the prettier views on this stretch of the Russian River, toward the Hacienda Bridge and redwood hills. It's the end point for tube floats from Steelhead Beach and a relaxed place to swim and snack. As at Steelhead, alcohol is banned all summer.
More dog-friendly spots in Sonoma CountyMore family-friendly spots in Sonoma CountyMore free spots in Sonoma CountyMore best views spots in Sonoma County
Stock up at a deli nearby, then picnic close by — a short, easy loop.
Deli & market · Sebastopol · about 6.5 mi away
Sunset Beach River Park (this park)
Park · Russian River Valley
Park · Russian River Valley · about 2.6 mi away
Sebastopol · 5 mi
Sebastopol · 7 mi
Healdsburg · 8 mi
Russian River Valley· 2 mi
The historic sparkling-wine house on the road to Guerneville, with free cellar tours and a popular deli. It's a classic lunch stop, but you eat from the deli: outside food and picnicking aren't allowed.
Nearest picnic food: Mom's Apple Pie · 6.6 mi
Russian River Valley· 2 mi
Sonoma County's main Russian River beach park near Forestville is a summer swimming, paddling and tubing hub, with picnic areas and flush restrooms right by the lot. It's the usual starting point for tube floats down to Sunset Beach. Leave the wine at home in summer: alcohol is banned from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Nearest picnic food: Mom's Apple Pie · 3.5 mi
Russian River Valley· 2 mi
A respected Pinot Noir and Chardonnay house on a ridge above Westside Road. Book 'A Picnic with a View' and you get a table on the Overlook for two hours to enjoy your own food with a bottle.
Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
Nearest picnic food: Mom's Apple Pie · 4.1 mi
Guerneville & Monte Rio· 3 mi
A small, free county park at the Guerneville bridge that works well for a quick riverside lunch or a paddle launch, with flush restrooms, accessible paths and first-come group tables. It is one of the few county parks with a year-round alcohol ban, so it is not the place to open a winery bottle.
Nearest picnic food: Mom's Apple Pie · 7.5 mi
Yes — Sunset Beach River Park has picnic areas open to the public. No reservation is needed for the picnic area. Fee: Parking $12 per vehicle in summer, $8 fall-spring (free for Regional Parks members). Alcohol isn't allowed here.
Yes. Outside food is allowed at Sunset Beach River Park.
No, alcohol isn't allowed at Sunset Beach River Park.
No reservation is needed to use the picnic area. Picnic areas are first-come, first-served; no reservable group site.
Parking $12 per vehicle in summer, $8 fall-spring (free for Regional Parks members); no street parking.
Leashed dogs allowed (6-ft max); they must stay leashed even while swimming.
We last checked this listing in September 2026 (freshest source: County park and policy pages live Sept 2026 (undated)). Policies change — especially for groups and holidays — so confirm with Sunset Beach River Park before you go. How we verify.
Picnic rules at a glance
What the picnic area is like
About Sunset Beach River Park
Make a day of it
Pick up picnic food nearby
More picnic spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
Sources & accuracy