Monte Rio Public Beach - RUSSIAN RIVER, CA
Monte Rio Public Beach is a picturesque spot along the Russian River, making it a perfect destination for dog owners seeking a relaxing and dog-friendly getaway in Russian River, California. This location features ample free parking, riverfront access, and a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and pets. The beach is ideal for swimming, floating, and enjoying the peaceful riverside with your pup by your side. Thanks to its accessible parking lot and restroom facilities, it’s a convenient choice for everyone!
What sets Monte Rio Public Beach apart is its dog-friendly policy—dogs are welcome, and the area provides plenty of space for your pooch to play by the water and explore nearby meadows. While it’s a naturally beautiful setting, it’s best to bring your own canopy or umbrella for shade, water and bowls for your pet, and folding chairs for comfortable riverside relaxation. Visitors love the nearby rentals like floats and canoes, the walkable (but rocky) beach, and the fact that it’s great for families and kids as well. Come early, especially in the summer, to grab the best parking and seating spots!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at this location? Yes, Monte Rio Public Beach is dog-friendly and welcomes pups.
- Is there a swimming area for dogs? Yes, dogs can swim in the river at the beach.
- Is there a restroom available? Yes, restrooms are available for visitors.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, there is a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and wooden path for improved access.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There are a limited number of benches, so bringing your own chairs is recommended.
- How busy does it get on weekends? The park is very popular, especially in the summer, and parking can fill up by midday.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a small, secret parking lot right by the beach for the closest access.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Natural shade is limited, so it’s advised to bring your own canopy or umbrella.
- Is it good for kids and families? Yes, the park is family-friendly, with amenities and a fun atmosphere for kids.
Reviews
This little spot is truly a little slice of heaven. We usually bring our own food and coolers. There is a Safeway right up the road before you enter the beach area. We also bring our own Water floats and toys ( water guns, shovels, buckets, tennis balls to throw and catch on the water. I highly recommend to bring a Sun Canopy, folding chairs ( sport chairs) as well as some kind of flip flops or water shoes especially for the younger ones. There is a wooden deck/ path that takes you almost to the river but after there are small pebbles rest of the way and they can get extremely hot and can be not so comfortable to walk on especially being barefoot. Bring a beach umbrella if you don’t have a Canopy. Bring some kind of tarp to lay on the pebbles or even blankets for you to lay or even sit on. They do have a wooden park bench but if you don’t get there real early it would most likely be already taken. I would also suggest to bring Folding Camp Chairs/ Sports Chairs so you can sit right at the edge of the river to dip your feet in. We also bring our own little music speaker to enjoy some nice music. They have plenty of round floats and canoes to rent. Plenty of parking… lots of information hopefully it’s helpful. Please enjoy 😁 One more thing DONT FORGET SUNBLOCK….!!! And stay hydrated….
Nice beach with easy swimming access. Dog friendly and close to a meadow. During tourist season you can rent inflatables and buy ice cream.
Beautiful spot to swim and hang out with plenty of free parking! It gets busy though.
Great little spot. Come early, especially in summertime. By 12, parking gets full. Lil hot dog stand on the top parking lot. Free parking
Ducks: 10/10, very vocal, very cute, very curious. Other birds: 6/10, kinda gross. River: 6.5/10, somewhat cold, algae kept touching my feet, which was disturbing. Walkability: 4/10, mostly rocks. Crowd: 9/10, small and quiet (~4pm on a weekday). Parking: 8/10, plenty of room but there was secretly closer parking. Drive past the first one and keep going down the road towards the river, there is a tiny parking lot right on the beach. 9/10 secret.