Things to Do in Monte Rio, California
In short
Monte Rio is the quieter river town five minutes west of Guerneville, about 95 minutes north of San Francisco. The public beach is the reason to stay. Swim in summer, play nine holes at Northwood, and eat on River Boulevard. Guerneville is next door when you want Armstrong or a longer dinner list.
Written by the Casago Sonoma team — we manage 5 homes in Monte Rio and answer guest texts about the beach seven days a week.
Last updated August 18, 2026 · Last checked on the ground August 18, 2026
Know before you go
- The beach is the town
- Monte Rio Beach is the largest public beach on the lower Russian River. That's the day. Guerneville is five minutes east when you want Armstrong or Main Street.
- Grocery is five minutes east
- Monte Rio does not have a supermarket. Safeway sits at 16405 Highway 116 in Guerneville. Shop on the drive in and you won't spend the stay hunting for milk.
- The river is in charge
- Put a life jacket on every child. Get out if the water is high or running fast. The river looks calm from the lot. It is not a pool.
- Our houses are a mix
- The five homes we manage sit on Front Street, Russian River Avenue, Crescent, Duncan, and Redwood Drive. Some are near the water. Some sit back in the trees. Read the listing if you need to walk to the beach.
Things to Do in Monte Rio, California
Monte Rio Beach
Start at the public beach off Bohemian Highway. It is ADA accessible, and in season you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board Thursday through Sunday. The snack shack is called the Beast. West of the bridge, Sandy Beach is the leashed-dog stop. Do not swim west of the bridge.
20400 Bohemian Highway. Community Center at 20488 Highway 116.
Official siteNorthwood Golf Club
Nine public holes sit under the redwoods. Alister MacKenzie designed the course. Book a tee time and play it in a morning. This is the round people drive over from Santa Rosa for.
19400 Highway 116, Monte Rio.
Official siteMonte Rio Theater
The movie house lives in a Quonset hut. Check what's playing, grab a taco if the stand is open, and sit on the lawn toward the river when the weather holds.
20396 Bohemian Highway, downtown Monte Rio.
Official siteEat & drink
Sarah's Kitchen at Highland Dell
This is the German dinner on the river. Schnitzel and a beer on the deck, or a cocktail from the full bar if you'd rather sit inside. Closed Wednesday and Thursday.
21050 River Boulevard, Monte Rio.
Official siteBoho Manor
The old Village Inn dining room, now Boho Manor. Come for steak or a bowl of chowder. Thai Tuesday if that's the night you're in town. The lounge pours cocktails facing the river.
20822 River Boulevard, Monte Rio.
Official siteGroceries & essentials
Safeway Guerneville
Safeway in Guerneville is five minutes east on Highway 116. It has a pharmacy and a deli. Shop once on the drive in and cook at the house.
16405 Highway 116, Guerneville, near Armstrong Woods Road.
Official siteHealdsburg Hospital Emergency Department
There is no clinic in Monte Rio. Call 911 in an emergency. Healdsburg Hospital at 1375 University Avenue is about twenty-five minutes inland. Sutter Santa Rosa is the other direction if that drive is clearer.
1375 University Avenue, Healdsburg. About 25 minutes from Monte Rio.
Official siteRead the water
Summer afternoons here run warmer than the fog on Highway 1. Bring a layer for morning shade and something lighter for the beach after lunch.
Winter is a different river. Low streets can take water after a heavy storm. Check the height before you leave home, and change the plan if it's coming up.
When Guerneville is loud
The neon over Bohemian Highway still reads Vacation Wonderland. Under it, the town is a beach, a nine-hole course, and a couple of river-view rooms. That's enough for a Saturday. Save the plaza for Healdsburg. Stay here for the river.
From our team
- Adorable, clever, and completely shameless — raccoons work these decks after dark. Close the doors and keep food inside. Then sit out and listen to the water.
- If you brought clubs, Northwood is right on 116. Play nine in the morning before the beach fills.
- Catch a movie in the Quonset hut if the beach day ends early. The lawn faces the river.
Monte Rio questions
What is there to do in Monte Rio?
Swim at Monte Rio Beach in summer, play nine holes at Northwood, and catch a movie in the Quonset hut on Bohemian Highway. Dinner is on River Boulevard at Sarah's Kitchen or Boho Manor, or five minutes east in Guerneville.
How far is Monte Rio from San Francisco?
Monte Rio is about 95 minutes north of San Francisco. Take Highway 101 to River Road at the north end of Santa Rosa, then stay on 116 through Guerneville. Guerneville is five minutes east. Jenner and Highway 1 are about 20 minutes west if you want a coast afternoon.
What's the difference between Monte Rio and Guerneville?
Guerneville has Armstrong, Johnson's Beach, and a Main Street dinner list. Monte Rio is quieter, and the public beach here is the larger one on the lower river. Stay for the swim and a slower night. Drive east when you want the grove or more tables.
