With the National Weather Service’s Heat Advisory in effect across the Bay Area and Central Coast through Thursday, the timing is lining up for a late-summer escape to the Russian River.
About 1.5 hours north of San Francisco, Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville is still open for the summer swim season, but only on weekends now through September 27, 2026. That leaves only six more days to float, paddle, and cool off in the shade of the towering redwoods.
This week’s heat event is bringing temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal, with inland regions hitting the low 100s in some areas. September is famously one of the Bay Area’s warmest times of year, so beachgoers can no doubt enjoy milder sunny weather even after the advisory lifts.
Guerneville’s forecast is showing a high of 94°F today (Wednesday, September 9), although temps will settle down a bit to 84°F by Friday and mid-70s through the weekend — still plenty of sun to enjoy the beach to its fullest.
A final chance for a Russian River swim
Johnson’s Beach has welcomed visitors to its pebbly shores for over a century, offering a classic, retro-inspired summer escape from the city.
This part of the river is generally calm with little current, so visitors can treat it much like a lake, relaxing in inner tubes and going for a leisurely swim. There’s also a shallow, roped-off kiddie pool area for families, although pets are not permitted.
The beach rents out kayaks, canoes, inner tubes, and more, not to mention adorable bungalows built in the 1920s.
Before you hit the road, don’t forget to plan thoughtfully, especially during a heat advisory: bring plenty of water, seek shade, and use sunscreen.
📍 Location: Johnson’s Beach – 16215 First St, Guerneville, CA 95446
🗓️ Dates: Open weekends only through the end of September. The parking lot is open from 10am to 6pm.
🔎 Learn more: You can read our article about Johnson’s Beach for more details