Salty Logo

WHAT'S NEW?

Subscribe to get our latest features, gear, and content delivered right to your inbox.

By subscribing, you accept our Privacy Policy

Follow us!

Salty

WHAT'S NEW?

Subscribe to get our latest features, gear, and content delivered right to your inbox.

By subscribing, you accept our Privacy Policy

Follow us!

Fort Ross State Historic Park - Photo 1
Fort Ross State Historic Park - Photo 2
Fort Ross State Historic Park - Photo 3
Fort Ross State Historic Park - Photo 4

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Google Maps707-847-3286
Local Time: Loading...
VIEW PRODUCTS
Fort Ross State Historic Park beach, located on the Sonoma Coast in California, is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance. What makes this beach notable is its stunning scenery, with rugged coastline, rocky tidepools, and sandy coves, as well as its historical importance as a former Russian trading post. Visitors can explore the remains of the fort, which dates back to the early 19th century, and learn about the park's complex and intriguing past.

The beach at Fort Ross State Historic Park is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, and tidepooling. The park offers several trails of varying difficulty, including the Fort Ross Trail, which takes visitors through the historic fort and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Other typical activities include beachcombing, picnicking, and wildlife watching, with seals, sea lions, and over 100 species of birds calling the park home. Amenities include a visitor center, restrooms, and picnic tables, as well as a reconstructed Russian-style chapel and other historic buildings. Visitors can also take part in guided tours and living history programs to learn more about the park's history and culture.

The best time to visit Fort Ross State Historic Park beach is from April to October, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be foggy and cool, even in the summer months, so it's a good idea to bring layers. Additionally, the beach can be rocky and rough, with strong currents and rip tides, so swimmers and surfers should exercise caution and check the conditions before entering the water. It's also important to be mindful of the park's sensitive wildlife and habitats, and to follow all rules and regulations to help protect this unique and special place. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and wide range of activities, Fort Ross State Historic Park beach is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the best of California's coastline.

Quick Answers

Tap or hover over a card to see the answer

What is Fort Ross State Historic Park most known for?

Fort Ross State Historic Park is most known for excellent underwater visibility, and great fishing opportunities.

Is Fort Ross State Historic Park kid-friendly?

Fort Ross State Historic Park may have limited amenities for young children. Check current conditions before your visit.

Is Fort Ross State Historic Park good for surfing?

Waves are large at 6.7ft - for experienced surfers only.

What is the best time of year to visit Fort Ross State Historic Park?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the warmest weather and water temperatures. Summer can be crowded. Fall provides pleasant conditions with fewer visitors.

How are the crowds at Fort Ross State Historic Park?

Fort Ross State Historic Park tends to have fewer crowds due to limited amenities. Great for those seeking a quieter beach experience.

Is today a good day to swim at Fort Ross State Historic Park?

Swimming conditions are challenging today. Current conditions: cold water (56°F, wetsuit required), large waves (6.7ft), experienced swimmers only.

Real-Time Beach Data

Salty delivers real-time intelligence across land amenities, air quality and weather, ocean conditions, and sun exposure.

🏖 LAND

Facilities & Restrooms

Restrooms: Yes

Parking & Access

Parking: Yes

Recreation & Sports

Picnic tables: Yes
Bonfire pits: Yes
Fishing: Yes
Scuba diving: Yes

Policies & Access

Wheelchair: Accessible

💨 AIR

Air temp: 51°F
Wind: 7 mph
Air pressure: 1017 hPa
Feels like: 46°F
Wind direction: N
PM 2.5: 3 µg/m³
Humidity: 69%
AQI: 35
PM 10: 4 µg/m³
Rainfall: 0 mm
Visibility: 15 mi
Dew point: 41°F
Conditions: Clear sky

💧 SEA

Water temp: 56°F
Wave height: 6.7 ft
Swell direction: NW
Wave period: 8 sec
Current velocity: 0.4 mph
Swell wave direction: NW

☀️ SUN

UV index: 2.8
Sunrise: 7:29 AM
Cloud cover: 0%
Sunset: 4:59 PM
Total daylight hours: 9.5 hrs

Nearby Beaches

Beach placeholder

Vacation Beach

Guerneville

Beach placeholder

Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach

Healdsburg

Beach placeholder

Ohlson Beach

Sea Ranch

Beach placeholder

Goat Rock Beach

Jenner

Beach placeholder

Blind Beach

Jenner

Beach placeholder

Johnson's Beach

Guerneville

Beach placeholder

Monte Rio Community Beach

Monte Rio

Beach placeholder

Patterson Point Preserve

Monte Rio

Beach placeholder

Rocky Beach

Monte Rio

Beach placeholder

Sandy Beach

Monte Rio

Beach placeholder

River Bend Beach

Guerneville

Shell Beach (Sonoma)

Shell Beach (Sonoma)

California

Salty

STAY IN THE LOOP

By subscribing, you consent to our Privacy Policy and receive updates.

ABOUT SALTY

Salty is your definitive source for real-time ocean conditions, beach information, and marine safety data worldwide. Access comprehensive beach intelligence including weather forecasts, water temperatures, wave conditions, and surf reports. Discover ocean education resources, conservation events, and beachside promotions all in one place. Whether you're planning a beach day, tracking marine conditions, or exploring coastal destinations, Salty provides trusted, up-to-date ocean and beach data for every shore around the globe.

© 2025 Salty. All rights reserved.

Visit California