The campus pools are busy, lawns are spread with students and  members of the Sonoma State community exchange smiles and waves as they walk to work and class. 

Spring has reached Sonoma County and so has the warmer weather. Last week in Rohnert Park, temperatures reached a high of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting many students to get outside and indulge in some nice weather.

The on campus pools are typically a popular amenity for students to utilize during warm weather. There are two pools available on campus for student use. One located in the Zinfandel Village and another within the Beaujolais Village. Both pools are accessible 7 days a week with varying hours.

Third year SSU student Mina Riveira, recently shared her thoughts on the campus pools, “During the school year, I usually only find myself using the hot tubs. But when it’s nice weather like we’ve had recently, I most definitely take advantage of the pool. It’s nice to have right here on campus around this time of the year.”

Sonoma State’s Campus is also abundant in outdoor scenery that includes ponds, gardens and pleasant lawn areas. Some locations to check out on campus would be the Butterfly Garden, Environmental Center and the area surrounding the Green Music Center.  Third year SSU student Emma Liao talked about some of her favorite spots on campus, “I really love hanging out around the pond near the wine spectator building. It’s so peaceful and the ducks that hang around there are so cute.” 

Other students take their sunny adventures off campus and into other parts of Sonoma County. Fourth year SSU student Shane Clifton shared his experiences going to the Russian River, “The river is an awesome spot, I feel like it’s definitely a place a lot of students bond over and come together to have a fun time. I typically only go when its really hot though because the water can be a little chilly”

Sonoma County’s, Life Opens Up travel guide lists a few good spots along the Russian river to visit, “The most accessible and popular spots along the Russian River tend to be located around Guerneville. Vacation Beach, Johnson’s beach and Bullfrog pond are a few easy and fun spots to check out if you’re looking to visit the Russian River.”

Sunny days can also be enjoyed  out along the Sonoma coastline. Fourth year SSU student Tanner Shallahamer shared about his recent experience up to Bodega Bay, “It’s a super pretty stretch of coast up here and Bodega bay is gorgeous. It’s especially nice when the weather is as warm as it is right now.”

There are a number of beaches that lay within Bodega bay and the surrounding areas that visitors can enjoy. Shallahamer went on to list his favorite beaches in Sonoma, “My three go to are Salmon Creek, Dillon Beach or Doran Regional Park. There’s some other cool beaches farther North, but those three are always safe bets”

During this nice weather, some students decide to dodge the water and head over to some vineyards for wine tasting. Sonoma County is renowned for its Wine Industry and many tasting rooms are located around the area.

Fourth year SSU student Drew Schivo summarized some of his experiences wine tasting in the area, “Wine tasting is a blast. Its something fun to do with friends and it ends up being a cool experience hanging out on the vineyards.” 

Schivo also shared some of his favorite wineries in the area, “If you’re willing to splurge, Castello Di Amorosa is a pretty epic spot in Calistoga. If your on a tighter budget, La Crema in Windsor has a nice outdoor venue and you’ll have a good time.”

These are just a few things that our Sonoma State campus and county has to offer during the spring season.