It might not be blazing here in town (expected high: 66), but head north or east and the situation is somewhat more dire.
Which means we’re going swimming.
At five highly Instagrammable Wine Country pools, each of which comes with an equally commendable hotel.
Get out the FasTrak. You’re crossing the bridge this weekend.
Pool: Indian Springs
County: Napa
Crowd vibe: European architects on summer vacation
Details: Our favorite pool in the Bay Area, the Indian Springs pool is naturally heated year-round and rich with minerals. It’s gorgeous. It can get busy with kids floating on noodles, in which case decamp to the adjoining adults-only section.
Grab a bite: There’s a poolside bar. For something more substantial, try burgers at Sam’s Social Club — named for Sam Brannan (of Brannan Street fame), the Mainer who became California’s first (and far from last) millionaire.
Open to: Hotel and spa guests (the latter must pay a $25 pool pass fee on weekdays, $50 on weekends)
Pool: Solage
County: Napa
Crowd vibe: Tech execs on their phones and their plus-ones in the pool
Details: 130-foot adults-only pool, plus a separate kids’ pool and mineral-water geothermal pools in the spa area
Grab a bite: Solbar, with a new executive chef Massimo Falsini, who earned his Michelin star at Harry’s Bar in Rome
Open to: The adult and children’s pools are hotel-access only; the geothermal pools are open to spa and hotel guests alike
Pool: Carneros Resort
County: Sonoma
Crowd vibe: Parents who love vineyards and their kids
Details: So. Many. Pools: an adults-only infinity-edge pool overlooking the Napa vineyards, an adults-only lap pool, a family pool, a kids’ pool. Plus hot tubs.
Grab a bite: Especially if you have kids in tow, the relaxed Boon Fly Café — named for a New England-born pioneer, who came to California via wagon train — is the spot. Buy extra doughnuts for the trip home.
Open to: Hotel and spa guests
Pool: The Sandman Resort
County: Sonoma
Crowd vibe: Couples making six figures on Instagram
Details: Heated pool and hot tub. Summer Night parties feature local food trucks and live music; the next is June 29, with the Got Balls Meatball FactoryGrab a bite: At the seasonal Pool House, open through Labor Day
Open to: Hotel guests
Pool: Bardessono
County: Napa
Crowd vibe: Weekending celebrants — anniversary, engagement, birthday — who want Napa touches but maybe not the vineyard tours
Details: Rooftop, 75-foot pool
Grab a bite: You’ll literally down the street from French Laundry, so there’s that — as well as a Bouchon if you’re looking for something easy to take with you.
Open to: Spa and hotel guests
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