Charmingly rustic, the town of Guerneville (pop. 4,534) mixes towering redwoods, cool river waters, laid-back attitudes, and Sonoma Wine Country delights in a pleasing blend that makes it a popular destination, as well as an established gay vacation resort. Guerneville has always been a vacation getaway for San Franciscans — by train in the 1870s to the 1930s, and by car through the 1950s.
In the 1970s it became a welcoming resort area for Bay Area gay men and lesbians. Today, visitors stay in cozy cabins, uniquely rustic resorts, campgrounds, vacation rentals, and other lodgings. They can choose to eat at trendy restaurants, food stands, or hip cafes reminiscent of the flower-power era. And with more than 50 wineries within a 20-minute drive, wine tasting in the cool-climate Russian River Valley wine region is definitely a must for wine lovers.
With canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, umbrellas, and beach chairs available for rent, Johnson's Beach provides the main river access in downtown Guerneville, within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Visit the awe-inspiring, 805-acre Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, two miles north of Guerneville's Main Street. Walk among the serene, majestic beauty of California coast redwoods, some of the world's tallest living things. It can be a transforming experience. Find details about Guerneville hotels and lodging.
Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
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Trip Ideas
Many a thirsty traveler has taken the winding, redwood-shaded drive up Highway 116, crossed the Russian River, and arrived in downtown Guerneville only to wonder, "So, where are all the Russian River...
Whether paddling on the river, doing yoga or catching waves on the ocean, a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) can be meditative, calming, core-strengthening, balance-building and most of all, fun! A SUP is...
The serene, majestic beauty of western Sonoma County's redwood trees recall the primeval redwood forest that covered much of this Northern California area before logging operations began during the...
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Welcome to Dawn Ranch—Guerneville, California With an irreplaceable riverfront location on the Russian River, Dawn Ranch is surrounded by giant redwoods and a collection of tall trees in a rustic…
Russian River Rentals is a vacation rental company with a wide assortment of homes to suit all needs in Occidental, Forestville, Summerhome Park, Villa Grande, Monte Rio, Guerneville and Duncans…
Our unique, upscale estate hotel meets the needs for social or corporate groups of many sizes and preferences. Whether you’re planning a social group like a family reunion or birthday party — or a…
Dough made in house, hand stretched and cooked in brick ovens. Homemade sauces and meatballs, fresh vegetables and prime meat cuts. Family owned, operated and friendly, affordable. Cool decor!! Dine…
Guerneville River Park is a small day-use area on the south side of the Russian River, just off of Highway 116. The park offers visitors a view of the river, group and individual picnic sites, a lawn,…
The R3 Hotel, Bar and Restaurant - Rio Bistro is the premier LGBTQ+ Entertainment Hotel in the Russian River area of Western Sonoma County. Located in the charming, rustic village of Guerneville…
Your private retreat in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County awaits: a hand-built, lovingly furnished cedar cabin; rustic yet with all the comforts of home. After a full day of wine tasting, cycling…
Situated in the redwoods, near the Russian River and Guerneville. A true mid-century modern gem, Lucky Bend Lookout was architect-designed and constructed in 1966, and is kid-friendly down to the…
Located 2 miles from Guerneville, Tipsy Timbers is a private retreat with a 2 bed, 2 bath house & a 1 bed, 1 bath cottage, with fireplaces, outdoor dining, hot tub, heated saltwater pool & large pool…
Welcome to Camp Ciyole, a beautifully-appointed home nestled under the redwoods in Guerneville. With tons of light, spacious deck and yard, and tree views galore, it's just a 5-minute walk to the…