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.
Trip Ideas
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...
Winter in Sonoma County may be mild relatively speaking but there are days and—especially—nights when Jack Frost’s nipping and all you want to do is snuggle up by a crackling fireplace with a hot...
Of the hundreds of amazing restaurants in Sonoma County, a handful stand out as the best-of-the-best destinations for newcomers. Some are fancy, some are decidedly not, but they all share a focus on...
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Nine miles from the ocean, in a saddle between two ridge tops sits Porter-Bass Vineyard & Winery. The Russian River gently forms an oxbow around these ridges allowing the fog to drift to the foot of…
It’s not every day that you can collaborate under the redwoods, dine beneath the stars and retreat to your own luxury Airstream at night. Take your team on a retreat unlike any other. It has been…
Rainbow Cattle Company, known as “The Rainbow” and “The ‘Bow,” by locals, the RCC opened its doors in 1979 and quickly became a Northern California party destination serving up carefree good times.…
Built around 1906, the Highland Dell has always been a preferred destination for Bay Area families since it first opened. The lodge is surrounded by century old redwoods making it an ideal location…
Nestled under towering coastal redwood trees, the Village Inn & Restaurant is a historic hotel located on the Russian River. You will find colorful gardens with open terraces to admire the river and…
Experience the beauty of the Russian River Valley wine country at Redwood Lane Retreat! Situated high above the Drake Estates neighborhood, offering breathtaking views of Williams Selyem Vineyards and…
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 Creekside Inn and Resort is a warm and welcoming Russian River Inn nestled among the redwoods in the Russian River Valley in the heart of Sonoma County. We have a delightful bed and breakfast, an…
A classic American diner with international influences.
From serial entrepreneur-chef, Crista Luedtke: BROT is a modern german concept serving delicious classics in a warm Bavarian atmosphere. BROT celebrates Crista’s heritage, as well as, honors her…