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
It's fitting that the Russian River Valley appellation lies at the geographical heart of Sonoma County. This is where some of wine country's best known and most beloved varietals really earned their...
Rustic and elegant, sophisticated and quirky, world renowned and so-tacky-it's-fun — all that and more describes the laid-back town of Guerneville in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley. LGBQTA...
Western Sonoma County offers its visitors a delightful mix of rolling hills, vineyards, redwood trees, charming small-town main streets, fine wines, farm-to-table delights, and the slow and scenic...
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Highlands Resort is a quiet, relaxing, welcoming LGBTQ and straight-friendly Russian River getaway where adult guests make new friends and reconnect with old friends. In a natural wooded setting with…
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…
River Bend is conveniently located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. With towering redwood trees and grapevines lining the valley above, it is a scenic drive to enjoy an…
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…
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…
Cottages on River Road offer guests cozy cottages and studios that accommodate families, couples, friends and solo travelers seeking adventure, recreation or relaxation, and stunning natural beauty.…
Spacious two-bedroom home lovingly restored with brand new luxury queen size beds and fully-equipped modern kitchen. Front deck has view to wooded hills. Large, secluded patio off bedrooms has lounge…