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
In Sonoma County's Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, walk among sprouting ferns and giant trees in the magnificence of nature. Beneath the soaring redwood canopy, you'll feel silenced by the...
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...
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...
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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…
Your local bakeshop on the Russian River. We offer a variety of baked goodies, breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner to affordable prices. We have plant-based options and baked goods with Gluten-Free…
A classic American diner with international influences.
Hearty breakfast, lunches and great BBQ. The Garden Grill is a place you'll want to visit regularly. We strive to serve our community and visitors with tasty food, friendly staff and quick service.…
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…
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…
Our unique style of traditional comfort food with a Sonoma County flair, we call it "Rustic Cabin Cuisine." Local flavors, locally-sourced ingredients, and all hand prepared. Our dining room is on the…
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…
As you turn into Korbel California Champagne Cellars on River Road, nestled among the redwood trees, you'll find one of the best kept secrets along the Russian River—the Korbel Delicatessen & Market.…
We're a small brewery with the ability to brew a few styles in house at any one time. We rotate our styles and provide guest taps for some of the other local breweries. This allows us to offer some…