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
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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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.…
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,…
Austin Creek is currently closed due to wildfire damage. Austin Creek State Recreation Area (AC SRA) boasts 5,700 acres of open woodlands, rolling hills, and meadows—a strong contrast to the dense,…
Sonoma Nesting Company is a unique emporium featuring antiques, art, curiosities & collectables for your home and Garden. Our ever changing collection ranges from ancient artifacts to mid century…
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.…
We carry a wide selection of locally-made, eco and people-friendly products, including our own 100% natural and luxurious bath and body care products, as well as fine jewelry, chocolate delicacies,…
June Bug Skin & Body is Western Sonoma County’s premier beauty boutique. The boutique offers lash extensions, massage, facials, full body waxing, spray tanning, chemical peels, and wedding services.…
EcoRing is a North Bay nonprofit that promotes EcoTourism and green travel in partnership with green certified businesses in the tourist industry. We sponsor EcoTours that feature low-carbon forms of…
The Russian River Art Gallery also showcases gifts and art of other local artists. In partnership with Guerneville’s First Friday Art Walk, we present mini-receptions and our artists are there to…