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
Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, Sonoma County health officials have asked residents to avoid leaving their homes except for work, school or necessary trips, alongside a ban on large gatherings. Those...
Follow the winding roads along Sonoma County's backroads to discover 10 of the best getaway resorts and lodges in the laid-back Russian River area, amidst a delightful backdrop of cool water, towering...
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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Nestled in the redwoods, on the Russian River, in the heart of wine country. Truly camping at its best. Reserve your site now 1-707-869-1894
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…
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.…
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (SNR) preserves 805 acres of majestic Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). Coast Redwoods are classified as temperate rainforests and they need wet and mild…
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.…
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…
Nestled in an ancient redwood grove 3 miles East of Guerneville, along the Russian River, is a special place, a place where time stands still, a place where memories are made, a place where families…
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,…
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,…