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
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...
For more than 130 years, travelers have come to the Russian River area in Sonoma County to swim, paddle, hike, wine, dine, or simply relax and enjoy all the delights of this lovely waterway. As the...
Charming, rustic, and quirky, the town of Guerneville blends towering redwoods, cool river waters, laid-back attitudes, and Sonoma Wine Country delights in a fanciful mix. Visitors stay in cozy cabins...
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A classic American diner with international influences.
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…
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,…
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…