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
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...
It's impossible to visit Sonoma County's Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and not be transformed, however briefly, by the magnificence of nature. Beneath this redwood forest's magnificent...
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...
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Antiques and collectibles, quality art glass, art pottery, vintage lighting, art deco and furniture. We have been collecting for many years and pride ourselves on offering top quality pieces at…
Those who have been here know first hand; those who have not are missing out one of the most beautiful, unique places in Northern California. At the heart of the Russian River Valley, our Russian…
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…
Don Lawson is a retired Gallerist from SF Sacramento Street. For a hobby to play with Curating in Guerneville, CA he offers up his Studio/Courtyard for Guest Living Artists, Estate Art & his…
Carport* Gallery | Design Studios is a unique art gallery and design studio located in the heart of Russian River and the Wine Country. Our rotating exhibitions feature artwork in a variety of mediums…
boon eat + drink is a modern california bistro. our menu is simple and tasty. comprised of small plates, salads, and seasonal main dishes, we feature the best of Sonoma County’s bounty. from artisan…
Armstrong Redwoods is currently closed due to wildfire damage and should be opening by the end of May 2021. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (SNR) preserves 805 acres of majestic Coast…
big bottom market™ is a nod to the past born out of the crazy minds of three successful business entrepreneurs with a keen design sense and a passion for bringing the unique yet necessary to each 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…
It’s not every day that you can collaborate under the redwoods, dine beneath the stars and retreat to your own luxury Airstream at night. Take your team on a retreat unlike any other. It has been…