Exploring Rio Nido

Canopied by redwoods along Sonoma County’s Russian River, the small town of Rio Nido (pop. 522) packs a lot into this scenic place where Rio Nido Creek meets the river.

Located between the charming towns of Forestville and Guerneville, this riverside hamlet makes a great base for your adventures. Vacation rentals are plentiful here, and many of the homes perch among the redwood trees that cling to the hillsides. Relax and unwind by the river with this guide to the Russian River Resort Area.

But before you head out of town, be sure to explore Rio Nido itself, a town that got its start in 1908, when the Eagle Lodge of San Francisco bought the land and named it “Rionido” — generally thought to be an attempt at saying “river’s nest” in Spanish.

The village was a popular recreation destination in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, when the Big Band era was in full swing, and many famous bands played in Rio Nido’s dance hall. Over the years, Rio Nido has welcomed soldiers and sailors on leave during World War II, vacationers from San Francisco, and summer visitors from greater Sonoma County seeking the Russian River’s cooler weather. 

Today, at the entrance to town, you’ll find the icoic family- friendly Rio Nido Roadhouse. Discover American roadhouse-style food (think ribs, burgers, and pizzas done with wine-country flair) and a full bar. This lively establishment is a refurbished double-wide trailer with a large, inviting patio you’ll love visiting. On weekends, enjoy live music on an outdoor stage, with towering redwood trees creating a natural theater setting. Patrons can also enjoy a dip in the adjacent public pool, a fun spot to cool off and let the kids splash around in warm seasons.

Steps away from the roadhouse, take in the impressive English Tudor-style Rio Nido Lodge. Built in the 1920s, when Rio Nido was a resort wonderland. This historic lodge once hosted performers playing at the local dance hall and amphitheatre. Famous guests included Bing Crosby, Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, and Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.

This relaxed river town has a post office and a fire station. Rio Nido’s unofficial slogans are “Memories That Linger” and “The Moon is Always Out in Rio Nido.” Come unwind and enjoy life by the river in scenic Rio Nido in Sonoma Wine Country.