Surrounded by ancient redwoods in the heart of Sonoma County and just a few miles inland from the spectacular Sonoma Coast, the Russian River area invites you to explore, play or just relax. This region has embraced travelers since the railroads linked it to San Francisco in 1877. Today, charming towns like Forestville, Rio Nido, and Guerneville welcome visitors to their local shops and galleries. Or maybe you're looking for a cup of coffee, a homemade pastry, or a farm-to-table lunch in Monte Rio, Cazadero, and Duncans Mills – the whole county is known for great wines and locally made foods.
Hike through the majestic Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Or cycle roads that are fit for beginners or professionals. If paddling down the river in a kayak or canoe is on your must-do list, make sure to check out Sonoma County's safety tips for water activities here. 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
Stretched lazily along the Russian River in western Sonoma County, the charmingly rustic (and sometimes quirky) town of Guerneville offers a highly diverse restaurant scene. Whether you’re seeking burgers, pizza, American classics, ethnic cuisine, or farm-to-table…
Unfurling across 10 miles of western Sonoma County, the two-lane Bohemian Highway weaves through the tiny hamlets of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone, passing towering redwoods, serene pastures, and rocky ravines for one of the…
Set beneath towering redwoods, this small hamlet — located where Rio Nido Creek meets the Russian River — dates back to the 1860s. Around the turn of the last century, the area became a popular with city…
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 Valley wineries here?” Long…
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…
Dip your toes both literally and figuratively in Wine Country on this one-day adventure from San Francisco to the Russian River Valley, with its towering redwoods, cool river water, and laid-back, living-the-good-life attitude. Located about…
Swimming, fishing, or relaxing along the banks of the Russian River – known locally as simply “The River” – gives visitors a chance to splash down in the middle of Sonoma County’s outdoor playground. Along the…
Local Businesses
Angelo’s Meat and Sausage
Petaluma
Anna’s Seafood Market
Petaluma
Antiquarian and Florabunda
Duncans Mills
Antique Society
Sebastopol
Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch
Sebastopol
Aqus Cafe
Petaluma
Armstrong Woods Visitors Center
Guerneville
Art & Soul of Sebastopol
Sebastopol
Artaluma
Petaluma
Artisana Functional Art
Sebastopol
Attico
Sebastopol
