Overview
Guerneville is a town along the Russian River in California. Pronounced "Gurnville", the town is known for environmental and gay activism, and for its beautiful redwood forested riverside site.
6 things to do · 6 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Guerneville
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails from 1 to 9 miles long, and a variety of picnic facilities among towering redwoods.
Johnson's Beach
Enjoy the beach on a sunny day.
Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival
An annual festival held at the end of the summer.
Pee Wee Golf and Arcade
36 holes of miniature golf in a somewhat surreal landscape
Rio Nido Pee Wee Golf
Miniature golf in the redwoods; popcorn, candy, ice cream, and sodas at the snack bar; a clubhouse with pin ball machines, a foosball table, and other games for kids.
Sunset Beach
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 38°F. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Sonoma)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- STS Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa — 10 mi away. Directions
- CCR Buchanan Field, Concord — 62 mi away. Directions
- OAK Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, Oakland — 69 mi away (major hub). Directions
The nearest large airport is San Francisco International Airport. The closest small airport is Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County with nonstop service to/from Seattle, Los Angeles, and Portland.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $89–$194 a night (typical $95), from 5 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$170, comfortable ~$360.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Johnson's Beach, Pee Wee Golf and Arcade
- Lunch Applewood Inn
- Afternoon Sunset Beach, Rio Nido Pee Wee Golf
- Dinner Baked on the River
- Evening Korbel Winery
Day 2
- Morning Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
- Lunch Main Street Bistro
- Afternoon Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival
- Dinner Nimble & Finn's
- Evening Stumptown Brewery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The nearest large airport is San Francisco International Airport. The closest small airport is Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County with nonstop service to/from Seattle, Los Angeles, and Portland.
By car from San Francisco, follow Highway 101 North to the "River Road" exit just past Santa Rosa. Turn left at the traffic signal. Guerneville is 16 miles west.
Get around
Having a car is important. You can get to Guerneville using public transportation, however is not easy or convenient. Once you are at 'the River' (as it is also known) having a car will help you explore the stunningly beautiful countryside. There are bicycle rentals available in town (seasonally), but much of the terrain is very hilly and the roads are narrow without much of a shoulder for getting well out of traffic.
Do
Do Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails from 1 to 9 miles long, and a variety of picnic facilities among towering redwoods.
Buy
Shopping in Guerneville is like walking back in time. With eclectic shops, art galleries, wine cellars, and antique stores you are sure to find what you are looking for. The 5 & 10 Store on Main Street sells treats, candies, games and more.
Groceries can be purchased at the local farmers market, organic food store or Safeway. Every weekend sports a small flea market and local artists can be seen all over town.
Eat
Eat Applewood Inn
Upscale, à la carte, entrees $22-32.
Eat Baked on the River
Reopened in May 2025 at the r3 Hotel, this popular Guerneville café began in 2018 as a bakery, and then expanded to offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Try the salmon chowder, if it's on the menu.
Eat Main Street Bistro
Self-described as a "piano bar" and "cabaret" featuring "northern California Italian-inspired" fare.
Eat Nimble & Finn's
Artisan ice cream; lots of unusual flavor combinations.
Eat Piknik Town Market
Replacing Big Bottom Market, as of July 2023, open for breakfast and lunch, with gourmet groceries and picnic provisions, including beer and wine.
Eat River Inn Grill
The Swedish pancakes are prepared in a traditional manner. Good food.
Drink
Drink Korbel Winery
Offers an entertaining and educational tour of its champagne cellars. Champagne tasting is free after the tour, and a gourmet deli offers good choices for a lunch under the redwoods.
Drink Stumptown Brewery
Around a dozen local beers on tap, most of them from this brewery. of their own, plus some other local brews. The Stumptown Grill is cash only; there is an ATM inside.
Drink Rainbow Cattle Company
Famous gay bar.
Sleep
Stay The Stavrand Russian River Valley
This luxury 21-room property, formerly the Applewood Inn, is set on six acres just south of downtown Guerneville. In addition to its pool and hot tub area, the property has a guests-only restaurant. Bikes, kayaks, and inner tubes are complimentary for guests.
Stay Highlands Resort
Individual cabins with fireplaces - some with kitchens or oversized soaking tubs, and all with private porches. Peaceful gay and lesbian (straight-friendly) retreat. Most cabins have been remodeled. Clothing optional sunbathing at pool. Seasonal camping. Massage Therapist available for outdoor massage in a grove of redwood trees (weather permitting) or indoors. Three pet-friendly cabins. 2 blocks to town. Day Use ($5-10) includes use of the pool, barbecue, TV lounge & grounds (only clothing optional at the pool). No restaurant or bar.
Go next
Guerneville is about 90 minutes north of San Francisco.
Nearby
Monte Rio
City / town · 3 listings · 2 mi away
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Park · 3 mi away
Forestville
City / town · 10 listings · 6 mi away
Occidental
City / town · 20 listings · 7 mi away
Jenner
City / town · 7 listings · 7 mi away
Healdsburg
City / town · 38 listings · 11 mi away
Windsor
City / town · 34 listings · 11 mi away
Sebastopol
City / town · 26 listings · 12 mi away
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