Located less than two hours away from the Bay Area and mere minutes from the summer heat of the Sonoma Valley sits a town that is nestled amongst giant redwoods along a tranquil river. Here, time seems to slow to a crawl as residents and visitors spend their days exploring these ancient forests and lounging on the riverbanks.
This town is Guerneville, California.
Here, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to a place with family-owned restaurants, charming shops, and family-friendly hotels that have been welcoming visitors for generations.
This is the perfect family getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby wine regions and Bay Area.
What to Do in Guerneville
Despite its remote feel, there is so much to do in and around Guerneville. Within 30 minutes, you can be at wineries, the beach, redwood groves, or floating along the slow-moving Russian River.
Explore the Beaches of the Pacific
Just 25 minutes west of Guerneville, you’ll find endless miles of coastlines ranging from rocky headlands to wide sandy beaches, perfect for families (so long as the weather is cooperating!).
Goat Rocks Beach is a great place to go as it is a spit that juts out where the Russian River meets the Pacific. Here you can explore the Pacific side when the weather is cooperating or stick to the river side which offers a warmer and calmer beach experience.
You can also head north of the river entrance to Jenner Beach, which is loaded with driftwood and is perfect for exploring and building forts.
Go Wine Tasting
Guerneville is adjacent to miles of wineries up and down the Sonoma Valley. The closest option to town is the Korbel Winery, which is less than three miles to the west.
Here, you can tour the grounds, explore the museum, and explore the champagne cellars.
Head another 8 miles west, and you’ll have so many wineries to choose from that it would take a month to tour them all.
Paddle the Russian River
The slow-moving Russian River passes directly through town. Along its path, you’ll find numerous beaches and parks perfect for launching a kayak to explore its more remote sections.
Right in town is Johnson’s Beach, a favorite hangout for visitors and locals alike. Here, you can lounge on the beach or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the waters.
Explore the Redwoods
Just up the road from Guerneville is the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. With miles of trails looping through this majestic grove, it is the perfect place to escape when the summer heat starts to bear down.
The trees in this park range from 500 to 1000 years old, and their canopies tower high above the forest floor. Miles of trails wind throughout the park, but the majority of the redwoods are located along the trails closest to the entrance.
Spend an Evening at the Rio Nido Roadhouse
The Rio Nido Roadhouse has the feel of the type of resort that has been lost to time. Nothing here feels overcommercialized and you can spend the afternoon grabbing a bite to eat at their outdoor restaurant, playing in the pool, or enjoying the live music that takes place most weekends.
We love the towering redwoods surrounding the property, which the kids can explore while we sit and enjoy a beverage at one of their many picnic tables.
Explore Downtown Guerneville
Downtown Guerneville is a short but sweet walk past modern bistros, touristy shops, and even an old bank that is now home to ice cream and wine shops.
Stop in to grab a scoop from local ice cream makers Nimble and Finn’s, who use fresh local produce to create their delectable, seasonal flavors.
For lunch, head over to Piknik Town Market, where you can sit down for a freshly made breakfast or lunch or grab a lunch to go to fuel whatever adventures you have on your plate for the day.
Where to Stay in Guerneville
Guerneville is home to an assortment of lodging options, from glamping-worthy yurts to private rentals to boutique hotels ready to cater to the most discerning travelers.
Our favorite place to stay is in the homes that sit in the hills up above the city. Nestled in the redwoods along steep hillsides these houses are an engineering marvel in getting them to fit alongside the narrow roads while keeping the surrounding forest intact.
The Boon Hotel + Spa has become a popular destination with a variety of lodging options, from hotel rooms to yurts to even a remodeled vintage camping trailer! With an on-site pool and spa, this hotel is the perfect getaway. But don’t bring the kids as this destination is for adults only.
