Guerneville, CA

Travel Guide

Guerneville featuring forests as well as an individual male
Armstrong Redwoods State Park showing forests as well as a couple
Armstrong Redwoods State Park featuring forests
Armstrong Redwoods State Park showing forests
Armstrong Redwoods State Park featuring forests

Stroll along the banks of the Russian River in this charming town and explore the towering redwoods in the outskirts.

Historically known for its logging community and redwood forests, Guerneville is a pleasant town in the heart of wine country. Visit its vast state park and recreational area full of the region’s famous redwoods and oaks. Wander into the wilderness for a picnic with your family in the shelter of some of the planet’s largest living things.

Explore the town center for its shops, restaurants and activities. Sunbathe on the stony Johnson’s Beach on the northern bank of the Russian River. The majestic Guerneville Historic Bridge stretches above the river, offering excellent views of the forested area.

Relax in the scenic setting of Guerneville River Park. Adjacent is the Pee Wee Golf and Arcade, which has many entertaining activities for kids. Adults can practice their swing at Northwood Golf Club in the southern outskirts of the town.

Escape from the community with a trip to Sonoma County’s beaches. Hike along the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) Pioneer Nature Trail loop in Armstrong Redwoods State ParkOpens in a new window. See the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong tree and gaze up at the Parson Jones Tree, which is the tallest in the park at 310 feet (94 meters).

Just north of the park is Austin Creek State Recreation Area, which contains the Bullfrog Pond Campground. Make your way through the tall grasslands and oak trees that serve as a contrast to the dense growth of redwoods.

Dry summers with humid morning fog and wet winters provide perfect wine-growing conditions in the valleys surrounding the town. Spend an afternoon at Porter-Bass Vineyard and try the acclaimed zinfandel and palomino grape varieties.

Guerneville is in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County in northwestern California. Fly to San Francisco International Airport and drive north for 90 miles (145 kilometers) to get here. Visit nearby towns, such as Santa Rosa, Sacramento and Healdsburg.

Look up and out at giant trees and undulating vineyards characterizing the surroundings of the picturesque town of Guerneville.

West Sonoma Inn & Spa

West Sonoma Inn & Spa

3.5 out of 5
14100 Brookside Lane, Guerneville, CA
The price is ¥16,024 per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
¥16,024
¥18,268 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Guerneville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (377 reviews)
Welcoming staff Quaint and comfortable setting Walking distance to food and guerneville town center

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2025

West Sonoma Inn & Spa
Cottages on River Road

Cottages on River Road

2.5 out of 5
14880 River Rd, Guerneville, CA
The price is ¥15,095 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
¥15,095
¥18,123 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Guerneville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,022 reviews)
Felt very safe for families and such a nice setting

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

Cottages on River Road
Dawn Ranch

Dawn Ranch

3.5 out of 5
16467 CA-116, Guerneville, CA
The price is ¥38,799 per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
¥38,799
¥49,599 total
Nov 30 - Dec 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Guerneville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Johnson's Beach and Pee Wee Golf and Arcade ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (82 reviews)
Great service, fantastic facilities

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Dawn Ranch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
~ Home w/Gas Fireplace + 3 Cottages w/Baths + Hot Tub ~ Pool ~ Pet Friendly ~

~ Home w/Gas Fireplace + 3 Cottages w/Baths + Hot Tub ~ Pool ~ Pet Friendly ~

Guerneville
Stay at this vacation home in Guerneville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Johnson's Beach and Armstrong Redwoods State Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Lovely, unique home in a beautiful setting. Not the typical slick, cookie-cutter vacation rental. Ample room for my whole family. Would like to return next summer.

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025

~ Home w/Gas Fireplace + 3 Cottages w/Baths + Hot Tub ~ Pool ~ Pet Friendly ~
Luxurious Large Home, Beautiful Pool, Extensive Gardens

Luxurious Large Home, Beautiful Pool, Extensive Gardens

Guerneville
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Guerneville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Johnson's Beach and Pee Wee ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
My friends and I had a wonderful time at David's property. The house, pool, and hot tub were as described and comfortably fit my group of 12. David was also very responsive to any questions I had.

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Luxurious Large Home, Beautiful Pool, Extensive Gardens
Creekside Under the Redwoods

Creekside Under the Redwoods

Guerneville
Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Johnson's Beach and Pee Wee Golf and Arcade are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Overall, very nice place kitchen could’ve used a few more sharp knives, but that is very common with VRBO. I would recommend staying here.

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025

Creekside Under the Redwoods
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Guerneville

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
31
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Scott&Alex

We love Guerneville. It's a nearly perfect gay getaway town outside of San Francisco. The shop and restaurant owners are friendly and happy to have visitors :) It feels safe for the gay community to let our guards down, and it's surrounded by forest.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Forrest meets Ocean love it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very artsy and some really good restaurants (Boon, Brot, to name two) Beautiful trees and close to many wineries in Sonoma.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A frontier-like look and feel, but with a nice stage theater/music venue, a host of shops, both quaint and modern, and plenty of options for food and drink. One very pleasant surprise was the large number of LGBTQ-supportive businesses.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Limited dining options there, but the food we had was good!

5/5 - Excellent

Milo

Small quaint little town... easy to navigate and lots of places to eat... very lovable.

Cities near Guerneville