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.

Dawn Ranch

Dawn Ranch

3.5 out of 5
16467 CA-116 Guerneville CA
The price is ¥31,470 per night from Dec 9 to Dec 10
¥31,470
¥40,263 total
Dec 9 - Dec 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Guerneville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Johnson's Beach and Pee Wee Golf and Arcade are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
We loved the property, amenities and friendly staff.

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2025

Dawn Ranch
West Sonoma Inn & Spa

West Sonoma Inn & Spa

3.5 out of 5
14100 Brookside Lane Guerneville CA
The price is ¥19,557 per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
¥19,557
¥22,295 total
Dec 3 - Dec 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (387 reviews)
Check-in was easy, staff friendly and room clean and comfortable. The website says “bar” but when asked, was told the hotel was within walking distance to downtown wherre we could find several bars

Reviewed on Nov 26, 2025

West Sonoma Inn & Spa
Cottages on River Road

Cottages on River Road

2.5 out of 5
14880 River Rd Guerneville CA
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! (1,008 reviews)
My girlfriend and I came to visit Guerneville for our 4 year anniversary and I booked the Cottages. It was the perfect place for us to stay and celebrate our 4 years together. The staff and owner Deann were so warm, incredibly homely and super friendly. They made my girlfriend and I feel so welcome ...

Reviewed on Nov 26, 2025

Cottages on River Road
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 CA
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! (46 reviews)
Beautiful home with everything you need for a great stay!

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025

~ Home w/Gas Fireplace + 3 Cottages w/Baths + Hot Tub ~ Pool ~ Pet Friendly ~
The Tiny Tipsy Turtle

The Tiny Tipsy Turtle

2 out of 5
Guerneville CA
Stay at this cabin in Guerneville. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Johnson's Beach and Pee Wee Golf and Arcade are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
Property was an advertised. Host was easy to communicate with. Easy to walk to restaurants in downtown Guerneville

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2025

The Tiny Tipsy Turtle
~Riverfront 3 Bed 2 Bath w/Gas Fireplace Hot Tub Dock & Boats. 3/4 mile to town~

~Riverfront 3 Bed 2 Bath w/Gas Fireplace Hot Tub Dock & Boats. 3/4 mile to town~

Guerneville CA
Stay at this vacation home in Guerneville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Pee Wee Golf and Arcade and Johnson's Beach are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
Wonderful stay for Thanksgiving celebration. Our favorite part was the sunroom off the kitchen where we could watch wildlife on the river. We saw egrets, otters, cormorants, and much more! We typically spend time at the Russian River during the summer months when the river is super busy. We enjoyed ...

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

~Riverfront 3 Bed 2 Bath w/Gas Fireplace Hot Tub Dock & Boats. 3/4 mile to town~
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.

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