Guerneville

Guerneville is a town along the Russian River in California. Pronounced "Gurnville", the town is known for environmental and gay activism as well as its beautiful redwood forested riverside site.

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.

See

Do

Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve

• Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, 170000 Armstrong Woods Rd, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails from 1 to 9 miles long, and a variety of picnic facilities among towering redwoods. 
• Horseback riding, ☎ [phone]. At Armstrong Woods Pack Station. 
• Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival (Johnson's Beach). An annual festival held at the end of the summer. The 2015 festival will be held on September 12 & 13. (updated May 2015)

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. At Etc. Etc. you'll find one of a kind items from around the world.

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.

• Carport Gallery (Russian River Studios), 15098 Old River Rd, ☎ [phone]. Unique art gallery featuring fine art from local and regional artists; rotating exhibits include paintings, sculpture, glass mosaics; and jewelry. Prices generally range from under $50 up to $1500. 

Eat

• Applewood Inn, 13555 Highway 116, toll-free: [phone]. Upscale, a la carte, entrees $22-$32. 
• Bob N Boy, 16248 Main St, ☎ [phone]. Home of the most delicious turkey burger in the Bay Area! 
• Main Street Station: Ristorante-Cabaret-Pizzeria, 16280 Main St, ☎ [phone]. 
• Russian River Inn, 16141 Main St, ☎ [phone]. Change of ownership has the Swedish pancakes being prepared in a more traditional manner. Still good food. 
• Russian River Pub. On River Road between Hacienda and Guerneville, serves great pub grub with a view of the hills from its outdoor patio. 

Drink

• Korbel Winery, 13250 River Rd, ☎ [phone]. 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. 
• Stumptown Brewery, 15045 River Rd, ☎ [phone]. Three of their own, plus some other local brews. 
• Rainbow Cattle Company, 16220 Main St, ☎ [phone]. Famous gay bar. 

Sleep

• 5 Seasons River Village Resort and Spa, 14880 River Rd, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Open year round. A full service spa destination. Home of The River Bliss, a luxurious warm water, wet marine salts and essential oils spa treatment. Resort consists of onsite cottages priced from ($99) to luxury eco-friendly vacation homes in the surrounding area ($300+). Well-behaved pets are welcome. An eco-friendly resort. 
• Applewood Inn, 13555 Highway 116, toll-free: [phone]. $185-$345. 
• Creekside Inn & Resort, 16180 Neeley Rd, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. $90-$210. 
• Fern Grove Cottages, 16650 Highway 116, ☎ [phone]. A variety of nice accommodations. $89-$300. 
• Highlands Resort, 14000 Woodland Dr, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 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 recently 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, bbq, tv lounge & grounds (only clothing optional at the pool). No restaurant or bar. $95-$200. 
• Russian River Resort, 16390 4th St, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. World famous gay resort. $80-$195. 
• Sonoma West Inn (formerly Brookside Lodge), 14100 Brookside Ln, ☎ [phone]. 
• Russian River Studios, 15098 Old River Rd, ☎ [phone]. Updated studios all have one queen bed and a full kitchen. Close to downtown for shopping and restaaurants, great location near hiking, wine tasting, and summer water sports. Great for a weekend or a week. $69-$149. 

Go next

Guerneville is about 90 minutes north of San Francisco.

Routes through Guerneville

Jenner ← Monte Rio ←

W  E

→ Forestville → Petaluma