Located on the beautiful Russian River, Guerneville is a small town in the heart of Sonoma County. It became a logging hub in the early 20th century when large amounts of timber were needed to rebuild San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake. Today, it is renowned for its riverside beach and surrounding wine country.
Things to do in Guerneville
Guerneville is an idyllic base for exploring the wineries of the Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area. Learn about the biodynamic principles used to cultivate grapes at Porter-Bass and sample sparkling wines at the Korbel Champagne Cellars. On Guerneville’s main street, you can enjoy a guided tasting at Equality Vines or pick up a bottle from the Big Bottom Market.
Canoes and kayaks can be rented at Johnson’s Beach for exploring the meandering Russian River. It’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in the summer months, as well as tube floating with a drink in hand. Snacks are available from the local hot-dog cart while the cafes and restaurants of Guerneville are just a short stroll away.
Directly north of Guerneville is the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, which protects a 326-hectare grove of coastal redwoods. Self-guided nature trails wind through the reserve’s grasslands and temperate forest while the Discovery Trail offers interpretive panels in Braille. Highlights of the reserve include the 94-metre-high Parson Jones Tree and the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong Tree. Adjacent lie the wildflower-blanketed ravines and knolls of the Austin Creek State Recreation Area.
Getting around Guerneville
Guerneville is around 30 minutes’ drive from Santa Rosa and 20 minutes from Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses travel to Guerneville from Santa Rosa and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.