- Where is Guerneville located?
- Guerneville in Sonoma County is full of charm with surrounding natural beauty.
- Why is Guerneville a recommended stop in California’s Wine Country?
- It can be a great stop for anyone visiting California's Wine Country.
- What kind of atmosphere does Guerneville offer visitors?
- The quirky, rustic, charming town combines redwood trees, a laid-back feel, cool river waters, and Wine Country delights.
- What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Guerneville?
- Nature lovers can get their fill of redwoods at the Armstrong Redwood State Reserve and enjoy other outdoor activities throughout the area.
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1. Armstrong Redwood State Reserve
Within the Armstrong Redwood State Reserve is a visitor center, several picnic facilities, and self-guided nature walks. While visitors can drive through the Armstrong Redwood State Reserve, walking into the park for free from the park entrance’s parking lot is considered to be the best way of experiencing the dramatic effects of the grand, towering redwoods. No camping is allowed within the reserve, however, there is a the Bullfrog Pond Campground in the Austin Creek State Recreation Area, which uses the same entrance.
17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, Phone: 707-869-2015
2. Johnson's Beach
Johnson's Beach has been a summer tradition in Guerneville, California for around one hundred years. Its hospitality, amenities, and scenery has made it a popular destination for both visitors and locals. It is a large stretch of majestic redwoods and family-friendly pebble beach and provides an ideal area for playing in the cool Russian River, lounging on the beach, or camping. There is a roped-off pond for smaller children and beginner swimmers, as well as inner tubes and boats available for rent for more water fun. The snack bar offers ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, beer, and wine.
16217 First St, Guerneville, CA, 95446, Phone: 707-869-2022
3. Guerneville 5 & 10
Guerneville 5 & 10 has been a tradition along the Russian River since the year 1949. Situated in downtown Guerneville, it is a classic dime store that welcomes generations of fans. The shop offers a range of items from collectibles and Americana to toys and nostalgic candy. Guerneville 5 & 10 also provides visitors with much of what they may need to enjoy summertime on the river, such as clothes, towels, sunscreen, flip flops, river shoes, and baby floats to three-person boats. Guests can also find an extensive selection of greeting cards, knitting and crochet supplies, sewing supplies, canvas, paints, brushes, and much more.
16252 Main St, Guerneville, CA 95446, Phone: 707-869-3404
4. Korbel Champagne Cellars
The story of Korbel Champagne Cellars is a saga of two different enterprising families with old-world resourcefulness and pioneer spirits. These families envisioned the emerging opportunities from the country’s development during the nineteenth century. There is a Tasting Room, Wine Shop, and Deli open daily on property. Public tours of the winery are offered several times during the day on Wednesdays and the weekends during the summer and fall, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the winter and spring. Winery tours last around fifty minutes and include a look at the history museum and historic champagne cellars, followed by a tasting.
13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, Phone: 707-824-7709
5. SUP Odyssey
SUP Odyssey offer self-guided trips down river beginning at the Steelhead Beach Country Park. Trips ends at the Schoolhouse Campground. The down river trip is a total of 4.2 miles in length. Steelhead Beach is located at 9000 River Road, and there is a fee for parking. Guests can look for a truck with the SUP ODYSSEY signage at the beach, and trips include a shuttle back to the parking lot.
12600 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, Phone: 415-497-0179
6. Porter-Bass Vineyard and Winery
Tastings and tours at the Porter-Bass Vineyard and Winery are offered daily my appointment. There is a fee for wine tasting, however, visitors can apply the tasting fee towards a purchase of wine. Unfortunately, the winery isn’t able to accommodate groups of more than eight people. The wines produced by Porter-Bass Vineyard and Winery are often described as elegant and balanced, and all wines are made at the vineyard. The Porter-Bass Vineyard is lucky to have a cooler climate that lets the grapes used in wines to grow and mature evenly, ensuring the balance in the wines.
11750 Mays Canyon Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, Phone: 707-869-1475
7. Main Street Bistro
Main Street Bistro is the leading and longest running music and dining venue in California’s Sonoma County. The bistro boasts a relaxed jazzy ambiance and offers a diverse menu for lunch, dinner, and late night. The menu at Main Street Bistro features food with a northern California, Italian-inspired flare. Local fresh sourced ingredients are used in seasonal dishes, including ingredients from the restaurant’s own organic garden whenever possible. The bistro also offers signature cocktails, boutique varietals from wine country, and local craft beers from microbreweries. There is free entertainment on most nights and karaoke on Mondays.
16280 Main St, Guerneville, CA, Phone: 707-869-0501
8. Austin Creek SRA
The Austin Creek State Recreation Area encompasses around two and a half to three miles above the Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. The recreation area is reached by the same entrance as the reserve. Austin Creek SRA is made up of meadows, rolling hills, and open woodlands, a stark contrast to the primeval and dense redwood forest that lies below. Visitors can explore twenty miles of hiking trails boasting panoramic views. The recreation area is also home to the Bullfrog Pond Campground with twenty-three campsites. The campground doesn’t accommodate larger groups or vehicles with a length of more than twenty feet.
17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, Phone: 707-869-9177
9. West Sonoma Inn Spa
Treat your body to a day of wellness at the West Sonoma Inn Spa. Guests and visitors of the resort are invited to this haven of tranquility to experience a wide range of indulgent treatments and therapies from their experienced therapists. Guests can customize treatments to cater to their specific needs for a truly beneficial experience. Choose from therapeutic massages like Swedish massage, therapeutic deep tissue, prenatal, and more. The spa also offers other treatments such as facials, hair and scalp treatments, and foot scrubs. All treatments and massages are done with carefully chosen products to nourish both body and mind.
14100 Brookside Lane, Guerneville, California 95446, Phone: 707-869-2874
10. Cooprider Studio Art Gallery
The Cooprider Studio Art Gallery in the town of Guerneville, California is a local art gallery situated in downtown Guerneville on Main Street. The gallery features works of art created by Cindy Hawkins and Karen Cooprider. Cooprider focuses on abstract paintings made on both canvas and metal. Hawkins focuses mostly on digital art created on acrylic surfaces and aluminum. The Cooprider Studio Art Gallery participates in the First Friday Art Walk in Guerneville each month, as well as occasionally hosts guest artists. Visitors can stop at the art gallery to view the unique works of art.
16216 Main St, Guerneville, CA 95446
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild weather, lush scenery, and fewer crowds. | Boon Hotel + Spa – Chic accommodations surrounded by peaceful redwoods. | Explore Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – Enjoy scenic hikes among towering trees. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm days ideal for river adventures and outdoor festivals. | AutoCamp Russian River – Unique, stylish Airstream lodging near the river. | Kayak or tube on the Russian River – Relax and enjoy picturesque water recreation. |
| Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather, vibrant autumn colors, and wine harvest events. | West Sonoma Inn & Spa – Comfortable rooms close to town and wineries. | Visit nearby Sonoma wineries – Experience tastings amid beautiful vineyards. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cool, quiet atmosphere perfect for cozy retreats. | Boon Hotel + Spa – Intimate accommodations with relaxing amenities. | Enjoy local dining and art galleries – Discover the charming atmosphere of downtown Guerneville. |
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