Guidebook for Guerneville
Sightseeing
It's the place to visit the iconic Redwoods that once upon a time filled this area. It costs $10 to get in driving. Park just outside if you want to save money and just walk in. But then consider donating a little something to the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. They do great work.
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Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Visitor Center
17000 Armstrong Woods RdIt's the place to visit the iconic Redwoods that once upon a time filled this area. It costs $10 to get in driving. Park just outside if you want to save money and just walk in. But then consider donating a little something to the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. They do great work.
You learn about the Russian History of the area. I am one of those weird people who loves historical sites like this where they occasionally re-enact things. Find out why it's called "Russian River!" I'm not going to tell you! You'll probably love it most on a sunny day.
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IFort Ross
19005 Coast HwyYou learn about the Russian History of the area. I am one of those weird people who loves historical sites like this where they occasionally re-enact things. Find out why it's called "Russian River!" I'm not going to tell you! You'll probably love it most on a sunny day.
Shopping
It's full of quirky vintage and handmade items for your home that you can't find anywhere else.
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Sonoma Nesting Co
16151 Main StIt's full of quirky vintage and handmade items for your home that you can't find anywhere else.
There are two "River Queen" shops, one for antiques and collectibles and another a few shops down that is a nice clothing boutique. The owner is really nice. Support her business if you get a chance :)
River Queen Clothing
16377 Main StThere are two "River Queen" shops, one for antiques and collectibles and another a few shops down that is a nice clothing boutique. The owner is really nice. Support her business if you get a chance :)
Essentials
It gets really crazy on Saturday and Sundays morning through afternoon. Try to go later at night or early in the morning if you are shopping on those days!
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Safeway
16405 CA-116It gets really crazy on Saturday and Sundays morning through afternoon. Try to go later at night or early in the morning if you are shopping on those days!
It's the only place nearby to do laundry. Prepare for colorful locals.
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Cinnabar Laundry
It's the only place nearby to do laundry. Prepare for colorful locals.
This is located at the Cinnabar Laundry, I've never tried it, but it's there.
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Babs Wash Fold & Dry Cleaning
14045 Armstrong Woods RdThis is located at the Cinnabar Laundry, I've never tried it, but it's there.
Food Scene
It just has great coffee and such a Guerneville vibe. I appreciate their breakfast sandwich.
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Coffee Bazaar
14045 Armstrong Woods RdIt just has great coffee and such a Guerneville vibe. I appreciate their breakfast sandwich.
They have the best coffee, sandwiches, and pastries, you get to sit outside at the mouth of the Russian River and occasionally listen to someone playing flamenco guitar while you enjoy the scenery. Go on a sunny day for best results.
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Cafe Aquatica
10439 CA-1They have the best coffee, sandwiches, and pastries, you get to sit outside at the mouth of the Russian River and occasionally listen to someone playing flamenco guitar while you enjoy the scenery. Go on a sunny day for best results.
Brick oven, amazing amazing sticky buns, scones, crusty breads, a garden that you'll be jealous of and want to live in. beautiful drive down Bohemian Drive to get there, you will love it.
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Wild Flour Bread
140 Bohemian HwyBrick oven, amazing amazing sticky buns, scones, crusty breads, a garden that you'll be jealous of and want to live in. beautiful drive down Bohemian Drive to get there, you will love it.
The food is great and you can sit on a cute patio and dine with your loved ones. This place is iconic in the area, been here forever. And it's popular-- so you might have to wait, but it should be worth it! After you eat you can walk around the adorable town of Occidental and buy some fun stuff.
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Howard Station Cafe
3611 Bohemian HwyThe food is great and you can sit on a cute patio and dine with your loved ones. This place is iconic in the area, been here forever. And it's popular-- so you might have to wait, but it should be worth it! After you eat you can walk around the adorable town of Occidental and buy some fun stuff.
There's a lot of hype, and a lot of people want to eat there. That's because it is really good. They use locally sourced ingredients. No reservations, so you can go put your name on the list and have a drink nearby while you wait.
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boon eat + drink
16248 Main StThere's a lot of hype, and a lot of people want to eat there. That's because it is really good. They use locally sourced ingredients. No reservations, so you can go put your name on the list and have a drink nearby while you wait.
It's a beautiful place to go wine tasting, and if you like bubbly wine, it's perfect for you:). The view is awesome.
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Iron Horse Vineyards
9786 Ross Station RdIt's a beautiful place to go wine tasting, and if you like bubbly wine, it's perfect for you:). The view is awesome.
Reasonably priced creative and delicious sandwiches, pastries, and great coffee. Cute outdoor seating. Service slow.
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The Farmhand
15025 River RdReasonably priced creative and delicious sandwiches, pastries, and great coffee. Cute outdoor seating. Service slow.
Great beer, nice outdoor seating, pool table, fun atmosphere, pub food. What’s not to like?
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Stumptown Brewery
15045 River RdGreat beer, nice outdoor seating, pool table, fun atmosphere, pub food. What’s not to like?
I have to recommend this place to the budget traveler who appreciates a good taco truck, and out of respect for the many times I have chowed down here. I like the ceviche tostadas and the California burrito with french fries in it but take small bites:)
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Guerneville taco truck
16632 Main StI have to recommend this place to the budget traveler who appreciates a good taco truck, and out of respect for the many times I have chowed down here. I like the ceviche tostadas and the California burrito with french fries in it but take small bites:)
A little Southern-style place, Black-owned business, really yummy food and they might just call you "honey"!
Saucy Mama's
A little Southern-style place, Black-owned business, really yummy food and they might just call you "honey"!
Not too far away in Forestville, nice grounds and tasting area, good place to enjoy an afternoon. Thursdays they have live music in the late afternoon. You can also enter from the West County Trail if you park at the trail entrance in Forestville and are on a hike toward Graton. Wine tasting walk--what fun!
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Russian River Vineyards
5700 California 116Not too far away in Forestville, nice grounds and tasting area, good place to enjoy an afternoon. Thursdays they have live music in the late afternoon. You can also enter from the West County Trail if you park at the trail entrance in Forestville and are on a hike toward Graton. Wine tasting walk--what fun!
They have good biscuits and you can buy picnic items and wine, etc. and the coffee is pretty good.
Piknik Town Market
They have good biscuits and you can buy picnic items and wine, etc. and the coffee is pretty good.
Entertainment & Activities
So many reasons. Down to earth vibe, feels like a 1950's family camp during the day. If you are with your kids you can sit outside at picnic tables while they run around in the grass and play horseshoes, hide and seek, or shoot pool. They have a good beer selection and make some killer mojitos. The staff is super friendly. During summer days, there is a swimming pool for y'all too, with a snack bar. On Saturday nights they always have great live music and dancing, and you can get your hippie groove on...if you have one : )
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Rio Nido Roadhouse
14540 Canyon 2 RdSo many reasons. Down to earth vibe, feels like a 1950's family camp during the day. If you are with your kids you can sit outside at picnic tables while they run around in the grass and play horseshoes, hide and seek, or shoot pool. They have a good beer selection and make some killer mojitos. The staff is super friendly. During summer days, there is a swimming pool for y'all too, with a snack bar. On Saturday nights they always have great live music and dancing, and you can get your hippie groove on...if you have one : )
It's the beach to go to in Guerneville- if you are in the mood for a funky family beach experience. Kayak and canoe rentals, rafts, umbrellas- cuz sometimes the rocks get smoking hot! Reserve a spot if you’re coming on the weekend!
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Isitsha sikaJohnson
16215 First StIt's the beach to go to in Guerneville- if you are in the mood for a funky family beach experience. Kayak and canoe rentals, rafts, umbrellas- cuz sometimes the rocks get smoking hot! Reserve a spot if you’re coming on the weekend!
It's the closest place for you to get yourself into the river. It's basically a parking lot and a little beach space. Great place to launch a kayak downstream. If you go downstream a little way there are some little beach nooks that you can have all to yourself- if you get there early enough! If you go upstream from dam (in the summer when it’s there) you get to deeper water and can paddle up to some other beaches.
Road is only accessible by car in summer. October through June- walk under or around the chain and head down the hill.
Vacation Beach Road
Vacation Beach RoadIt's the closest place for you to get yourself into the river. It's basically a parking lot and a little beach space. Great place to launch a kayak downstream. If you go downstream a little way there are some little beach nooks that you can have all to yourself- if you get there early enough! If you go upstream from dam (in the summer when it’s there) you get to deeper water and can paddle up to some other beaches.
Road is only accessible by car in summer. October through June- walk under or around the chain and head down the hill.
It's another Russian River Beach Town. The beach also has a hotdog stand and raft rentals, I think the beach here is better than Johnson's. There's a little island you can swim out too. Funky folks and families all around. We like it, but that might not be your thing. There are a few shops and restaurants you can check out. Try Fern's if you want some pizza.
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Monte Rio
It's another Russian River Beach Town. The beach also has a hotdog stand and raft rentals, I think the beach here is better than Johnson's. There's a little island you can swim out too. Funky folks and families all around. We like it, but that might not be your thing. There are a few shops and restaurants you can check out. Try Fern's if you want some pizza.
Check their website for times, but the have tours almost every hour on some days, and you don't need a reservation. (Winter, Wednesdays and Thursdays; summer Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.) I thought the tour was great and I learned a lot about the history of Guerneville and the events and people responsible for turning it in to "Stumptown". I also enjoyed the champagne tasting at the end of the tour, even though I don't love champagne. Left me giddy for an hour. Bring advil if you get a champagne headache like me! Tour approx. 1 hour long.
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Korbel Winery
13250 River RdCheck their website for times, but the have tours almost every hour on some days, and you don't need a reservation. (Winter, Wednesdays and Thursdays; summer Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.) I thought the tour was great and I learned a lot about the history of Guerneville and the events and people responsible for turning it in to "Stumptown". I also enjoyed the champagne tasting at the end of the tour, even though I don't love champagne. Left me giddy for an hour. Bring advil if you get a champagne headache like me! Tour approx. 1 hour long.
Beautiful location, very friendly and knowledgable staff, you can bring your own snacks/ charcuterie board while you and your mates look out over the beautiful scenery. I'm not a big wine drinker, but I do enjoy the experience of wine tasting and the was magical.
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Gracianna Winery
6914 Westside RdBeautiful location, very friendly and knowledgable staff, you can bring your own snacks/ charcuterie board while you and your mates look out over the beautiful scenery. I'm not a big wine drinker, but I do enjoy the experience of wine tasting and the was magical.
If you are hankering for an epic float trip down the Russian River, this is your starting point. Personally I think this is one of the most joyful things to do here. You will need to be going on a weekend so that you can get a ride back from Sunset Beach on the shuttle (Stopping point).
Here are our pointers:
1. Gather your float, towel, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, $5, (and maybe more) and a hat and put them in the most waterproof container you can find.
2. Drive down the 116 (Pocket Canyon Hwy) toward El Molino High School in Forestville. That's where the shuttle picks people up.
3. You can stop to buy any of the above items at the hardware store and pharmacy in the little town of Forestville!
4. Get on the shuttle and get dropped of at Steelhead, you can inflate your raft at the station there, or a kind person will always help you.
5. Head down to that river and plop in.
6. Float down for about 2.5 hours, enjoy the people watching, and merrymaking. Get in that water!
7. Make sure not to miss the signs for Sunset Beach, about 10 minutes after you go under the bridge. Get out and deflate your raft and when you're ready head up to the parking lot to rebound the shuttle back to the high school.
8. If you don't want keep your raft, please don't chuck it, leave it at our place at the bottom of the driveway.
9. You will be tired. Maybe, eat dinner somewhere in Forestville and go back to pass out!
10. Alternately, get to Steelhead in your car early, find a nice nook to hang out in, and enjoy a day at the beach without the rest of the journey. It's all good here. Just be aware that parking lot fills early on weekends. Weekdays you might have a lot of real estate to yourself!
Steelhead Beach, California 95436, i-United States
If you are hankering for an epic float trip down the Russian River, this is your starting point. Personally I think this is one of the most joyful things to do here. You will need to be going on a weekend so that you can get a ride back from Sunset Beach on the shuttle (Stopping point).
Here are our pointers:
1. Gather your float, towel, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, $5, (and maybe more) and a hat and put them in the most waterproof container you can find.
2. Drive down the 116 (Pocket Canyon Hwy) toward El Molino High School in Forestville. That's where the shuttle picks people up.
3. You can stop to buy any of the above items at the hardware store and pharmacy in the little town of Forestville!
4. Get on the shuttle and get dropped of at Steelhead, you can inflate your raft at the station there, or a kind person will always help you.
5. Head down to that river and plop in.
6. Float down for about 2.5 hours, enjoy the people watching, and merrymaking. Get in that water!
7. Make sure not to miss the signs for Sunset Beach, about 10 minutes after you go under the bridge. Get out and deflate your raft and when you're ready head up to the parking lot to rebound the shuttle back to the high school.
8. If you don't want keep your raft, please don't chuck it, leave it at our place at the bottom of the driveway.
9. You will be tired. Maybe, eat dinner somewhere in Forestville and go back to pass out!
10. Alternately, get to Steelhead in your car early, find a nice nook to hang out in, and enjoy a day at the beach without the rest of the journey. It's all good here. Just be aware that parking lot fills early on weekends. Weekdays you might have a lot of real estate to yourself!
Take your inner kids, or something else, and head down to this goofy place, if you're in the mood for some not-so challenging sports.
There's a BBQ food truck, some old-ass video games, and a pool table on site. It's OG Guerneville.
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Pee Wee Golf & Arcade
16155 Drake RdTake your inner kids, or something else, and head down to this goofy place, if you're in the mood for some not-so challenging sports.
There's a BBQ food truck, some old-ass video games, and a pool table on site. It's OG Guerneville.
Parks & Nature
This is my favorite beach on the Sonoma Coast. There are several different beaches you can choose from, they are all special. The views are stunning. I love beach combing on Blind Beach, the rocks are little treasures!
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Goat Rock State Beach - Sonoma Coast State Park
This is my favorite beach on the Sonoma Coast. There are several different beaches you can choose from, they are all special. The views are stunning. I love beach combing on Blind Beach, the rocks are little treasures!
It was very recently remodeled and it's a fun place for kids 1.5-10ish. Plus there are picnic tables, it's a nice place to go while you are at Vacation Beach.
Vacation Beach/Charles Raneri Playground
It was very recently remodeled and it's a fun place for kids 1.5-10ish. Plus there are picnic tables, it's a nice place to go while you are at Vacation Beach.