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The Best Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway to Guerneville, CA
Dec
What is this place? I asked the guy I was dating at the time as we drove through a small town with a row of shops on one side and a river on the other on our way to Mendocino. I pulled out my phone to look at Google Maps to see where we were and saved Guerneville, so I’d remember to come back. I’ve since been back once or twice on my way to other places in Sonoma County and once to go hiking at Armstrong Redwoods. But I finally treated myself to a much needed city break and spent a couple of days in this charming small town. In this post. I’ll share with you some of my favorite things in Guerneville so you can plan your own long weekend here!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. For more, check out my disclosure.
Why You Should Visit Guerneville
Guerneville is a great place to visit if you love outdoor activities, are a wine enthusiast, or simply want to take a break and slow down a bit. Guerneville is full of small town charm, it has award-winning wines without being Napa Valley, and is surrounded by so much natural beauty that it’s hard not to fall in love with this town.
Speaking of love, Guerneville is a very LGBTQ+ proud place. There are resorts that cater to the LGBTQ+ community and you’ll see colorful pride flags flying on many businesses.
If you are a part of the community or an ally, then you’ll love this aspect of the town.
If you are not and you want to voice your opinion regarding this, don’t go to Guerneville. There are plenty of closed-minded places you can visit.
Where is Guerneville
Guerneville is located in western Sonoma County in the heart of the Russian River area. From San Francisco, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive, which makes it a great day trip if you just want to spend the afternoon surrounded by ancient redwoods.
It’s honestly perfectly located being a short drive from the Pacific Ocean and nestled right in the Russian River valley. You get everything in Guerneville!
From Guerneville, it’s about a 30-minute drive to Healdsburg, another gem of Sonoma County, and 20 minutes to Jenner. It’s about an hour from Point Reyes, another one of my favorite places in Northern California.
How long to spend in Guerneville
A trip to Guerneville can be as long or short as you’d like. You can stop for lunch on your way to the coast, take a day trip there for a hike or to float down the river, or you can spend a long weekend relaxing in the nearby spas, wine tasting, and eating delicious food.
That being said, if you give yourself a full day, you’ll be able to get a taste of it. But if you want more, then I’d recommend booking a long weekend. It’s a great place for a staycation.
Best Time of Year to Visit Guerneville
The great thing about Guerneville is that it’s a year-round destination. Sure, there are more outdoor adventures for the summer months, but the rainy season is equally enjoyable for a cozy getaway. It really just depends on what you want to do in Guerneville!
Summer in Guerneville
Picture floating down the Russian River by day, listening to live music at night. The summer is the busiest time of year in Guerneville as the temperatures are often in the 80s-90s, making the river water pleasant for a swim at Johnson’s Beach.
You can rent an inner tube or kayak to go for a float, simply relax on the beach, or go for sunny drives on the coast!
Fall in Guerneville
As the temperatures dip, crowds head back to the city, making this a great time of year to score coveted wine tastings at local wineries. Shops and restaurants are still open so you’ll have plenty of places to eat and shop in local stores.
Winter in Guerneville
Winter is the off season in Guerneville and although restaurants and shops were closed mid-week I loved my quiet mid-December visit. I was able to stay in a popular hotel for a reasonable price, I enjoyed walks through the redwoods where I didn’t see anyone else, and got to talk with locals while wine tasting.
If you don’t mind a bit of rain or foggy weather, the quiet winter months are a great time to visit Guerneville. Winter would also be a great time of year to indulge in a spa weekend at one of the spas in town.
Spring in Guerneville
Spring is a great time of the year to visit Guerneville for more comfortable temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, and scenic coastal drives. Crowds will begin to pick up towards the end of spring, so hotel prices will increase, but you can still find reasonably priced accommodations.
All that to say, any time of the year is a good time to visit Guerneville! If you want a lively atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities, go in the summer. If you want more peace and quiet, then shoulder seasons would be great as well!
The Best Things to Do in Guerneville, California
Go Hiking in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Going for a walk or a hike through the redwoods is an absolute must do while in Guerneville. There are a handful of hiking trails in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, from an easy, flat 1.5-mile walk through the forest floor to more intense hikes that connect to Austin Creek State Recreation Area.
On a previous day trip to the area, I did the Pool Ridge trail, which includes a steep ascent via switchbacks. It was pretty intense and to be honest, not much to see.
On my most recent trip, where I stayed overnight, I did the Pioneer and Discovery Trail (which interconnect) for an easy 1.5-mile stroll. It was beautiful. You stay on the forest floor on a very well-marked trail, and it takes you to see two ancient redwoods, Colonel Armstrong and Parsons. I like it so much I did it twice. It’s a really nice way to reap the benefits of nature without having to do a super intense or strenuous hike.
There is a parking lot that costs $10 at a self-pay station. There are bathrooms and a visitor center at the main entrance. Alternatively, there is free parking on the side of the road just outside of the park.
Have a Morning Coffee at one of the Town’s Coffee Shops
Even though Guerneville is small, there are a couple of coffee shop options, which I love.
Coffee Bazaar
Coffee Bazaar is a great option for a morning coffee and breakfast.I stopped in after my morning walk at Armstrong to try their matcha latte, which was not good. I didn’t get any food because my hotel was providing breakfast. That being said, they have a huge menu as well as some grab and go options. I just think many cafes have a difficult time making a good matcha latte. I bet their coffee drinks are good!
Piknik Town Market
Piknik Town Market, formerly known as Big Bottom Market, is a really cute spot on River Road that offers some breakfast options as well as a variety of coffee drinks. I did try their matcha, and unfortunately, wouldn’t recommend it either. But their pastries looked really good and they also have small gifts and souvenirs.
Spend a Few Hours in the Town of Guerneville
Downtown Guerneville is centered on River Road where you’ll find art galleries, quirky gift shops, great restaurants, and tasting rooms.
While many of the shops were closed while I was there, I was able to stop into the Guerneville 5 & 10, which I absolutely loved. You can get almost anything in here. They have art supplies, old school games, snacks, and supplies for a day on the river. I recommend spending some time hunting for unique items here!
I also really enjoyed Russian River Books + Letters, which is next to the Coffee Bazaar. It’s a well-curated cozy bookstore with a focus on LGBTQ+ interests. The shop owner is super friendly!
Sip Some Wine
One thing that Sonoma County is known for is its world-class wines, specifically the Pinot Noir. There are a couple of wine tasting rooms in downtown Guerneville where you can sample local wines.
I went to Equality Vines, which is a small tasting room right on the corner. The people who work there are lovely, and they were sampling Porter Creek wines. They have a wine membership, and since I went on a Wednesday in the off-season, it was mostly locals in for a bit before heading home for dinner. It was a really chill vibe.
There is also Trillium Winebar and Taproom, although it was closed during my visit. The Guerneville wine collective also looks like a good place to stop, but it’s more of a wine shop than a tasting room. But you’re sure to find something delicious inside!
Go Wine Tasting in Sonoma County
If you want to further indulge or learn more about the wine in the area, there are multiple wineries nearby, like Korbel, but also some local vineyards.
Alternatively, you could head into nearby Healdsburg for the day, which is a cute town with dozens of wine tasting rooms around in its main square.
Have a Beer at Stumptown Brewery
If beer isn’t your thing, check out Stumptown Brewery, which is on your way into town. They have typical pub fare of burgers, nachos, tacos, and fries, which you can enjoy at a picnic table right on the river! If you’ve got a dog, they’re dog-friendly!
Spend the Day on the Russian River
I’d like to go back to Guerneville to experience the long summer days on the Russian River. Kayaking from Johnson’s Beach, slowly floating on an inner tube, or simply relaxing and swimming in the cool water.
Take a Drive to the Coast
I absolutely love the Sonoma Coast. Beyond Guerneville, there are so many small towns along it, like Bodega Bay and Jenner-by-the-sea.
You can simply drive along this beautiful stretch of coastline, which actually reminds me a bit of Ireland. Or you can head for one of the many beaches or hikes along the coast.
No matter what though, on your way out to the coast, stop at Cafe Aquatica. This rustic cafe is located right at the mouth of the Russian River as it flows into the Pacific Ocean. They have a great menu of sandwiches, a solid coffee bar, and plenty of seating along the water. Even on a cool day it’s a must stop!
Where to Eat in Guerneville
I’ve already mentioned a few places to eat and drink in Guerneville, but I just wanted to highlight a couple more.
Boon Eat + Drink
I ate dinner at Boon Eat + Drink. There wasn’t much open on the night I visited, but I had been wanting to eat at Boon for a while, so I was happy it was! I’d challenged myself on this night to not record or take photos of my meal so I have no evidence of this, but just trust it was worth it!
It’s a small, cozy, and warm restaurant with excellent service. I got the steak frites, a (generously poured) glass of Pinot Noir, and a chocolate pudding type of dessert, and it was all delicious. The price wasn’t too bad at the end of it either, only $74. If you want to treat yourself to a nice dinner or have something to celebrate, I’d recommend going here!
Main Street Bistro
A local recommended I try Main Street Bistro for their Italian food. It’s a more budget-friendly option for lunch or dinner, but it’s probably very good! They also have live music most nights of the week!
Nimble & Finn’s Ice Cream Shop
I was so full after dinner, I completely forgot to stop at Nimble & Finn’s ice cream shop which is located in the old bank building. Nimble & Finn is locally owned by two sisters who create unique artisanal ice cream inspired by farmer’s market visits.
Not stopping by here was a serious miss on my part. Just another reason to go back!
Where to Stay in Guerneville
For a small town, there are plenty of accommodation options in Guerneville. There are glamping options, party hotels with awesome summer pool parties, and rustic spas for a quiet retreat. There is also something for every budget. Below are a few options to consider for your stay in Guerneville.
Boon Hotel + Spa
I stayed at Boon Hotel + Spa and really enjoyed my experience. Upon check-in I received a welcome beverage and in the morning a light breakfast was delivered to my room at a time of my choosing. I booked the junior suite which was perfect for me and had a view of the pool and a beautiful tree from the room.
There is a pool and hot tub on site as well as an honor bar. The honor bar is basically a fully stocked fridge with a variety of beverages and a small snack bar that you can take items from as you like. You write down what you took on a little tab and they charge you at the end of your stay. Pool towels are also provided.
From Boon, it’s just a short drive or bike ride (they have free bike rentals) to the heart of Guerneville or to the majestic redwoods.
Check rates and availability here.
Auto Camp Russian River
AutoCamp Russian River is a stylish take on luxury glamping nestled in a serene redwood grove just outside Guerneville. They have chic airstreams with everything you need for your stay from a kitchenette to a fire pit. There are also smaller tear drop trailers if you’re on a budget. Onsite, there is a clubhouse with cozy seating and communal fire pits, perfect for gathering with friends or starting your day with coffee before hiking, kayaking, or exploring wine country nearby.
Check rates and availability here.
Dawn Ranch
Dawn Ranch is a beautifully renovated resort set on 22 acres on the banks of the Russian River. The property feels like a luxurious summer camp — with private river access, walking paths through the woods, and open lawns begging for picnics or hammock naps. There is a beautiful restaurant on site, a spa with private hot tubs, and yoga classes in the evening.
Check rates and availability here.
The Stavrand
The Stavrans is a stunning boutique hotel on the other side of the Russian River from Downtown Guerneville. There are 21 beautiful rooms, some with in-room fireplaces and private hot tubs. There’s also an outdoor pool and fire pit, as well as bike and kayak rentals. Each morning, you get a hot breakfast, and there is a restaurant on site open only to hotel guests. You’d really have all you need for a fantastic weekend getaway in Guerneville with a stay at the Stavrand.
Check rates and availability here.
And there you have it: everything you need to know to plan your perfect Guerneville weekend getaway. Whether you go for a lively outdoor summer party or a quieter winter weekend, I hope you have a great time visiting this beautiful part of California!
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