Guidebook for Monte Rio
Food Scene
Yummy breakfast, lunch and early diner. Local beer and wine. Outdoor dining on the terrace with Russian River Views. Very casual. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the winter.
25 locals recommend
Rio Cafe & Grill
20391 CA-116Yummy breakfast, lunch and early diner. Local beer and wine. Outdoor dining on the terrace with Russian River Views. Very casual. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the winter.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner! Full bar with golf course views. Live music on the weekends during the summer.
9 locals recommend
Northwood Restaurant
19400 CA-116Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner! Full bar with golf course views. Live music on the weekends during the summer.
Cape Fear Café
25191 Main StreetBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in charming Duncans Mills.
Gold Coast Coffee & Bakery
25377 Steelhead BlvdCoffee and Yummy Pastries!
A local Italian tradition! About 20 minutes away in super cute Occidental.
28 locals recommend
Negri's Original Occidental
3700 Bohemian HwyA local Italian tradition! About 20 minutes away in super cute Occidental.
Hazel Restaurant
3782 Bohemian HwyGreat for dinner. Mediterranean California cuisine.
Bia Cafe
19420 CA-116Great place for your morning coffee!
Great place for dinner under the Redwoods with Russian River views. Locally sourced food, beer and wine!
In 1906, a summer home was built under the ancient redwoods on the south bank of the Russian River. Two years later, hotel construction began and it became summer resort known as the Riverview Inn.
Scenes from the 1942 film, Holiday Inn, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire were filmed at the Inn (with some help from artificial snow) and the Inn's name was changed to match the film name. Film historian Ken Barnes called it “the definitive Hollywood musical of the 1940s.” It’s about Jim Harper (Crosby), a singer who decides to escape the rat race of nightly performances in clubs by opening an inn in the country that’s only open on holidays.
The movie is famous as it brought together three greats in the prime of their careers – Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Irving Berlin and won an Academy Award for Best Movie Song, “White Christmas” in 1943.
In 1952, the hotel was renamed Village Inn and became an all-seasons hotel.
The property is currently owed by a family who is dedicated to preserving the Inn’s golden historic charm.
31 locals recommend
Village Inn & Restaurant
20822 River BlvdGreat place for dinner under the Redwoods with Russian River views. Locally sourced food, beer and wine!
In 1906, a summer home was built under the ancient redwoods on the south bank of the Russian River. Two years later, hotel construction began and it became summer resort known as the Riverview Inn.
Scenes from the 1942 film, Holiday Inn, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire were filmed at the Inn (with some help from artificial snow) and the Inn's name was changed to match the film name. Film historian Ken Barnes called it “the definitive Hollywood musical of the 1940s.” It’s about Jim Harper (Crosby), a singer who decides to escape the rat race of nightly performances in clubs by opening an inn in the country that’s only open on holidays.
The movie is famous as it brought together three greats in the prime of their careers – Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Irving Berlin and won an Academy Award for Best Movie Song, “White Christmas” in 1943.
In 1952, the hotel was renamed Village Inn and became an all-seasons hotel.
The property is currently owed by a family who is dedicated to preserving the Inn’s golden historic charm.
Amazing coffee with Russian River and Ocean views. Yummy sandwiches with amazing bread. Great salads. Live music on the weekends during the summer. Bring cash. They don't accept credit cards. There is an ATM in the restaurant, but it's good to have cash in case it's on the fritz.
92 locals recommend
Cafe Aquatica
10439 CA-1Amazing coffee with Russian River and Ocean views. Yummy sandwiches with amazing bread. Great salads. Live music on the weekends during the summer. Bring cash. They don't accept credit cards. There is an ATM in the restaurant, but it's good to have cash in case it's on the fritz.
A truly unique dining experience! Good, filling food. They operate on the honor system, so you pay what you think the meal was worth! Right on the Russian River.
9 locals recommend
Russian House #1
9960 CA-1A truly unique dining experience! Good, filling food. They operate on the honor system, so you pay what you think the meal was worth! Right on the Russian River.
Beautiful sunset views! Amazing seafood. For dinner, it's best to make reservations.
105 locals recommend
River's End Restaurant & Inn
11048 CA-1Beautiful sunset views! Amazing seafood. For dinner, it's best to make reservations.
Amazing seafood. One of Guerneville's most popular restaurants.
60 locals recommend
Seaside Metal Oyster Bar
16222 Main StAmazing seafood. One of Guerneville's most popular restaurants.
Great place to pick up a picnic to go for wine tasting. Special sandwiches and coffee drinks.
90 locals recommend
Big Bottom Market
16228 Main StGreat place to pick up a picnic to go for wine tasting. Special sandwiches and coffee drinks.
Open for lunch and dinner. Farm to table fare. Not suitable for large groups. Expect a wait for dinner. They don't take reservations, but you can show up early to get your name on the list...and then have a beverage at near by El Barrio while you wait. :)
164 locals recommend
boon eat + drink
16248 Main StOpen for lunch and dinner. Farm to table fare. Not suitable for large groups. Expect a wait for dinner. They don't take reservations, but you can show up early to get your name on the list...and then have a beverage at near by El Barrio while you wait. :)
Drinks & Nightlife
Breakfast and Lunch during the day and cocktails at night! Great place to get a peek at the local population.
6 locals recommend
Lucy’s Lounge & Grill
20391 CA-116Breakfast and Lunch during the day and cocktails at night! Great place to get a peek at the local population.
Restaurant with a full bar. Outdoor patio seating for those with dogs. Live music on the weekends. Where the locals go!
72 locals recommend
Blue Heron | Restaurant and Tavern
25300 Steelhead BlvdRestaurant with a full bar. Outdoor patio seating for those with dogs. Live music on the weekends. Where the locals go!
Craft beer and wine, only! No mainstream beverages, here. Great food, daily specials. Live music most Friday and Saturday nights.
34 locals recommend
Barley and Hops Tavern
3688 Bohemian HwyCraft beer and wine, only! No mainstream beverages, here. Great food, daily specials. Live music most Friday and Saturday nights.
Full restaurant and separate bar. A local tradition! Sports on multiple televisions in the bar.
35 locals recommend
Union Hotel Restaurant & Cafe
3731 Main StFull restaurant and separate bar. A local tradition! Sports on multiple televisions in the bar.
El Barrio
16230 Main StGreat appetizers, mixed drinks, and beer.
World famous Korbel Champagne tasting! Really nice garden tours. Deli on site. Great launching point for a day of wine tasting adventures.
137 locals recommend
Korbel Winery
13250 River RdWorld famous Korbel Champagne tasting! Really nice garden tours. Deli on site. Great launching point for a day of wine tasting adventures.
Adorably rustic tasting room among their organic vineyard. Rare wines for Sonoma County, like Carignane and Viognier. Excellent Pinot. Not great for groups because of the size of the tasting room.
Pay a visit to their fancy chickens while you're there!
25 locals recommend
Porter Creek Vineyards
8735 Westside RdAdorably rustic tasting room among their organic vineyard. Rare wines for Sonoma County, like Carignane and Viognier. Excellent Pinot. Not great for groups because of the size of the tasting room.
Pay a visit to their fancy chickens while you're there!
Excellent views of the Russian River Valley. Really nice pinot and chardonnay.
43 locals recommend
Gary Farrell Winery
10701 Westside RdExcellent views of the Russian River Valley. Really nice pinot and chardonnay.
A wide variety of wines from the Russian River Valley Area. Bring your guest passport for a complimentary tasting for two! Local artwork in the tasting room.
28 locals recommend
Moshin Vineyards
10295 Westside RdA wide variety of wines from the Russian River Valley Area. Bring your guest passport for a complimentary tasting for two! Local artwork in the tasting room.
Wine taste in their cave! Small-lot artisan wines. Nice picnic area.
19 locals recommend
Thomas George Estates
8075 Westside RdWine taste in their cave! Small-lot artisan wines. Nice picnic area.
Really pretty gardens and views of the Russian River Valley. Amazing Pinot. May be closed on Saturdays during the summer for special events.
29 locals recommend
Arista Winery
7015 Westside RdReally pretty gardens and views of the Russian River Valley. Amazing Pinot. May be closed on Saturdays during the summer for special events.
Really great pinot. Excellent place for picnics. Pretty gardens, and dogs are welcome outside. Life sized Jenga.
19 locals recommend
VML Winery
5610 Dry Creek RoadReally great pinot. Excellent place for picnics. Pretty gardens, and dogs are welcome outside. Life sized Jenga.
Pretty views and nice picnic areas. Groups welcome, but they appreciate a call ahead of time to make sure they are appropriately staffed.
14 locals recommend
Matrix Winery
3291 Westside RdPretty views and nice picnic areas. Groups welcome, but they appreciate a call ahead of time to make sure they are appropriately staffed.
Tasting room with a rock and roll theme. Nice picnic area, great Russian River Valley views.
12 locals recommend
Armida Winery
2201 Westside RdTasting room with a rock and roll theme. Nice picnic area, great Russian River Valley views.
Hartford Family Winery
8075 Martinelli RdA little off the beaten path. An estate in the country. :)
Wine Guerrilla
6671 Front StSo many varieties of Zinfandel!
Wine tasting and outdoor dining on their beautiful patio area.
61 locals recommend
Russian River Vineyards
5700 California 116Wine tasting and outdoor dining on their beautiful patio area.
Delicious bubbly. Amazing views! Tasting room is outdoors, so not great for rainy days.
89 locals recommend
Iron Horse Vineyards
9786 Ross Station RdDelicious bubbly. Amazing views! Tasting room is outdoors, so not great for rainy days.
Red Car Wine Co
8400 Graton RdOut of this world Pinot! Tasting room with a young/hip vibe.
Paul Mathew Co
9060 Graton RdWine tasting in charming downtown Graton!
Fog Crest Vineyard
7606 Occidental RdTaste on their beautiful outdoor patio. Great views!
Dutton Estate Winery
8757 Green Valley RdExceptional Pinot
Bohème Cellar Door
3625 Main StWine tasting in charming Occidental!
Only open on the weekends, but a really authentic Sonoma County wine tasting. They have more wines open to taste than any other tasting room, and your tasting happens among the wine barrels. Really nice staff.
21 locals recommend
Joseph Swan Vineyards
2916 Laguna RdOnly open on the weekends, but a really authentic Sonoma County wine tasting. They have more wines open to taste than any other tasting room, and your tasting happens among the wine barrels. Really nice staff.
Known for their pinot and zinfandel. Very scenic views of the Russian River Valley.
19 locals recommend
Woodenhead Vintners
5700 River RdKnown for their pinot and zinfandel. Very scenic views of the Russian River Valley.
Tucked away in the hills above the fog line, this is a great place to bring a picnic and spend the afternoon. On a clear day, you can see the ocean. On cooler days at lower elevations, the tasting room area tends to be much warmer. Hours can vary in the winter. Do check their website before making the trip, or call ahead. Once in awhile a bike race in the area will impact their open hours.
32 locals recommend
Fort Ross Vineyard Tasting Room
15725 Meyers Grade RdTucked away in the hills above the fog line, this is a great place to bring a picnic and spend the afternoon. On a clear day, you can see the ocean. On cooler days at lower elevations, the tasting room area tends to be much warmer. Hours can vary in the winter. Do check their website before making the trip, or call ahead. Once in awhile a bike race in the area will impact their open hours.
Tasting in charming, historic Freestone
9 locals recommend
Joseph Phelps, Freestone Vineyards Guest Center
12747 El Camino BodegaTasting in charming, historic Freestone
Gourmet Au Bay
1412 Bay Flat RdGift and wine shop. Enjoy a casual tasting with harbor views.
A nice selection of wines from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley.
23 locals recommend
Sonoma Coast Vineyards
555 CA-1A nice selection of wines from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley.
Tasting room with many local wines in charming Duncans Mills. Visit on Friday evenings for locals night. Everyone's a local, even you! Snack buffet that evening. Sophies is dog friendly, but not child friendly.
37 locals recommend
Sophie's Cellars
25179 CA-116Tasting room with many local wines in charming Duncans Mills. Visit on Friday evenings for locals night. Everyone's a local, even you! Snack buffet that evening. Sophies is dog friendly, but not child friendly.
Parks & Nature
Take an easy stroll along the bottom of the park along the Pioneer Nature Trail, or opt for a more strenuous hike along the Pool Ridge or East Ridge Trails. You'll find peace, quiet, and beautiful redwoods!
500 locals recommend
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Visitor Center
17000 Armstrong Woods RdTake an easy stroll along the bottom of the park along the Pioneer Nature Trail, or opt for a more strenuous hike along the Pool Ridge or East Ridge Trails. You'll find peace, quiet, and beautiful redwoods!
A lesser know Redwood Grove with easy hiking and picnic tables. Great for getting away from it all! Grab a picnic lunch from The Bohemian Market in Occidental and head on up!
29 locals recommend
LandPaths Grove of Old Trees
17599 Fitzpatrick Ln A lesser know Redwood Grove with easy hiking and picnic tables. Great for getting away from it all! Grab a picnic lunch from The Bohemian Market in Occidental and head on up!
Where the Russian River meets the sea! Absolutely beautiful, with ample bird and seal watching opportunities. Because of the wildlife, this beach is not dog friendly.
125 locals recommend
Goat Rock Beach
Where the Russian River meets the sea! Absolutely beautiful, with ample bird and seal watching opportunities. Because of the wildlife, this beach is not dog friendly.
History and Nature! Explore the Fort and Museum. Hike along the coast! Hike through the forest on the eastern side of Highway 1. Do bring food and water. Fort Ross is not dog friendly.
48 locals recommend
Fort Ross
19005 Coast HwyHistory and Nature! Explore the Fort and Museum. Hike along the coast! Hike through the forest on the eastern side of Highway 1. Do bring food and water. Fort Ross is not dog friendly.
Large sandy ocean beach. Great for kite flying and watching the local surfers. This beach is not dog friendly.
North Salmon Creek Beach
Large sandy ocean beach. Great for kite flying and watching the local surfers. This beach is not dog friendly.
Dog friendly ocean beach. Sandy, with pretty wildflowers in the spring and summer.
7 locals recommend
Schoolhouse Beach
Dog friendly ocean beach. Sandy, with pretty wildflowers in the spring and summer.
Beach access and the mid point along The Kortum Trail that runs along the coast from Blind Beach to Wright's Beach. If you are looking to explore the coastline...this is a great place to park. The trail head for the Pomo Canyon Trail is also here. It's across Highway One from the Shell Beach Parking lot.
53 locals recommend
Shell Beach
Beach access and the mid point along The Kortum Trail that runs along the coast from Blind Beach to Wright's Beach. If you are looking to explore the coastline...this is a great place to park. The trail head for the Pomo Canyon Trail is also here. It's across Highway One from the Shell Beach Parking lot.
Dog friendly, ocean access. Great place for rock hunting. Scenes from The Goonies were filmed here. The Kortum Trail is accessed from The Blind Beach parking lot.
14 locals recommend
Blind Beach
Dog friendly, ocean access. Great place for rock hunting. Scenes from The Goonies were filmed here. The Kortum Trail is accessed from The Blind Beach parking lot.
Long, dog friendly sandy beach. This is also where you would access the southern portion of The Kortum Trail.
Wrights Beach
Long, dog friendly sandy beach. This is also where you would access the southern portion of The Kortum Trail.
Sightseeing
Hitchcock fans must visit Bodega Bay!
"The Birds" was filmed in 1963 at The Schoolhouse on Bodega Lane, with the soaring white wood building playing a prominent role in the action.
While the sudden and unexplained violent bird attacks depicted on screen don’t actually occur in this bucolic town, the former fishing village truly is a center for bird migration. Birdwatching is popular amid the squawking and chattering of bird season, and many visitors stop at the tall white building on a gently sloping hill just off Bodega Highway to set the mood.
Built in 1873, the house was originally the Potter Schoolhouse, then a local community center, an inn, a restaurant, and a guesthouse. It’s now a private residence (17110 Bodega Lane, Bodega), with patient owners who hope that not too many people peer in their windows. Hitchcock saved the property, in reality, since the redwood building had been abandoned the year before he decided to film.
Next door to The Potter School house is Saint Teresa of Avila Church. The church was also seen in the film and Hitchcock attended services in the church. It was also the subject of an Ansel Adams photograph in 1953.
291 locals recommend
Bodega Bay
Hitchcock fans must visit Bodega Bay!
"The Birds" was filmed in 1963 at The Schoolhouse on Bodega Lane, with the soaring white wood building playing a prominent role in the action.
While the sudden and unexplained violent bird attacks depicted on screen don’t actually occur in this bucolic town, the former fishing village truly is a center for bird migration. Birdwatching is popular amid the squawking and chattering of bird season, and many visitors stop at the tall white building on a gently sloping hill just off Bodega Highway to set the mood.
Built in 1873, the house was originally the Potter Schoolhouse, then a local community center, an inn, a restaurant, and a guesthouse. It’s now a private residence (17110 Bodega Lane, Bodega), with patient owners who hope that not too many people peer in their windows. Hitchcock saved the property, in reality, since the redwood building had been abandoned the year before he decided to film.
Next door to The Potter School house is Saint Teresa of Avila Church. The church was also seen in the film and Hitchcock attended services in the church. It was also the subject of an Ansel Adams photograph in 1953.
One of the most scenic drives in Sonoma County. Catch Coleman Valley Road just above charming Occidental, and travel through Redwood forests, past rustic farm buildings, and climb the hills for spectacular hill and ocean views!
11 locals recommend
Coleman Valley Road
Coleman Valley RoadOne of the most scenic drives in Sonoma County. Catch Coleman Valley Road just above charming Occidental, and travel through Redwood forests, past rustic farm buildings, and climb the hills for spectacular hill and ocean views!
A super scenic drive from Cazdero to the actual Fort out at the coast. Fort Ross Winery makes an excellent stop along the way!
Fort Ross Road
Fort Ross RoadA super scenic drive from Cazdero to the actual Fort out at the coast. Fort Ross Winery makes an excellent stop along the way!
Bodega Head
THE place for whale watching in Sonoma County, January through May.