Russian River Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Guerneville is the ultimate Russian River escape.
Population: 4,500 • Sq. Miles: 9.88
Once a valley that housed the greatest biomass density of redwood forests on Earth, Guerneville became a logging community in the 1880s. Named for a Swiss immigrant, George Guerne, it later earned the nickname of “Stumptown” because of its sawmill.
Today, a 200-year-old stand of redwoods has been preserved at Armstrong Woods Park, but the Russian River is the primary attraction for about 4,500 residents spread among 10 square miles.
In the late 1970s, the town became popular as a gay weekend getaway from nearby San Francisco, so much so that it’s now renowned as an LGBTQ+ vacation destination and plays host to a Sonoma County Pride Parade and Celebration the first Sunday every June.
78 locals recommend
Guerneville
Guerneville is the ultimate Russian River escape.
Population: 4,500 • Sq. Miles: 9.88
Once a valley that housed the greatest biomass density of redwood forests on Earth, Guerneville became a logging community in the 1880s. Named for a Swiss immigrant, George Guerne, it later earned the nickname of “Stumptown” because of its sawmill.
Today, a 200-year-old stand of redwoods has been preserved at Armstrong Woods Park, but the Russian River is the primary attraction for about 4,500 residents spread among 10 square miles.
In the late 1970s, the town became popular as a gay weekend getaway from nearby San Francisco, so much so that it’s now renowned as an LGBTQ+ vacation destination and plays host to a Sonoma County Pride Parade and Celebration the first Sunday every June.
Food scene
BROT modern german
16218 Main StEnjoy great food, full bar and music at Sonoma County's Award Winning and longest running premier acoustic music venue
38 locals recommend
Main Street Bistro
16280 Main StEnjoy great food, full bar and music at Sonoma County's Award Winning and longest running premier acoustic music venue
Betty Spaghetti
16390 4th Stboon eat + drink
16248 Main StCafe Aquatica
10439 CA-1Big Bottom Market
16228 Main StBar / Nightlife
Rainbow Cattle Company
16220 Main StThe Occidental Center for the Arts provides diverse, high-quality arts and cultural events to western Sonoma County and the communities beyond. Housed in a newly remodeled performing venue with superb acoustics and an adjacent exhibition gallery, the OCA works to enrich the lives of local residents through diverse cultural performances, exhibitions, events and arts education that inspire, teach, and entertain.
6 locals recommend
Occidental Center For the Arts
3850 Doris Murphy CtThe Occidental Center for the Arts provides diverse, high-quality arts and cultural events to western Sonoma County and the communities beyond. Housed in a newly remodeled performing venue with superb acoustics and an adjacent exhibition gallery, the OCA works to enrich the lives of local residents through diverse cultural performances, exhibitions, events and arts education that inspire, teach, and entertain.
Wineries
Korbel Winery
13250 River RoadIron Horse Vineyards
9786 Ross Station RdHartford Family Winery
8075 Martinelli RdLa Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard
3575 Slusser RdSimi
Golf Courses
Northwood Golf Club
19400 CA-116Groceries
Safeway
16405 CA-116Hiking
Riverfront Regional Park
7821 Eastside RdWest County Regional Trail, Forestville, CA
Front StreetJenner Headlands Preserve
12001 CA-1Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Visitor Center
17000 Armstrong Woods Rd