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Johnson’s Beach: The popular Russian River spot has paddleboarding, picnicking, tubing, and swimming. This winter’s heavy rains should keep river flows strong through summer. johnsonsbeach.com (Gary Saxe/Shutterstock)
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Float the River: Take the lazy route. The river is best enjoyed from the meandering seat of a canoe, kayak, or float tube. Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville or King’s Sport and Tackle in Guerneville can help set you up with gear and advice. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)
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Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: Quiet trails lead through 800 acres of old-growth redwoods just a short distance from downtown. parks.ca.gov (Sonoma County Tourism)
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Big Bottom Market: This is the spot for takeout picnics and world-famous biscuits. bigbottommarket.com (Big Bottom Market)
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Boon Eat + Drink and Brot: Chef Crista Luedtke of Food Network fame makes her home here in Guerneville, and her two landmark restaurants anchor the downtown strip. Boon is a classic California farm-to-table bistro and Brot offers upscale German-inspired dishes including spaetzle, schnitzel, and housemade pretzels. (Sonoma County Tourism)
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A variety of dishes at Boon Eat and Drink in Guerneville. (Sonoma County Tourism)
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Flank steak at Boon Eat and Drink in Guerneville. (Sonoma County Tourism)
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Brot offers upscale German-inspired dishes including spaetzle, schnitzel and housemade pretzels. And beer, of course. (Sonoma County Tourism)
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Rainbow Cattle Co.: "The Rainbow," as locals call it, has been a Guerneville fixture since the late 1970s. The LGBTQ+ community gathering spot is one of only a few Sonoma County bars that remain open until early morning hours, closing at 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. queersteer.com (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)
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Guerneville Bank Club: This pretty building, built in the early 1920s, is home to art installations, a wine shop, and ice cream from local standout Nimble & Finn’s. guernevillebankclub.com (Guerneville Bank Club)
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Stumptown Brewery: The big draw here is an expansive deck overlooking the river, with kayakers and tubers floating by. Spend the afternoon there with a beer sampler or the Donkey Punch, a refreshing hoppy lager. stumptown.com (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
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Ryme Cellars: In the nearby town of Forestville, Ryan and Megan Glaab’s indie winery has interesting Italian varietals plus excellent cooler-climate Pinot Noir. rymecellars.com (Ryme Cellars)
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AutoCamp: Guests stay in custom Airstream trailers or luxury tent cabins at this mid-century modern glamping destination. autocamp.com/russian-river (AutoCamp)
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AutoCamp in Guerneville also has glamping tents. (AutoCamp Russian River)
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Dawn Ranch: This classic river resort reopened Memorial Day weekend after a luxury revamp. dawnranch.com (Gentl & Hyers)
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The renovated Dawn Ranch features a new restaurant, new spa and glamping tents. (Gentl & Hyers)
