Guerneville is no stranger to summer love, but this summer, the town earned national attention. On July 2, the Wall Street Journal featured Guerneville in a guide to top day trips from San Francisco, highlighting Johnson’s Beach and other laid-back attractions two hours north of the city.
Tucked beneath the redwoods and alongside the Russian River, Guerneville was praised for its natural beauty, wine tastings, LGBTQ+ culture and breezy vacation energy.
The article spotlighted Johnson’s Beach as the “riverside party,” where beachgoers sunbathe and soak in the summer scene.
Johnson’s Beach has lured generations of summer visitors since the 1920s with its canoe rentals, cute cabins and an old-school snack bar. The beach’s relaxing environment makes it a go-to destination for Northern California families, day-trippers and anyone chasing a classic Sonoma County summer. 16215 First St., 707-869-2022, johnsonsbeach.com
The shoutout didn’t go unnoticed. The team at Johnson’s Beach shared their excitement in an Instagram post July 5, thanking travel writer Freda Moon for including the beach in her Wall Street Journal article.
This is not the first time the beach has made national headlines. In 2024, Travel + Leisure named Johnson’s California’s “coolest” beach, noting its retro summer camp vibes and family-friendly feel.
In addition to the beach, the Wall Street Journal called out several other destinations in Guerneville and the Russian River area. Here are the standouts:
Equality Vines
The country’s first LGBTQ+ cause-based winery is a welcoming locale to go wine tasting on the weekend or to host private events such as staff celebrations or business development socials. “I think it’s massive for the community that we were mentioned,” said Matt Grove, co-founder of Equality Vines. “Because of all the construction in the community, we hope we get more foot traffic. So the culmination of being featured in this article is momentous for the community.” 16215 Main St., 877-379-4637, equalityvines.com
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
The powerful and captivating redwood grove is an attraction anyone can enjoy when looking to get away from crowds and the city featuring peaceful trails, a visitor center, an outdoor amphitheater, and picnic areas. 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, 707-869-2015, parks.ca.gov
Korbel Champagne Cellars
The historic bubbly tasting house offers daily public tours and tastings. Chase the sweet California Champagne at the deli, Korbel Delicatessen and Market, with any market salad. 13250 River Road, 707-824-7000, korbel.com
Rainbow Cattle Company
The town’s iconic nightlife also got a mention, including this longtime gay saloon. The atmosphere inside the rustic interior is always flannel-friendly and judgment-free. “I’m just flattered that the Wall Street Journal mentioned us,” said co-owner Robert Frederick. 16220 Main St., 707-869-0206, queersteer.com
Rio Nido Roadhouse
By day, Rio Nido Roadhouse is buzzing with families enjoying the snack bar that offers kid-friendly bites while parents sip craft beers and cocktail specials outdoors. By night, it transforms into a lively redwood-stage venue playing country music, reggae, rock and more. 14540 Canyon 2 Road, Rio Nido, 707-869-0821, rionidoroadhouse
Pat’s International
This retro diner offers breakfast and lunch for anyone looking to relax and refuel before heading down to the river. Pat’s is known for its doughnuts and Korean fried chicken sandwiches. 16236 Main St., 707-604-4007, patsinternational.com
A short drive away — Sonoma Coast State Park and Goat Rock Beach
The dramatic Sonoma coastline is known for its harbor seal pups in late spring to mid summer and misty ocean views. A trip to the coast is a great way to get away from the inland heat during the summer. 3095 Highway 1, 707-875-3483, Bodega Bay, parks.ca.gov
With shout-outs from both Travel + Leisure and now the Wall Street Journal, Johnson’s Beach — and Guerneville as a whole — continues to find national attention. The spotlight just confirms what Sonoma County already knows: Guerneville still has it.