I’ll admit: when I first heard we were spending a weekend in an unincorporated town in the forest, I was a little worried. Am I going to be the only Asian person there? Will they be able to smell the LA on me? I was prepared to make myself small. But a quick Google search assured me that Guerneville is “quirky”, “vibrant”, and “welcoming”. By the time I was packing my bags, my only worry was that I’d get eaten alive by mosquitos.

Turns out, Google was right. Everyone we met in Guerneville was friendly, welcoming, and — it seemed — genuinely happy. It felt like an oasis in uncertain times. As for the mosquitos: I think they were appropriately repelled by my four mosquito bands — one on each limb — leaving a trail of citronella wherever I went. Apologies, Guerneville.

Where to stay in Guerneville

Dawn Ranch

Dawn Ranch is the adult summer camp of your dreams. They take glamping one step further with luxury cabins (complete with air conditioning), all surrounded by acres of redwoods. Spend a weekend roaming the forests, kayaking down the Russian River, and enjoying s’mores by the fire. There are plenty of things to do on the property; depending on the season, you can join a yoga class, try forest bathing, or go bird watching. And they’re kid- and dog-friendly, so bring the whole family.

There’s only one restaurant at Dawn Ranch, and while I can’t recommend their breakfast enough, dinner is a fancier affair that requires advance reservations. Do what we did: skip dinner and pop into the bar for thoughtful bar snacks and expertly crafted cocktails. And since you’re just a five-minute walk from town, there are plenty of other restaurants, bars, and shops within reach.

Other Fun Places to Stay in Guerneville

For something a little different, why not stay in an Airstream at AutoCamp Sonoma? In addition to the comfy Airstreams, each site comes with a private outdoor fire pit, grill, and basic cookware — cast-iron skillet included. There’s even a General Store to stock up on provisions and, most importantly, beer and wine.

If a traditional hotel is more your speed, The Stavrand is a recently renovated Two-Michelin Key property that I’m definitely booking for my next trip to Guerneville. I’ll take a room with a cozy fireplace — or freestanding tub — any day.

What to do in Guerneville

Hike through the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

A trip to Guerneville wouldn’t be complete without a hike (really more of a casual stroll) through the majestic redwoods, especially when the Armstrong Redwoods is just a ten-minute drive from town. It’s an easy escape from the world; even if you only have an hour before your flight (raises hand), it’s worth a stop. We met a 1,300-year-old tree, nearly tripped multiple times from craning our necks towards the canopy, and breathed in more fresh air than we had all year.

Go Wine Tasting at A Nearby Winery

We spent a relaxing afternoon on the patio of Moshin Vineyards, tasting our way through their chenin blanc, chardonnays, pinot noirs, and many more varietals. Our host was both friendly and knowledgeable, and she didn’t rush us one bit. The pinots were my favorite, and I couldn’t leave without bringing a few bottles with me. (Bonus: Moshin is a dog-friendly winery!)

If you’re enjoying a car-free weekend in Guerneville, you can walk to a wine tasting at Equality Vines right on the main road. We were lucky enough to spend time with both Matt and Jim, and hearing the founders’ stories — and what compelled them to start Equality Vines — made the experience that much more meaningful. Each wine they release supports a cause, and they’ve donated over $300,000 since their first release. Go for the wine; stay for the company and the warm, welcoming environment that will leave you inspired.

KAYAK DOWN the russian river

Spend a day at Johnson’s Beach, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, inner tubes, or a beach umbrella if relaxing is more your style. It’s been a summer hotspot for over 100 years for good reason. And if you’re staying at Dawn Ranch (recommended above), you get private access to the river and can rent kayaks directly from the resort.

tee off at northwood golf club

Only two people in our group had the skills — and the golf clubs — to enjoy a few hours at the Northwood Golf Club, which also has a restaurant and bar on site. Unfortunately I wasn’t one of them, but I hear they had a great time! And while I was perfectly content sipping local wine nearby, I can understand why golfers wouldn’t want to pass up the chance to play amongst the redwoods.

Where to eat in Guerneville

The Lodge at dawn ranch

If you’re staying at Dawn Ranch, you can’t miss breakfast at The Lodge. Quality shows in the simple things, and their eggs and orange juice were some of the best I’ve ever had. Food just tastes more like food here. Grab a spot on the patio to enjoy breakfast bathed in sunlight, surrounded by redwoods.

Main street bistro

Need a spot that’s open late with really good pizza? Head to Main Street Bistro and order a Green Italian, maybe pair it with a bottle of Russian River sauvignon blanc. While it looks like a casual bistro and music venue, they take food seriously: whenever possible, ingredients are sourced from their own organic garden right behind the restaurant. Bonus: Main Street Bistro is dog-friendly, and your four-legged child is welcome both inside and out on the patio.

trillium wine bar

I feel most at home at a wine bar, and Trillium was no exception. Grab a spot at the bar, start with a glass of something sparkling, and snack your way through their menu of oysters, antipasti, tinned fish, ceviches, and more. I was a bit too excited to eat by the time we stumbled into Trillium, so no pictures were taken. You’ll just have to trust me on this one.

pat’s international

If you’re into no-fuss diners, a stop at Pat’s International is a must. Their “Chef’s Bowl” — basically everything you want at breakfast scrambled together and smothered in gravy — was exactly what I needed after a night of Russian River wines. Paired with a strong cup of diner coffee, and I was set for the day. The people working here are some of the nicest, too, which really set the tone for our day!

Guerneville surprised me in the best possible way, and I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you. A weekend wasn’t enough; there’s so much more to explore, more wine to taste, and more trails to almost trip on while staring up at the redwoods. I can’t wait to plan my next trip — and yours! Reach out and we’ll make it happen.