The fertile lands and the tall trees of Guerneville and greater Sonoma County have long beckoned wanderers, families and road warriors alike to the shores of the Russian River.

Beach Rentals

Johnson’s Beach opens for service on Memorial Day, and closes October 1, but all summer long we’ve got all the fixings for classic beach revelry, including rentals of canoes, kayaks, beach chairs, inner tubes, and umbrellas. 

Our snack bar offers traditional summer favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream — with Sonoma County local beers and wine, as well as lively music, all day long.

Map of Johnson's Beach in the North Bay, California

From the Pomo people — weavers of beautiful baskets — to the vintners, cooper-makers, military men, gold-miners, and loggers, the area has long been a refuge for leisure, exploration, and basking in natural marvels. An inclusive haven, a “bohemian” boys club, a Bauhaus revival, and more, Guerneville is a town rich in craft, culture, and culinary wizardry.

In the 1860s, the railroad threaded through the redwoods, and Californians discovered camping. In the 20s and 30s, they erected dance halls and roller rinks and live music, and threw wild parties with swan-shaped floats and slug-eating contests. People dressed in drag and feathers. They danced all night. They swam til dawn. They made and drank champagne and even grew tobacco. They flirted at The Grove and hung out at the Owl, where, as the postcard says, “Thirty thousand slake their thirst.”

Nowadays, we’re thrilled to be in such a vibrant community of great wineries and restaurants, like the casual farm-to-table spot Boon or the Farmhand, where you can get sandwiches overlooking the river. Nimble and Finn’s for ice cream and Sonoma Pizza Co for made-from-scratch Neapolitan pizza. We love the Rainbow Cattle Co. too for some local flavor and Mason jar drinks.

Restaurants

Farmhouse Inn — fine dining farm-to-table

Lightwave — Cafe with outdoor seating and delicious Israeli-inspired breakfast

Quail and Condor — Michelin rated bakery and cafe

Handline — counter service, really fresh seafood

Khom Loi — great Thai

The Matheson — Rooftop bar. Fire pits! 

The Barlow Market District — lots of good options for food and people-watching. 

Wineries

Lynmar — we love the Pinot Noir

MacRostie — Award-winning wine, beautiful views.

Iron Horse — Their Brut speaks volumes.

Other Things

Carter & Co — Ceramics shop in St. Helena

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve — Lush ferns and giant trees, just three miles north of Guerneville

Cooprider Studio Art Gallery

Guerneville Flea Market

Pee Wee Golf & Arcade

The Pegasus Theater — Call ahead for showtimes!