Guerneville

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Guerneville Adventures

A travel journal to Guerneville by TravelJo

Guerneville is a great getaway from city life, just an hour and a half from the San Francisco Bay Area. Sonoma County offers beautiful countryside and some special treats!

  • 7 reviews
  • 1 story/tip

Guerneville AdventuresBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Some folks go for the bars and clubs, particularly during festival weekends such as the Jazz festival or Women's Weekend. It's very lesbian/gay friendly & has a touch of resort town flavor. But don't skip the natural adventures the area has to offer! There's enough here to keep you occupied all week, or several different weekends.

Quick Tips:

Summer weather can be warm during the day and cool at night, so pack layers, and, depending on your plans, clothes for river play, hiking, and maybe even dancing.

Best Way To Get Around:

Drive to get there. Once you're there, most activities are within walking distance.

Schoolhouse Canyon CampgroundBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Schoolhouse Campground"

This is my favorite place to stay by the river. Schoolhouse has two camping areas, one in the redwood grove above the highway, and one across the road on the river. Both are nice. Each spot has tent sites, table, and a fire pit. Buy your firewood in town though, because it tends to be expensive and green from the front desk.

The river side has larger sites for group camping. The bathhouse is on the redwoods side, with showers, toilets, & running water.

Schoolhouse park has it's own natural fun to offer, with access to the river and some hiking trails through the redwoods.

Basic fee is $25/night for two people. Each additional person is $5 more.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by TravelJo on August 7, 2002

Schoolhouse Canyon Campground
12600 River Road Guerneville, California 95446
(707) 869-2311

Sparks Vegan RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

If you've never eaten vegan food, here's the place to try it. Sparks offers gourmet fare that proves vegan food doesn't have to be boring! With an array international dishes, a Juice bar, Beer & Wine, Sparks is sure to have something you'll enjoy. They also offer cooking classes! Email for more info: sparks--restaurant@hotmail.com
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by TravelJo on August 7, 2002

Sparks Vegan Restaurant
16248 Main Street Guerneville, California 95446
(707) 869-8206

Armstrong WoodsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve has as much if not more to offer than Muir Woods in Marin. Less crowds, just as stunning. Redwoods more than 1000 years old. Trails for beginners through advanced, short to long hikes. Definitely visit, even if just for a short stroll! You can easily pack a lunch and make a full day of it. Hike up the mountain for great views and varied microclimates. No fee to enter the park. Click here.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by TravelJo on August 7, 2002

Armstrong Woods
17000 Armstrong Woods Road Guerneville, California 95446
(707) 869-2015

Burkes CanoesBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Rent a canoe from Burkes and spend the day on the river! Burkes provides everything you need, including a ride back to your car once you reach the pickup spot 10 miles downstream. About 3.5 hours of canoeing time, or 5 hours of just floating downstream. It's good to pack a lunch (or a snack) and take a break midway, or it can get old. Definitely bring drinking water! $35 per canoe. The shuttle runs every half hour until 6pm.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by TravelJo on August 7, 2002

Burkes Canoes
8600 River Road Guerneville, California 95436
(707) 887-1222

Korbel Champagne Cellars & MicrobrewereyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Korbel Champagne Cellars & Microbrewerey"

It's fun to stop and tour the Champagne Winery. They show you around the barrels, show a video of local/Korbel history, walk you a bit through the grounds, and then pour you some Champagne! They also have a microbrewery with surprisingly good beer. Sit in the deli & try a sampler while you shoot the breeze with whoever else is hangin' there.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by TravelJo on August 7, 2002

Korbel Champagne Cellars & Microbrewerey
13250 River Road Guerneville, California 95446
(707) 824-7000

Horseback Adventures through the RedwoodsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Hire a horse and guide for an adventure on horseback through Armstrong Woods and the surrounding wilderness. The horses are gentle and well taken care of, and the guides are knowledgeable - one is even a naturalist! Rides range from 1.5 hours to overnight.

Accomodating to all levels of experience.

(707) 887-2939
redwoodhorses.com

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by TravelJo on August 7, 2002

Horseback Adventures through the Redwoods
Pack Station in Armstrong Woods Guerneville, California

Secret Tip - Take the long way home!Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The best specialty bread I've ever had can be found at Wild Flour Bakerey, often known as the Freestone Bakerey. It's worth a detour on the way back to the city to sample their organic breads baked in a brick oven (plus the scenerey is gorgeous!). Their basics are quite good but it's the specialties that really make it: ingredients such as unusual cheeses, peppers, savory herbs, or fresh fruits and sticky sweetness. Eat a bun with coffee whie you're there and tour their beautiful organic garden.

140 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone.
707-874-2938

About the Writer

TravelJo
TravelJo
Oakland, California

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