Under the Gaydar | Summer Series: Guerneville

Jul 11, 2022

Part 10: Guerneville, California

Located in a beautiful woodland setting about 90 minutes north of San Francisco, Guerneville has long been a safe haven for LGBTQ+ travelers, functioning as a peaceful retreat cultivated by the friendly community of locals who welcomes all visitors with open arms. Set amongst majestic redwood forests on the banks of the Russian River, the tucked-away hamlet has been the go-to getaway for Bay Area weekenders for decades, earning it the nickname of the ‘Gay Riveriera’.

Photo Credit: Russian River Confluence

A holiday hotspot for food and wine connoisseurs alike, Sonoma County’s LGBTQ+ outpost is beloved for its array of tasting experiences and awe-inspiring scenery. The rainbow flag flies proudly here, and the free-spirited resort town has maintained its queer-friendly reputation through annual events like the Pride Parade in September as well as judgment-free establishments that lend the area an air of inclusivity.

Alongside Pride flags and queer-coded welcome signage, visitors will find queer-owned spots such as Big Bottom Market, home of Oprah's favorite biscuits, and Equality Vines' tasting room, the world's first boutique winery dedicated to fighting for three main groups: women, migrants, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Proudly boasting its very own wine club, the winery presents a collection of limited-release, premium wines catering to the civil-rights-minded. The Rainbow Cattle Company is a popular gay bar that mixes the energy of a down-home country saloon with a happening, fun-enough-for-San-Fran nightclub. With cocktails in Mason jars and rustic-chic wood paneling, this is the kind of Queer space where you could bring your mom or your straight friends, and they'd end up having just as much fun as you. The always-popular R3 Hotel, treasured as an LGBTQ-friendly restaurant, bar, and event space, recently reopened after undergoing major renovations to host karaoke, drag shows, dancing, and weekend barbecues. Be on the lookout for theme weeks and weekends throughout the summer along with a variety of Out in the Vineyard LGBTQ+ wine tastings, brunches, and more.

Photo Credit: Rainbow Cattle Company

Summer Fun:

Each summer, Guerneville becomes a warm, woodsy retreat where visitors of all walks of life come to float down the river, hike among the redwoods, and cool down with some seasonal cocktails.

Russian River:

The water is easily one of Guerneville’s main attractions during the summer months, so you are going to want to devote at least one full day to floating, canoeing, or swimming in the Russian River.

Photo Credit: Burke's Canoes

You are more than welcome to BYOT - bring your own tube, but if you’d prefer someone else to handle the logistics, you can rent a canoe or kayak for the day from Burke’s Canoes, a great local spot that will be more than happy to provide you with all you need. For $75 per canoe, which fits two people, you will receive a complimentary shuttle ride from the designated pickup spot downtown back to the parking lot at Burke’s, completely included in each rental price. If you have time, make a pit stop at Stumptown Brewery, home to a funky outdoor beer garden with an area for canoe and kayak “parking” on the riverside edge. For those who don't want to miss out on the summer fun but would rather stay in one spot, head to Monte Rio Public Beach, an idyllic hideaway along the Russian River that is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Guerneville.

Wine Tasting

A trip to Sonoma isn’t complete without having tasted the bounty of world-class wines grown here. Guerneville falls along the Russian River Valley, one of California's most celebrated regions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; and while few wineries lie within the city limits some of the region’s best wineries are just a short drive outside Guerneville’s boundaries.

Photo Credit: Equality Wines

Founded in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars is one of America’s most historic wineries, and whether or not you know the difference between sparkling wine and champagne aside, is a total blast to visit. Treat yourself to a free tour of their cellars and museum, offered hourly beginning at 11 a.m., with the last group leaving at 3 p.m. The aforementioned winery, Equality Vines, has a limited-release collection of wines out now that benefit the Human Rights Non-Profit One Glass for Equality. One of their most popular wines, Love Wins Sparkling Rose, celebrates the Supreme Court's 2015 Marriage Equality Decision and tastes as delicious as that victory does.

Accommodations in Guerneville:

Whether you are visiting with loved ones or taking a solo trip to free your mind, a vacation with river access is the way to go. Wine Country to Coast is a GayTravel Approved vacation rental company dedicated to making your summer stay as joyful as possible with an authentic local experience in a home that is truly inspired. With a staff that has traveled the world and understands the importance of arriving at a well-cared-for home, you will arrive at the property and be blown away by finishing touches like music playing in the background and treats for you and your friends after a long day's travel!

Offering wonderful vacation homes for over 2 decades, their rental properties are hand-picked with your discerning tastes in mind so that it is the perfect fit for your special occasion. Views, proximity to beaches, hot tubs, game rooms, and pet-friendly accommodations are just a handful of the amenities that make these vacation homes so luxurious.