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Gay Russian River/Guerneville

Nestled among the magnificent Redwoods of Northern California is the funky town of Gay Guerneville, the ultimate gay and lesbian playground. GLBT visitors to Guerneville will find a mellow, gorgeous, dog-friendly atmosphere to bask in as the stress slowly melts away. There are year-round events, festivals, and parties galore to keep you busy, and just as many perfect places to relax and enjoy nature at her finest. Stay a day here and you’ll end up wanting to spend a lifetime.

There are lots of ways to get to Guerneville. Our gay and lesbian travel guide suggests that the easiest way is to fly into Santa Rosa’s small airport, which is a 30 minute rental car or taxi drive from Guerneville. The Charles M. Schulz airport is small, but offers direct flights from Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and LAX, so it’s pretty straightforward to get here with just one connection. You can also easily fly into one of the three nearby international airports: San Francisco (70 miles from Guerneville), Oakland (67 miles away), or Sacramento (120 miles from Guerneville with less traffic-jam potential). No matter which airport you choose, renting a car is easy. Alternatively, take one of the shuttles, taxis, buses or limousine services from the airport to your hotel, vacation home, spa, or bed-and-breakfast. When coordinating the timing of your Russian River retreat, remember to avoid driving between San Francisco or Oakland and Guerneville on a Friday or Sunday afternoon unless you relish long hours of sitting in traffic. Don’t worry about getting around Guerneville without a rental car; once you’re there, you’ll be able to navigate the small (5 block) town by foot. To venture out a bit further, make use of a taxi, bus, or shuttle.

All four seasons here are uniquely beautiful and full of Gay-friendly activities. The Mediterranean climate in the Russian River is pretty mild: mornings and evenings can be foggy and chilly, so pack a sweater and long pants, along with lighter clothes for warm afternoons. Gay men and women are by far the most visible visitors to Guerneville, especially during the weekends from late spring through early autumn, when the area is constantly booming with activity. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking leading up to and during harvest time from June through October, which are the area’s warmest months. The winter season from late November through early March is cold, misty, and wet, and your visit will be especially quiet and tranquil during these months.

There’s plenty to do here; kayaking in the river, hiking through the towering redwoods or along the miles and miles of scenic coastline, wine tasting, sunbathing on the riverside beaches or resort sundecks, bicycling, spas, and even hot air ballooning. The Russian River Women’s Weekend during the week before Memorial Day in Guerneville is a special treat for the ladies, while Pride, towards the end of May, is a glittering tribute to all the delights of being Gay. The Pegasus Theater Company in nearby Monte Rio is the perfect place for some culture. They host a variety of GLBT-themed plays annually, and their comedies are a must-see!

Many of the resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals in Guerneville are gay-owned and operated. Some are even gay-exclusive! You’ll have no problem finding the perfect place to stay and be Gay. This is a great place to bring your four-legged friends, as there are several Dog-friendly lodging options. Click here for our Guerneville Lodging List.