Russian River Attractions & Activities - The Best Holiday Destinations for 2020
The Russian River is a summer resort and wine area in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties in Northern California, popular for canoeing, trout and salmon fishing, tubing, beach activities, and wine. The main resort towns on the river are Healdsburg and Guerneville, which since the 1970s have been a popular family, wine enthusiast, outdoorsman, and gay-friendly resort area.
The Russian River boasts has a number of fine vineyards, with a specialty in Pinot Noirs. Wineries in the area tend to be smaller and more laid-back than in other parts of Sonoma, and neighbouring Napa.
Russian River between Monte Rio and Duncans Mills
Guerneville
Guerneville hosts two weekend-long music festivals on Johnson Beach each summer, a Blues Festival at the beginning of the summer and a Jazz Festival at the end. The Vineman and Barb's race start in Guerneville during July and August. These are qualifier races for the Ironman Triathlon that occurs in Hawaii.
Many visitors rent canoes at locations a few minutes upstream of Guerneville (for example, Mirabel Beach in Forestville) and spend a day paddling downstream, through calm water as well as mild rapids, stopping at beaches and enjoying the occasional rope swing, ending the day in Guerneville, where a bus takes them back. You can also rent canoes and/or kayaks at the Monte Rio beach and in Duncans Mills.
Monte Rio
Monte Rio hosts the best Fourth of July celebration in the region. With BBQ's, live music, water parade, and fabulous fireworks display -- it is a must see experience. The town also hosts an antique auto show, easter egg hunt and numerous seasonal activities. Monte Rio is also home to the only movie theatre in the Lower Russian River Region.
Duncans Mills
Duncans Mills hosts a rodeo as well as Civil War re-enactments throughout the summer. It is also know for its shopping village.
Villa Grande
Villa Grande is a quiet hamlet along the river. At the Fourth of July the neighbors host a local Bring Your Own Picnic and historical cannons are fired at the end of a Minute Man parade.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Russian River
