Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville
Contact: 707-869-2015 or 707-865-2391; e-mail
Follow the many paths through the giant redwoods. Everything from a self-guided tour along a paved path to a rugged hilly hike. Dogs allowed on leash on the road. Small fee for parking inside the park. Parking by Visitor Center is free. Visitor center open daily 11am-3pm.

Armstrong Woods Pack Station
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, Guerneville
Contact: 707-887-2939
Ride gentle American Quarter Horses all year round - for a few hours, a day, or overnight. Reservations required. Ask about minimum age requirements.

Berry's Saw Mill
Hwy 116, just past Cazadero Hwy, Cazadero
Contact: 707-865-2365
Free, self-guided tour of lumber production. Open Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm; Sat 8am-12pm.

Burke's Canoe Trips
8600 River Road, Forestville
Contact: 707-887-1222
Canoe down the River to a private beach and hitch a ride back with Burke's bus. Kids must be 5 years old; swimmers only. Open daily May-October. Make reservations early.

California Carnivores
2833 Old Gravenstein Hwy, Sebastopol
Contact: 707-824-0433; e-mail
550 insect-eating plants on display, many for sale. Open daily 10am-4pm.

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp
5835 Cazadero Hwy, Cazadero
Contact: 707-632-5159; e-mail
Music, dance, circus, and all sorts of performing learning for both kids and whole families.

Farm Trails
Farm locations all over Sonoma County
Contact: 800-207-9464; e-mail or call 707-571-8288 for map (include your mailing address in message)
Sonoma County is a major agricultural area, and many farms have opened their doors to the public via the Farm Trails organization. Website includes map, detailed listings and descriptions of farms throughout Sonoma County.

Fort Ross
19005 Coast Hwy 1, 12 mi. north of Jenner
Contact: 707-847-3286
State Historic Park highlighting the Russian settlement of Northern California. Attractions include the Visitor Center and Museum, Fort Ross Cemetery, Fort Ross Historic Orchard (must have park assistance to visit), access to Sandy Cove and North Cove beaches and tidepools, and a bookstore well stocked with Russian-American history. Parking $2. Daily summer presentations 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm. Sept-June presentations Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 12pm and 2pm.

Fort Ross website is full of historical and resource information, pictures & historic drawings, study guides & materials, and event listings.

Hallberg Butterfly Gardens
Sebastopol
Contact: 707-823-3420
Butterfly and wildlife sanctuary, featuring rare Pipeline Swallowtail. Tours and slide shows. Open April-Oct, Wed-Sun 10am-4pm, by appointment.

Johnson's Beach
Off 1st Street at Church St. in downtown Guerneville
Contact: 707-869-2022
This blast from the past offers food, drink and beer, as well as innertubes, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and beach umbrellas at great prices. There's a roped-off, shallow lagoon for the little ones, and deeper water for swimming and boating. Real bathrooms and changing rooms. A great place for family and friends to while away those vacation hours. Beach open daily Memorial Day into October (while the dams are in) 10am-6pm, except during event weekends like the Blues Festival or the Jazz Festival. No dogs. Free parking. Swim Lessons June-August; call Cyndie at 707-865-2806. Check out this great review of Johnson's Beach.

Luther Burbank's Gold Ridge Experiment Farm
7781 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol
Contact: 707-829-6711
Docent (Apr-Oct) or self-guided tours of National Historic Landmark cottage and farm. Burbank's plant and fruit creations for sale. From website, download a docent handbook and check out the calendar of events.

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
Intersection of Santa Rosa Avenue and Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa
Contact: 707-524-5445; e-mail
Visit the fascinating home and gardens of one of the world's most famous horticulturists and creator of many new species of plants. Gardens are open to the public at no charge year round daily 8am to dusk. Buildings, including home and gift shop, are open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm. Drop-in tours run Tues-Sun 10am-3:30pm and cost $3 for anyone 13+. Website has lots of info and study guides. Schedule of free events includes Garden Tales (songs and stories for young gardeners and their grown ups) during the summer, Fall Plant Sale in September, and a Holiday Open House in December.

Luther Burbank Virtual Museum
Check out this extensive photo tour of all things Luther Burbank.

Monte Rio Beach
Bohemian Hwy & Hwy 116, turn right just before heading over the Monte Rio Bridge, Monte Rio
Public beach with boat access, volley ball & horseshoe courts. Rent canoes, kayaks, tubes, umbrellas and chairs. Concessions include standard American fare. Real bathrooms. Dogs permitted on down river side of the bridge. Free parking.

Pacific Coast Air Museum
2330 Airport Blvd., Santa Rosa
Contact: 707-575-7900
Museum and air shows; history and workings of aviation. Open Tues & Th 10am-2pm; Sat & Sun 10am-4pm. Terrific Wings over Wine Country air show every August.

Pee Wee Golf, Arcade & Bike Rentals
Contact: 707-869-9321
Drake Road, just off Hwy 116 south of the Guerneville Bridge, Guerneville
Newly remodeled and looking sharp! Even kids as young as three can make a hole-in-one. Teenagers often hang out here in the evenings. Two 18 hole courses, video arcade, pool tables and refreshments. Bike rentals; call to reserve. Open 11 to 11 summer until Labor Day weekend, and weekends in spring and in September. Generally closed October 1 until Easter, but it doesn't hurt to call. Also will host private parties. Look for the purple T-Rex.

Pool & Snack Bar
Canyon Two Road just off River Road, Rio Nido
Nice pool, volleyball courts, video arcade, picnic tables, snack bar. Open to public Memorial Day through Labor Day; daily 11:30am-5:30pm. Reasonable day use fee.

Redwood Empire Ice Arena
1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa (west side)
Contact: 707-546-7147
Spectacular Swiss chalet motif ice skating rink owned by the late Charles M. Schultz of "Peanuts" fame. This classy place is a blast for kids of all ages. It's fun any time of year but in the summer, it can be a great way to cool down. They also host ice shows (including the Christmas Ice Skating Show in December) and competitive skating. Check out the schedule on their website or call. The gift shop features much "Peanuts" memorabilia and a small museum upstairs.

Rio Theater
Corner of Bohemian Hwy & Hwy 116, Monte Rio
Contact: 707-865-0913
First run movies at great prices and good movie food. As an extra special treat, you get to watch the owners' slides of their world travels before the movie starts. This unique theater is housed in a WWII Quonset hut painted with murals. An experience not to be missed while you're visiting this neck of the woods.

Russian River Adventures
20 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg
Contact: 707-433-5599
Enjoy exclusive day trips down an uncrowded stretch of the Russian River in a canoe that is nearly impossible to tip, although you should be able to swim just in case! Upon request, they will provide a delicious gourmet meal, snacks and drinks. Shuttle takes you back to your car at the end. What a way to see an unspoiled, undeveloped section of the river!

Safari West Wildlife Preserve
3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa
Contact: 707-579-2551; e-mail
Reservations are required for a tour of this incredible 240-acre African wildlife preserve. 2 ½ - 3 hour tours guided by naturalist:
March 10 - November 3: daily at 9am, 12noon, and 3pm;
November 4 - March 9: daily at 10am and 2pm.
$62/adult, $28/kids 3-14. Group and custom tours by special arrangement.


Seal Watch at Goat Rock Beach
Hwy 1, just south of Jenner
Contact: 707-874-3987
Visit March through early September to see pups. The beach is there year round. There's also a great Indian restaurant on the way to (or from) the beach called the Sizzling Tandoor that's definitely worth checking out.

Tennis Courts (Public)
 Drake Road across from Pee Wee Golf, Guerneville
 Old Cazedero Road just off Hwy 116, Guerneville
 Canyon Seven Road, Rio Nido
 Community Center in Cazadero
 Downtown Monte Rio

West County Museum
261 South Main Street, Sebastopol
Contact: 707-829-6711; e-mail
Museum and historical reference room. Open Thurs-Sun 1-4pm.

Forestville Youth Park (public)
Mirabel Road just past Nolan Road, Forestville
Newish play structures, baby and big swings, lots of grass, picnic tables, shade on parts of the playground. Large gathering/grill covered area. 2 baseball diamonds and 1 soccer field. Real bathrooms. No dogs.

Henry M. Pacheco Memorial Playground (public)
Old Caz Rd. just off Hwy 116, west of downtown Guerneville
Tennis & basketball courts, baby swings, small play structure, 1 picnic table, wood chips. No bathroom. No dogs.

Monte Rio School Playground
Foothill Drive just off Hwy 116, Monte Rio
Newish play structure, beautiful grounds, lots of grass, shade, picnic tables, volleyball courts. No public bathrooms. No dogs. Open to the public only during non-school hours.

Public Playground
Drake Road across from Pee Wee Golf, Guerneville
New play structures on sand, swings, basketball courts. Port-o-let and water fountain.

Public Playground
Orchard & Summer Crossing (south side of river)
Small, newish play structure with rings, basketball court, picnic tables, BBQ, water fountain. No dogs. No bathroom.

Bruno Farnocchia Memorial Park
Canyon Seven Road, Rio Nido
Well-used play structure in sand with shade. Picnic tables. No bathroom.

Master Gardener Free Gardening Classes at the Guerneville Library, Guerneville  Contact: 707-565-2608
Saturday workshops for gardeners young and old in spring and summer. Call for schedule.

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration, Guerneville  Contact: 877-644-9001
Downtown parade with floats, horses, antique cars, clowns, etc.

Stumptown Daze Parade and Rodeo, Downtown Guerneville  Contact: 707-869-1959 or 877-644-9001
This 30-year-old tradition of rodeos, food, and parades is enthusiastically endorsed by the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association. Breakfast begins at 7am. The parade parades down Main Street starting at 11am. The rodeo begins at 2pm. Yearly, first week-end in June.

Duncans Mills Festival of the Arts, Downtown Duncans Mills, off Hwy 116  Contact: 707-824-8404
Juried fine art show, terrific food and music, and crazy events that mean fun for all. Yearly, one week-end in June.

Russian River Rodeo and BBQ, Duncans Mills  Contact: 707-869-1959 or 877-644-9001
Yearly in June.

Fourth of July Fireworks, Monte Rio  Contact: 707-865-1533 for Monte Rio
You're invited to the beach to enjoy our local fireworks celebrating our great nation's birthday. Liquid lights for sale; also beer and other refreshments. You haven't really seen fireworks until you’ve seen them this close! Bring beachmats or low beach chairs & jackets. No participatory fireworks allowed (not even sparklers).

Monte Rio Water Carnival, Monte Rio  Contact: 707-865-1533
Wacky wet family event that has included such evening treats as a torch-lit canoe parade and a projection of the statue of liberty onto a 60-ft waterfall, and daytime fun such as canoe races, games, and great food.

Civil War Days, Duncans Mills  Contact: 707-664-1559
Encampments and twice daily battles staged each 3rd weekend in July.

Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa  Contact: 707-545-4200
The Sonoma County Fair combines the best of Bay Area entertainment and agricultural attractions. Rides, animals, horse racing, contests of all kinds, local crafts and much, much more. Last week of July/first week of August. One day a week is FREE to kids. Also check out the schedule of events at the Fairgrounds; there's usually something interesting going on there.

Living History Days, Fort Ross, Hwy 1; 12 mi. north of Jenner  Contact: 707-847-3286
This historic event chronicling the Russian settlement of Northern California is rumored to be highly educational, and fun too! This event is held the last Saturday of July each year. Check out the website for other events at Fort Ross and other historic parks in California. $2 parking.

Russian River Car Show, Monte Rio  Contact: Big Steve, Acme Customs 707-824-9039
Open to 1973 cars and older. Yearly in August.

ARTrails, Sonoma County  Contact: 707-579-2787
In the fall each year, you can visit open studios of artists all over Sonoma County. This event is FREE! Check out website for listing of artists by region and art medium and maps to help you find your way. Budding young artists may especially enjoy visiting the studios of real artists and talking to them about their art. Open 2 week-ends in October; 10am-5pm.

Russian River Fall Fling Harvest Faire, Downtown Guerneville  Contact: 1-877-644-9001
Family-oriented celebration featuring such goodies as a scarecrow decorating contest, hay rides, hay maze, halloween carnival, pie bake off, and more. Usually mid-October.

Winter Festival, Guerneville  Contact: 1-877-644-9001
Open house of downtown merchants with refreshments, tree lighting, carolers, and a visit from Santa. Parade of Lights is simply spectacular!

You can also check the local Chambers of Commerce for more events: Russian River Chamber of Commerce: 877-644-9001 Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce: 707-865-1533 Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce: 877-828-4748 Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce: 707-545-1414

Duncans Mills:
Duncans Mills General Store (Deli)
25200 Hwy 116, Duncans Mills; 707-865-1240
Standard deli fare. Outdoor seating only.

Guerneville:
Andorno’s
16205 First Street, Guerneville (right on the village square); 707-869-0651
This family-owned restaurant has an Italian menu plus burgers & sandwiches. Fairly noisy and raucous place with a pinball machine and video games. Outdoor seating on a deck amongst the trees over the river. Open daily noon-9pm.

Coffee Bazaar at Cinnabar
14045 Armstrong Woods Road just north of Hwy 116, Guerneville; 707-869-9706
Spacious, casual place to bring kids for a light meal and ice cream. Light fare includes sandwiches, calzones, pastries & cakes, coffee & tea, Italian sodas, ice cream, sundaes & shakes. Their sidewalk seating enjoys an overhead mister on the hottest days.

Flavors Unlimited
16450 Hwy 116, across from Safeway, Guerneville; 707-869-0425
Made to order soft serve sundae extravaganzas, fried food sensations, and candy galore.

Garden Grill
17132 Hwy 116 at Old Caz Rd., Guerneville; 707-869-2878
Sandwiches & burgers, kid menu (including PB&J), soda fountain. Counters only inside; extensive outdoor seating. Located right around the corner from Henry M. Pacheco Memorial Playground and tennis courts. Open daily 12-8pm.

Koala’s
16380 Mill Street (across from Safeway), Guerneville; 707-869-3300
The unique combination of Japanese cuisine (including great sushi!) and burgers make this place a treat. Counter, booth and outdoor seating options. Open April-October daily 10am-9pm. Open November-March daily except Tuesday 10am-9pm.

Main Street Station
16280 Main Street, Guerneville; 707-869-0501; e-mail
This place has the yummiest pizza, as well as sandwiches and some Italian specialties (including the heavenly dessert, Tiramisu!). The seating is a tad crowded which is perfect for a romantic evening of jazz or a quiet tête-à-tête, but not the greatest for small children that won’t sit long. Back room has pinball machines and video games. For adults and older children, check out schedule of performances for the acoustic jazz entertainment - 5 nights a week. Small cover charge for shows; call for reservations. Delivery in the Guerneville area, as far as Monte Rio ($3/delivery - starting at 5pm).

Pat’s Restaurant
Main Street, Guerneville; 707-869-9904
Breakfast, sandwiches/burgers, soda fountain, homemade pies, donuts, pastries. Counter service & booths. Open daily 6am-3pm.

River Inn Restaurant
16141 Main Street, Guerneville; 707-869-0481
Typical American breakfast, lunch and dinner dine-in or take-out. The menu includes vegetarian entrees. The atmosphere of this family owned establishment is pleasantly hectic, diner-style. Breakfast is served all day. They have booths so you can keep the little ones ensconced. Open daily 8am-11pm.

Taqueria La Tapatia
Hwy 116, just west of downtown Guerneville; 707-869-1821
Fabulous Mexican food at great prices. They have a kid menu and great guacamole! And they don’t glare at you when you spill the water a second time.

Monte Rio:
Fern’s Grocery (Deli & Pizza)
20348 Hwy 116, Monte Rio; 707-865-1578

Russian River Video
16200 Main Street (corner of Armstrong Woods Rd.), Guerneville; 707-869-9714
Use credit card to rent videos.

Fern’s Grocery
20348 Hwy 116, Monte Rio; 707-865-1578
Leave $40 cash deposit to rent videos.