California's Underrated Town Offers A Peaceful Escape With Towering Redwoods

Marveling at the redwoods is one of the things every American should do in their lifetime, but not just Americans can feel the pull of these ancient giants. The majestic Sequoia sempervirens stands over 350 feet tall, roughly the height of a 30-story building, but alive and breathing. If you're looking for the best destinations to visit to see huge sequoia trees, California is the place. Redwood National Park protects the world's tallest specimens at nearly 380 feet, and 49 state parks across the state shelter these coastal treasures. However, some of California's underrated towns let you experience these giants without throngs of tourists.

About 75 miles north of San Francisco sits Guerneville, a small town along the Russian River in Sonoma County. Established in the 1850s, the area was called "Stumptown" after loggers cleared many of the surrounding redwoods. George Guerne owned the local sawmill and supplied wood for San Francisco's early construction, and the town was later renamed in his honor. Trees from the area were also used to rebuild the city after a 1906 earthquake. By the late-1800s, wealthy San Franciscans discovered Guerneville as a vacation retreat, especially after the railroad arrived in 1877. Even when the Great Depression ended train service, visitors kept coming by car. New businesses bloomed in the 1970s, and the town has been thriving ever since.

Visitors can access Guerneville via Highway 101, a route from San Francisco. The nearest major airport, San Francisco International Airport, sits nearly two hours away, but there's a closer option. Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa offers daily flights through Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, and is about a 30-minute drive to town, with car rentals and public transit available at the airport.

In Guerneville, you're perfectly positioned for outdoor adventures amidst the towering redwoods of northern California. Make your way to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, established as a natural park by Colonel James Armstrong in the 1870s. His daughter and the Le Baron family worked to get Sonoma County officials involved in preserving the remaining redwoods, and the county purchased the land in 1917. The state took over in 1934, designating it a state park, then ultimately a reserve in 1964. Spanning 805 acres, it's the place to hike among giants and admire the Parson Jones Tree, standing more than 310 feet high.

If you're looking for trails to explore, the 1.7-mile Pioneer Nature Trail takes you to the Colonel Armstrong Tree, more than 1,400 years old, while the 1.2-mile Armstrong Grove Loop Trail (also called Discovery Trail) offers platforms to hug those enormous redwoods. Both trails are ADA accessible, and the Discovery Trail section has Braille signs for visually impaired visitors. The reserve has a visitor center open daily from 11AM to 3PM. There are picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, plus the picnic area accommodates 150 guests for events. The reserve opens from 8AM until sunset, with free entry for pedestrians and a $10 parking fee for vehicles.

Next to Armstrong is Austin Creek State Recreation Area, sharing the same entrance, hours, and $10 vehicle fee. This area offers more than 20 miles of trails across nearly 6,000 acres with deep ravines, grassy hills, and oak trees. The Bullfrog Pond Campground has 23 campsites, though check availability, as closures happen during harsh weather. Watch for wildlife like wild turkeys, ducks, deer, coyotes, and foxes. Follow Leave No Trace principles and keep dogs off the trails.

Once you're done wandering amid the redwoods, head to downtown Guerneville. It's a small, walkable town packed with cute shops, art galleries, and eateries. Greeting travelers with its sleek, urban setting and a mural of dogs catching Frisbees, Boon Eat + Drink' comes recommended. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "Small but cozy restaurant! We arrived shortly after opening and ordered a salad, Moroccan chicken, and Niman Ranch burger with truffle fries. The food was absolutely delicious. Staff was attentive and kind! Would come back again, 10/10!" They also serve wines from local Sonoma and Mendocino wineries. Saucy Mama's Jook Joint is another spot known for sandwiches and BBQ, with prices starting at $7. For sweet cravings, Nimble & Finn's Handmade Ice Cream is the place.

After you've refueled, the town's location on the Russian River makes it perfect for a peaceful coastal escape. Johnson's Beach is privately owned but free to the public, though there's a $10 parking fee. It opens from May to September when the river is safest for swimming and boating. Visitors can swim, rent inner tubes, kayaks, or boats, or relax under the redwoods by renting umbrellas and chairs. The kiddie pool is popular for families with small children. There's a snack bar serving burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and soft drinks. Cabins are available year-round, and campsites open from March to October. Campsites can be reserved online and canceled up to 14 days before arrival with a $20 fee.

Another riverfront option is Guerneville River Park, spanning more than five acres with boat launches. For more redwood adventures, less than three hours away sits Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, an underrated state park with towering redwoods and scenic mountain views.