ResortRussian River Valley · Sonoma4.3 · 269
River Bend Resort
River Bend Resort in Forestville puts cabins, RV hookups, and tent sites between towering redwoods and a private beach.
Dog OKKid FriendlyWine EnthusiastsNature Lovers
★★
Russian River Valley · Sonoma County · Guerneville
Highlands Resort
2-star resortWine LoversNature Retreats
4.7(149 reviews)
Known forAdult OnlyDog-FriendlyPoolRestaurantFireplaceValley Views
Why Stay Here
Highlands Resort is one of Sonoma County's few adults-only lodgings that actively welcomes dogs, meaning you'll see couples hiking the property trails with retrievers and terriers before breakfast. The cabins sit on terraced decking connected by wooden walkways built around the trunks of Douglas firs and redwoods.
- Adults-only policy paired with dog-friendly cabins and suites
- Wooden lodges elevated on platforms among Douglas fir and redwoods
- Ten-minute walk downhill to Johnson's Beach and Guerneville dining
- Deluxe suites with canopy views over second-growth redwood crowns
- No restaurant or bar—guests provision from town or bring supplies
The Experience
Most guests book a cabin with a private deck, brew coffee in the small kitchenette, then sit outside while their dog explores the unfenced perimeter. There's no restaurant, no lobby bar, no evening reception—provisions come from the Safeway two miles south or from Guerneville's Main Street cafes. The unrushed rhythm means mornings disappear into reading on the deck, afternoons into naps under the skylight, evenings into grilling something simple on the shared barbecue areas.
The Setting
The property sits at 14000 Woodland Drive on a hillside above downtown Guerneville, elevated enough that the canopy views from the deluxe suites look out over neighboring redwood crowns. Wooden lodges and standalone cabins are built on platforms connected by outdoor staircases and gravel paths. The setting is dense forest—no lawn, no pool, just bark mulch and fallen needles underfoot. It's a ten-minute walk downhill to Johnson's Beach and the Guerneville art galleries and wine bars.
Dining
boon eat + drink
restaurantBoon eat + drink is a bustling farm-to-table California bistro in the heart of Guerneville. Founded by visionary Crista Luedtke, our menu is simple and tasty, featuring the best of Sonoma County’s bounty.
Three Cultures Kitchen
restaurantThree Cultures Restaurant is where rich traditions meet heartfelt hospitality. Nestled near the scenic Russian River, this family-owned eatery brings together the bold flavors of Mexican, Salvadoran, and American cuisine under one warm and welcoming roof.
El Barrio
restaurantEl Barrio showcases artisanal handcrafted spirits such as mezcal, tequila, and bourbon. Their goal is to provide an amazing product, experience, and atmosphere to all who come, offering great cocktails and regional Mexican cuisine.
Nimble & Finn’s
ice cream shopNimble & Finn’s is inspired by local farmers markets, offering innovative handmade ice cream using organic dairy from Strauss Creamery, seasonal produce, and housemade jams, cakes, and candy.
Main Street Bistro
bistroEnjoy good food, beverages, and music at Sonoma County’s longest-running acoustic music venue. Main Street Bistro is nestled in a scenic valley, surrounded by majestic redwoods along the beautiful Russian River.
Pat’s International Diner
dinerPat’s International Diner features delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials in a beautiful space with a true Guerneville history, where locals and tourists alike come together.
Piknik Town Market
marketPiknik Town Market serves seasonal, West Coast European inspired fare along with baked goods and luxury grocery items, providing a distinct space for visitors and locals to eat and socialize.
Farmhand
deliThe Farmhand is a gourmet deli and specialty market boasting extraordinary views and fresh made-from-scratch offerings, encouraging visitors to enjoy local Sonoma County wine and beer.
Farmhouse Inn
restaurantFarmhouse Inn features a restaurant that relies on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The menus are ever-changing, complemented by a carefully curated wine program.
Rivers End
restaurantRivers End offers a fine dining experience with a unique and internationally influenced menu, utilizing local purveyors and high-quality ingredients designed to delight taste buds and lift spirits.
Activities & Experiences
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting experiences are available in the beautiful Sonoma County region, where visitors can sample local wines and enjoy the scenic landscapes.
Insider Tips
Opt for one of the deluxe suites that feature private balconies with stunning views of the redwoods for a truly rejuvenating experience. To maximize enjoyment, consider visiting during the fall when the foliage adds a spectacular touch to the surroundings. The property is dog-friendly, so bringing your furry friend along can make the stay even more special.
More Places to Stay
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HotelRussian River Valley · Sonoma4.7 · 166
boon hotel + spa
Fourteen adults-only rooms with reclaimed redwood furniture, Malin + Goetz products, and a 24-hour honor bar.
Dog OK*Adults OnlyWine EnthusiastsRomantic Getaways
★★★
InnRussian River Valley · Sonoma4.4 · 110
The Woods Cottages & Cabins @ Russian River
The Woods sits between downtown Guerneville and a creek, with redwoods shading a clothing-optional pool.
Dog OK*Adults OnlyCouplesFamilies
★★★
InnRussian River Valley · Sonoma4.8 · 340
Inn on the Russian River
Private access to the Russian River from a redwood-shaded property where most guests extend their stay.
Dog OK*Wine LoversCouples Retreat
★★
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Surrey Resort
Canvas tents on raised redwood decks, fifteen minutes from downtown Guerneville.
Kid FriendlyWine EnthusiastsNature Lovers
★★
ResortAlexander Valley · Sonoma4.8 · 153
The Ranch At Lake Sonoma
The Ranch at Lake Sonoma pairs trail rides above the reservoir with glamping tents and a barn bar.
Dog OK*Wine EnthusiastsNature Lovers
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Wineries Nearby
Russian River Valley · Sonoma4.6 · 481
Korbel Champagne Cellars
Korbel has produced California sparkling wine by méthode champenoise since 1882.
Dog OKKid Friendly*
$From $15
Russian River Valley · Sonoma4.6 · 64
Hartford Family Winery
Don and Jennifer Hartford founded this winery in 1994 to produce single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and old vine Zinfandel.
ReservationDog OKKid Friendly
$$$From $60
Russian River Valley · Sonoma4.8 · 126
Gary Farrell Vineyards
Single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from named Russian River Valley growers.
Reservation
$$From $35
Russian River Valley · Sonoma4.6 · 266
Iron Horse Vineyards
Founded in 1976, Iron Horse serves its sparkling wines outdoors with vineyard views to Mt. St. Helena.
ReservationKid FriendlyPicnic
$From $25
Russian River Valley · Sonoma4.6 · 321
Russian River Vineyards
Giovanni Balistreri, a fourth-generation farmer, runs this 1890s property.
Dog OK
$From $20
Russian River Valley · Sonoma4.7 · 111
Williams Selyem
Williams Selyem's list-member-only appointments pour from Rochioli, Allen, and Hirsch vineyards.
Reservation
$$$From $75
Russian River Valley · Sonoma4.7 · 336
MacRostie Winery Estate House
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Russian River Valley from a ridgetop Estate House.
ReservationDog OKKid Friendly
$$From $50
Russian River Valley · Sonoma4.3 · 129
Flowers Vineyards & Winery
Flowers farms Camp Meeting Ridge and Sea View Ridge on the far Sonoma Coast for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
$$$From $75
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