The Guerneville Bridge is on a scenic stretch of the Russian River- it's Russian collusion, of the…read morebest kind, as in picture postcard perfect. The Russian River begins its journey up by Willits- by this stretch, it's headed westward for the Pacific, after making several awkward turns around Healdsburg and Windsor. The bridge is not only a photo op, but an opportunity to walk around, get some fresh air, and bask in the sunlight at any point in your journey. It's enjoyable whether one is a pedestrian or biking. It's tucked among the breathtaking redwoods. As for the Russian River that flows beneath it- it is named for the Russians of the area, just like the one on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/14/travel/a-russian-fort-in-california.html Guerneville can become a tourist trap- especially on weekends in the height of summer- but the Guerneville Bridge is an oasis of peace. Breathe in the scent of the ancient redwoods, feel the timeless.

This is supposedly a historic bridge that makes for a great way to walk across the river into the…read moresmall downtown area of Guerneville from the other side of town. It's great for avoiding the traffic on the roadway, and we used this bridge several times during our visit. However, this bridge is nasty, covered in dog poop, graffiti, and what I assume is human excrement. Loads of unhoused individuals hang out in this area. They didn't bother us during our use of the bridge, but it may be uncomfortable for some. I think it's important to be aware and stay safe anytime you are walking in an unknown area, but this is certainly not a bridge I would have wanted to use at night, even with vigilance. Not only due to the vagrants, but also because of the risk of stepping in dog poop, or worse.

The castle is lovely and grounds are absolutely stunning. Although the structure and landscaping…read moreare lovely, our tour guide felt the need to weave her strong political views into most topics. Examples would be regarding a pitcher/jug that is displayed in one of the glass cases. She said the pitcher "should not be here" and if she had her way "it would be returned" because it was "stolen from a masque." She also said when referring to Dr. Edward Jenner being the first to develop a successful vaccination for small pox that "it really is a question if he were the first." She said he barely beat Africa and Turkey in this world altering vaccine. To which doctors to whom was she referring to in Africa or Turkey? She made a comment of, " My grandfather always said, 'Whatever horrible acts done have been done have been done by the English first.' and I firmly believe this." She was also railing against the decisions of the monarchs before the addition of the parliament. Then she went on to say she wished she could get rid of the current government. A guide should concentrate on the facts and remove biases. It is quite distracting and unnecessary.

What can you say about one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world which is still owned by the…read moresame family from 900 years ago. You have to go. Its where Edward II was murdered with a red hot poker up his fundament .

Incredible, magnificent part of the California Coast. Do not miss this amazing place! Very easily…read morewalkable.

In 2005 title to the Stornetta Ranch, which meets the Pacific Ocean, was transferred to the Bureau…read moreof Land Management to ensure its long-term protection & provide accessibility to the public. This translates into expanding the California Coastal National Monument to 1665 acres, with 12 coastal miles of undeveloped federal- & state-managed public land. A vast open space to hike & enjoy the rugged cliffs, & view the sea rocks, islands, blowholes, dunes, tide pools, & waves during daylight hours. Public privileges like nowhere I know of. Locals said it's never crowded. Tourists wouldn't necessarily know about it unless they studied up on the purpose & meaning of "Point Arena ~ Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument." If you google it, there is a dozen interesting articles tracing the history & significance.

It's free quick thing to see while in the area. Unfortunately it's falling apart and probably…read morewon't last much longer. The signs are gone

I haven't been since 2021, so it was before all of the storm damage and deterioration I've…read moreread/heard about. Not sure why, but it was a 'magical' experience for me...maybe because it reminded me of being a kid and creating a fun story in my mind about how a treacherous adventure ended in a shipwreck! (Even though it's a small boat that simply got beached. LOL) Pics I'm sharing were taken in January 2021.

Filled with innovative, fun and independantly owned businesses. Has an interesting past. Used to…read morebe a brothel and speak easy back in the day. The building is made of brick and redwood. Additionally, it holds many businesses such as Maldondo's Renew, Pilates with Anne, Lions and Tigers and Hair, Hee bee Gee bee's, Soft Shell, Bricks, Old Chicago Pizza, Studio 33, Dick Warner Wines, Fantasia and the Christmas Shop. Not only are there great stores and services but once inside you swear you are in an Escher Sketch. With so many add ons it sometimes seems as if stairs are leading to nowhere. If you want to see a great old Petaluma Building filled with history be sure not miss this one.

To be honest, this review is completely biased considering this is the building where my parent's…read morerestaurant used to be and where my dad's wine shop is currently located. But, if you happen to be in Petaluma at any point, you can come to this one building and get your hair cut, buy Christmas ornaments, do pilates, and drink wine with my dad. All that in one building that used to be a brothel!! Craziness!

The Maysonnave House belongs to the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation. It was built in 1910…read more While the house itself has been beautifully preserved, it's mainly an events venue&office space. Don't expect to see anything about life back in 1910 Sonoma. When you drop in, it feels awkwardly like walking into someone's private home. People use it for events- and that makes sense. It's an events space rather than a historic one. The people are friendly. It's historic, but not impressive. Its nearby cottage, also built in 1910, has been up for debate, and was nearly demolished back in December- http://www.sonomanews.com/opinion/5362964-181/editorial-maysonnave-cottage-raises-question Will the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation preserve and restore its companion?

Absolutely wonderful. We attended an event here for the Sonoma International Film Festival,…read moresponsored by Yelp, and it was fabulous! The employees (not sure if they work for Maysonnave, or if they were hired for the event) were so helpful and attentive! Would love to come again.

We had a great time visiting the Bale Grist Mill in St. Helena. Our tour guide explained it was…read morebuilt in 1846 from the design in the 1795 book "The Young Mill-Wright & Miller's Guide." I was able to read some of the book from the Library of Congress archives and found Oliver Evans wrote the guide and patented his design in 1790, the year the patent office was formed, before patents were numbered. In 1804 they retroactively assigned him patent number (X3) three. He licensed his design to hundreds of people including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. He became the first American to live off of intellectual property income.

Historic Grist Mill where grain is milled powered by a gigantic water wheel. From the friendly…read morereceptionist to the remarkable tour guide this is a fabulous experience. I have not been here since before the pandemic but it is always an amazing experience. Bring a picnic and sit outside at the tables or take a hike after the guided tour in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. You will learn a lot about the history of the region. And the milling process. Modest entry fee.

One of NorCals best kept secrets is the quaint town of Point Arena, home of Arena Cove! The…read moreabsolute most picturesque, gentle, calm and natural water views you'll ever see! Arena Cove is home to a pizza parlor and coffee shop as well as a fishing pier and if you come at low tide, the most amazing tide pools with fish, sea urchin, sea star fish, crab and countless water plants. Beautiful hiking on the shoreline and the best sunsets! I love visiting when I need a time out from the hustle and bustle of life; a quick trip is always humbling and helps me to refocus on the finer things in life... like nature!!!

I hate it when people Yelp landmarks instead of businesses. Just a personal pet peeve of mine…read more There's an exception to every rule, and I happen to be exceptional, so based on three exceptions to the rule I believe a review of Point Arena Cove is worthy of Yelp. First, this is an obscure little town and it needs Yelp reviews to encourage people to stop and experience all it has to offer. Second, this cove is not visible from Hwy 1 so you might drive right past it. Third, there are hours associated with the pier (open for boat launches from 7am to 4pm), so it's like a business. I'm not an expert on coves, but I've seen quite a few in my day. I think I'm a pretty good judge of cove character. La Jolla Cove, in San Diego was my favorite. Until I visited Point Arena Cove. There is so much going on here. I visited on a Saturday morning and ended up having great conversations with the very warm locals. A few showed me the abalone they had just hauled in (the Fish Police were right there to make sure every one was legal) and another showed me pictures of an albatross that visits the cove (very rare!) surfing with surfers. There are dogs galore (please leash them on the pier) and nice owners to go with them. This is a working cove, but people also go to talk and drink coffee. The cove is the best place to capture the local flavor of Point Arena. You absolutely must visit it.

I didn't know what to expect here. Was here during the middle of the week and went into the park…read morelocated in the center of town. It used to be the county courthouse they reconverted into a museum. Authentic display of geologic, indigenous cultures, early settlers, and post war era artifacts that you see up close. $2..donate.. then ask them a lot of hard questions like.. where were some of the settlements? Why are there women's saddles but no men kinds? Get a hotdog in the park.

This little Museum is fantastic worth a stop great displays free but please make a donation they're…read moredoing a great job there employee was very helpful and knowledgeable