Roughly two hours north of San Francisco is California’s Russian River Valley. Located in Sonoma County, the area is known for its temperate climate and diverse range of soils, making it particularly well suited for growing a variety of grapes, especially those used in producing pinot noir and chardonnay wines. But there’s more to the region than just grapes. As the name implies, there’s a river. A big one, in fact. At 115 miles long, the Russian River originates in Mendocino County, flowing southward through Sonoma and then emptying into the Pacific Ocean near the town of Jenner. Before it does, it makes an appearance in all nine Bay Area counties.

The Russian River Valley is known for its picturesque landscapes, including its lush forests, vineyards, rolling hills and serene meadows. And its scenic beauty and proximity to the Pacific Ocean make it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, fishing, hiking and camping.

If you’re thinking about taking a trek to the Russian River Valley, keep reading for some of the best ways to explore everything the area has to offer.

Presumably, if you’re going to the Russian River Valley, you likely want to see the Russian River. 

If you want to explore the river with a guide, WaterTreks Eco Tours in Jenner offers tours of the Russian River Estuary by kayak in the morning and evening as well as occasional full moon, glowing plankton and sunset options. The business also offers non-guided kayak rentals if you want to venture out alone.

If you’re looking for a spot to hunker down for a bit, Johnson’s Beach can be a great home base for a fun day in the area. Located on the river in Guerneville, just a few minutes walk from the town’s vibrant downtown, the beach has been a favorite for visitors and locals for over 100 years. Johnson’s Beach also offers cabins, tiny homes and tent camping, as well as a lodge that can be rented for larger groups. And getting in the water is easy with their canoe, single and double kayak and pedal boat rentals.

A day at the beach is even better with kids splashing around. Keep an eye on them, of course, because just like the ocean, the bottom of the Russian River can sometimes drop off unexpectedly and the currents can be strong. Sonoma River Regional Parks recommends life vests for all kids — and provides a list of beaches where loaner life vests are available during the summer season. 

If the river isn’t at the top of your to-do list for the area, then wine tasting probably is. The Russian River Valley is located in Sonoma, one of the most popular wine regions in all of California.

Kick your day off popping bottles at Guerneville’s Korbel Champagne Cellars. One of the oldest wineries in the area, Korbel offers tastings and tours of its historic cellars and has a beautiful garden where you can have a picnic.

If you want to stick with sparkling wine, make your way over to Iron Horse Vineyards in Sebastopol. The family-owned winery offers an array of sparkling wines, as well as pinot noir and chardonnay, served amidst stunning views of the Green Valley.

There are no shortage of other spots to check out. Healdsburg’s J Vineyards & Winery is known for its sparkling wines and its pinot noir, and offers tastings and food pairings along with its wine. Family-run Martinelli Winery in Windsor is known for its zinfandel and pinot noir and has a rich history of winemaking in the Russian River Valley. Did you bring your pup along for that hike in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve? Bring him for some sips, too, following our comprehensive guide of dog-friendly wine tasting in Sonoma. 

Beer fans will definitely want to make a stop at California icon Russian River Brewing Company. The Santa Rosa brewery is known for its double IPA Pliny the Elder. The beer was one of the first commercially brewed double IPAs in America and has won awards from the Great American Beer Festival as well as the World Beer Cup. The brewery’s triple IPA, Pliny the Younger, also draws crowds every year for its release.

Beyond IPAs, the brewery also has an assortment of award-winning, barrel-aged and Belgian-inspired brews. And Russian River’s main location offers visitors the opportunity to snag one of the brewery’s renowned beers alongside a menu of pizza, hearty sandwiches, calzones or Pliny Bites, a special treat made with pizza dough, white cheddar and jalapeños.

Golfers who make the trek the Russian River Valley will want to make a stop at the Northwood Golf Course in Monte Rio, a town that sits on the banks of the Russian River. The course was designed in 1928 by Dr. Alister MacKenzie and offers nine holes surrounded by redwood trees. The best part? It’s a public course, so visitors can play for a lot less than some of the other spots around.

The family-run Sebastopol Golf Course can also be a great place to hit a few balls. It’s  nine-hole course is relatively easy, making it an especially fun spot for beginners.

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].