SeeCalifornia.com

GUERNEVILLE, CALIF.–Located just beneath the Guerneville Bridge on the Russian River, lazy days await. A cozy beach with rentals–innertubes, paddle boats, umbrellas for shade and beach chairs–is just the start of this happy camp.

“Get off the rope, Johnny,” says an adult, male voice over the intercom system that can be heard on the banks of the Russian River. “Johnny, am I going to have to call your parents and have them come get you?” the voice admonishes. Presumably coming from the beach concession shack where you can buy sodas & snacks, the 2nd warning does it. It’s almost like the old days when Gertie and Ernie Johnson ran the place they founded back in 1918. It has been owned and operated by just three families during the past century.

Speaking with families on the beach, the message is the same. “It’s old fashioned, it’s fun.” People put down the phone and they actually unwind, bringing kids to the spot they used to be taken to when they were young. A trip down memory lane, nostalgia, and new memories with your own younger generations help bridge the gap underneath that tall green bridge spanning the Russian River.

• Getting there: Sonoma County north of San Francisco. Take 1-101 north of Santa Rosa, exit River Road and head west for 20.5 miles. After you pass Korbel Champagne Cellars, you’re almost there! Guerneville is just under 5 miles from Monte Rio and approx. 75 miles north of the Martin Griffin Preserve in Stinson Beach, California.
• Contact: Johnsons Beach (johnsonsbeach.com) is the direct source for information. It is located on 16241 First St., Guerneville, CA. Call: (707) 869-2022
• Where to stay: There are dozens of hotels in and around Guerneville (russianriver.com).