Forestville

Downtown Forestville

Forestville is an unincorporated town of 3,800 people (2021) in Sonoma County, Northern California. Set in the heart of "wine country", has one major street and no stoplights.

Get in

The largest nearby airports are San Francisco International Airport (SFO ^IATA) and Oakland (OAK ^IATA). Horizon Air runs flights to the Charles Shultz airport (STS ^IATA) in Santa Rosa, with daily flights from Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and Las Vegas. Driving there, most people use Highway 116.

Get around

Driving around Forestville is the easiest mode of transit. Traffic is rarely busy, and parking is abundant. A car will allow you to explore the mostly rural, but beautiful areas. One should take care along Pocket Canyon, and Maribel Rd though, as logging trucks are known for speeding around the very tight turns.

Although there are no designated bike lanes in the town, it remains one of the most popular modes of transit. As always, be aware of transit on the busier routes, and do not leave your bicycle attended outside unless locked up.

Walking is a great way to see the small town, visit the coffee house, and few local shops. Downtown can be walked from one end to the other in about fifteen minutes.

Do

• Forestville Youth Park Parade, and Barbeque, 7045 Mirabel Rd, ☏ +1 707-887-8530. June 5th and 6th. A weekend festival offering a parade with floats, barbeque at the park, along with rides and free music. 
• Burke's Canoe Trips, 8600 River Rd, ☏ +1 707-887-1222. Offering canoe and kayak rentals for trips up and down the Russian River. 

Eat

• Canneti Roadhouse Italiana, 6675 Front St, ☏ +1 707-887-1400. Tu-Th 5:30-9PM; F Sa 11:30AM-3PM and 5:30-9:30PM; Su 11:30AM-3PM and 5:30-8:30PM. During the summer, "Tuscan Wine Tastings" are Friday through Sunday, noon to 4:30PM. (updated Nov 2019)
• Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, 7871 River Rd, ☏ +1 707-887-3300. Th-M 5:30-8:30PM. This has been a Michelin-starred restaurant since 2004, serving dinner only. The property where the restaurant is located also has luxury accomodations. $275 for a six-course tasting menu (wine not included). (updated May 2024)
• Farmstand restaurant, 7871 River Road (Look for the "Farmhouse Inn" sign; the inn (luxury accommodations) and two restaurants are on the same property.), ☏ +1 707 887-3300, hello@farmhouseinn.com. Th-M noon-3PM, 5-8PM. Offering a far less expensive option that the Farmhouse Restaurant on the same property, this lunch and dinner spot is one of the most under-the-radar dining spots in Sonoma County. Woodfired pizza and locally-sourced ingredients. Entrees $16-37. (updated May 2024)
• Russian River Pub, 11829 River Road, ☏ +1 707 887-7932, INFO@RUSSIANRIVERPUB.COM. M-Th noon-8PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM. Serves great pub grub with a view of the hills from its outdoor patio. 
• Tiny Town Cafe, 6544 Front St, ☏ +1 707 887-1400. Tu-Sa 6:30AM-2PM, Su 8AM-2PM. Local coffeehouse with handmade pastries and a record player; nice spot for a quick breakfast, brunch, or a sandwich. Among the least expensive dining options in Sonoma County. (updated May 2024)

Drink

• The Forestville Club, 6250 Front St, ☏ +1 707-887-2594. The only bar in town; live music on the weekends. Pool tables and a jukebox, too. Reopened in February 2019 after repairs to the 100-year-old building. (updated Nov 2019)

Sleep

• Farmhouse Inn, 7871 River Rd, ☏ +1 707-887-3300. Luxury accommodations, including an on-site Michelin-starred restaurant and a Wellness Barn with spa experiences. About two miles from downtown Forestville, so an easy drive but not a quick walk. (updated Mar 2022)
• Case Ranch Inn Bed and Breakfast, 7446 Poplar Dr (Off Mirabel Rd near downtown), ☏ +1 707-887-8711. Small bed and breakfast; Victorian farmhouse circa 1896 set on beautiful two-acre grounds (updated Nov 2019)

Go next

Routes through Forestville

Jenner ← Guerneville ←

W  E

→ Sebastopol → Petaluma