5 Fun Things to Do in Geyserville
Situated on the Russian River and surrounded by distant mountains, the small town of Geyserville will surprise you with a robust offering of tasting rooms, dining and shopping.
As you meander the wee 60-yard block of downtown, strolling its wooden sidewalks past 19th-century, false-front buildings, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time. But you'll quickly see that this tiny spot is jam-packed with modern eateries, winery tasting rooms, galleries, and shops — some of the best in all of Sonoma County, in fact.
In Geyserville's surrounding countryside, you'll also find many award-winning wineries, plus excellent B&Bs and inns, opportunities for outdoor adventure, and a modern casino.
Here are (just) five fun ways to spend your time in Geyserville:
1. Swimp at Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Film director Francis Ford Coppola wasn't exaggerating when he described his Geyserville winery as a "wine wonderland." With a design influenced by Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens amusement park and vineyard views guaranteed to take your breath away, this family-friendly winery is all about having fun.
From April to October, guests can dive into the winery’s two connected swimming pools, bordered by European-style cabines. Access to the pools is available exclusively for those that rent the private cabines, each of which comes equipped with private showers, towels, and four lounge chairs. Hungry (and thirsty!) swimmers can enjoy snacks and refreshments at the Pool Café.
Along with the swimming pools, you'll find there’s much to be explored at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, including various wine tasting rooms, a sunbathing terrace, movie gallery, performing arts pavilion, and park with game tables and bocce courts, as well as a museum that houses memorabilia from some of Coppola’s most notable films like “The Godfather.”
2. Try Your Luck at River Rock Casino
Open all day, every day, this robust gaming facility is a destination in and of itself, offering spectacular views of the Alexander Valley, live entertainment, and four restaurants, from a full-scale buffet to quick snacks. River Rock Casino is also home to more than 1,100 slot machines and 20 gaming tables, as well as a high-limit room and a penny-slot lounge.
3. Discover Lake Sonoma, a Sonoma County Natural Wonder
Lake Sonoma is one of the most revered bodies of water in Sonoma County. With secluded coves, fishing piers, watersport rentals, an archery field, camping (both drive-in and boat-in), a public boat ramp, and more than 40 miles of trails (for hikers, cyclists and equestrians), you'll have no shortage of ways to reconnect with loved ones — while disconnecting from life's hustle.
The lake’s Visitors Center & Fish Hatchery also contains cultural and natural history exhibits about the Dry Creek Valley. The center offers tours of the fish hatchery and ranger-led programs throughout the year, so you can learn more about the areas ecology, including sustainable fishing practices and local wildlife.
Discover why Lake Sonoma is an ideal spot for soulful travel.
4. Dine at Downtown Geyserville Restaurants
It's only a few blocks or so long, but downtown Geyserville has plenty going on, including a plethora of top-notch eateries. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Alexander Valley as Chef Douglas Keane takes you on a dining journey at Cyrus, a unique restaurant concept that focuses on farm-to-table, multi-course meals (Sonoma County vino included, of course!). Savor amazingly authentic Italian dishes at Catelli’s, a staple in the downtown Geyserville community. Or, be delighted by the recently renovated Geyserville Grille — tucked away at the AAA-three-diamond Geyserville Inn — as you dine on house-made burgers and pan-seared salmon under shaded oak trees.
Find more restaurants in Geyserville.
5. Find Your Zen at Isis Oasis Retreat Center
For a one-of-a-kind, only-in-Geyserville experience, take a tour of exotic birds and cats — against a backdrop reminiscent of ancient Egypt — at the 10-acre Isis Oasis Retreat Center. The sanctuary was established in 1978 by artist Loreon Vigne, who has transformed it over the years into an Egyptian-themed retreat center. Step into the Temple of Isis, which is usually open for mindful meditation; visit the collection of exotic birds and animals (some species here are threatened in the wild); and pause to marvel over creative structures like the Hobbit Hut, Cob Sphinx, and Isis Sun Bench. The center also offers workshops throughout the year and has on-site camping and other accommodations available.
Looking for more things to do in Geyserville? Check this two-day itinerary.
Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodgriguez.
