Bay Area Summer Fun with a Russian Flair
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 8
Looking for ideas on how to spend the summer with family or friends?
Browse our recommendations of things to do that will expose you to Russian- American history, people and places.
Fort Ross Day Trip
Plan a day trip to explore the only Russian-American settlement in the continental U.S. Tour the historic park, hike the coastline, and enjoy a picnic or wine tasting with views of the Pacific Ocean. For historical information, read the related Fort Ross blog.
Museum of Russian Culture Visit
Stop by the Museum of Russian Culture to discover Russian-American immigrant history. Schedule a guided tour or visit during open hours every Wednesday and Saturday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Depression-Era Murals Day Trip
Spend the day touring the (in)famous 1930's murals by Russian-American painter Victor Arnautoff. Located throughout the SF Bay Area, we've compiled the mural locations for a fun jaunt through local history.
Summer Scouts Camp
Register your children for two weeks of outdoor fun at the St. George Pathfinders camp. With a program designed for 7-11 year olds, children learn scouting skills, enjoy nature, and make long-lasting friendships.
Russian River Vacation
The Russian River got its name from the colony at Fort Ross, built by the Russian American Company as a trading and agricultural outpost in the 1800's (read the history in the Fort Ross blog.) Russian hunters and workers explored along the river while hunting sea otters and gathering supplies, earning it the name.
The Russian River is now a lovely resort area only 75 miles from San Francisco. Over the years, many Russian immigrant families spent and continue to spend their summers enjoying the warm weather, relaxed atmosphere, and the cultural connection. The historic Russian Orthodox parish of Our Lady of Kazan in Guerneville continues to offer liturgical services once a month.
You can spend your days relaxing on the beach or rent tubes, kayaks or canoes to laze down the river. Enjoy wine tasting in the Russian River Valley, a distinct wine-growing region in Sonoma County, best known for its chardonnays and pinot noirs. There are many opportunities to hike, with Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve being one of the most popular and beautiful for its majestic redwoods. For more information, check out this Russian River guide.
Hike Mount St. Helena
Rising above the rolling hills of Northern California, Mount St. Helena is one of the most scenic and historically significant peaks in the region. Located at the northern end of the Mayacamas Mountains, the summit reaches over 4,300 feet and offers sweeping views of Napa Valley.
Mount St. Helena was named by a Russian survey expedition that climbed the mountain in 1841. The group left a copper plaque on the summit honoring Princess Helena de Gagarin, the wife of Alexander Rotchev, who was the commanding officer of the Russian settlement at Fort Ross (see related Fort Ross blog.)
Mount St. Helena is now a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular route is the Mount St. Helena Trail, a moderately challenging hike that climbs steadily through forests of oak, pine, and manzanita. Along the way, hikers can spot wildflowers in spring, soaring hawks overhead, and volcanic rock formations created by the region’s ancient geology. For hiking information, visit All Trails.
Enjoy your summer and send us a line if you have any other suggestions or comments!
