Napa Valley is likely one of the hottest locations in California and one of many finest locations to go to within the US. The area is positioned 50 miles north of San Francisco and 70 miles west of Sacramento.
When you go to Napa Valley, you have got entered wine nation as it’s California’s premier wine area. However, it isn’t simply wine that Napa Valley brings to the desk there are different culinary delights in manufacturing from crimson wine vinegar, olive oil, and scrumptious syrup. Napa Valley additionally affords out of doors adventures and exquisite surroundings. This information will discover the perfect issues to do in Napa Valley.
Top issues to do in Napa Valley, California
Ready to go to Napa Valley California? Great. Whether you wish to fill your days with wine tasting at Napa Valley wineries or kayaking the Napa River that flows by Napa from Mt. St. Helena to San Pablo Bay. There are many issues to maintain you entertained. These are the most effective issues to do in Napa Valley. Let’s dive straight into it.
Get extra info on Napa Valley in our article How to Visit Napa Valley on a Budget – Places to Stay, Eat, and Drink Wine
1. Go wine tasting
The Napa Valley wineries are past well-known, and Napa Valley isn’t referred to as ‘wine country’ for nothing! How may you go to Napa Valley with out visiting a vineyard or two? Napa Valley wineries are scattered generously throughout the area. You can take a wine-tasting tour or discover them independently utilizing shuttles and public transport.
Domaine Carneros is a landmark California property vineyard recognized for glowing and Pinot Noir. Domaine Carneros additionally has a number of the best tasting rooms in Napa Valley. You can expertise Pinot Noir wine tasting within the Domaine Carneros Chateau mansion.
This Sprinter Wine Tour is an efficient possibility to go to Napa Valley from Francisco, Sacramento or Sonoma Valley and is totally customizable. The day begins with a glass of glowing wine adopted by visits to vineyards of your selection. If you don’t know the place to go to, let your driver choose just a few for a well-rounded expertise
Round Pond Estate is one other unbelievable vineyard to go to and focuses on cabernet sauvignon, and a massively widespread proprietary left financial institution mix. You’ll additionally discover scrumptious sauvignon blanc. The property is over 300 acres and produces world-class wine, making it a unbelievable place for wine tasting.
It isn’t any secret that Napa Valley California is house to effective wines, and also you’ll wish to dedicate not less than just a few hours to visiting the Napa Valley wineries to tour the vineyards and the grand estates of wine nation.
2. Go sizzling air ballooning
Napa Valley is so stunning, why wouldn’t you wish to see it from the sky? Going on a sizzling air balloon trip is likely one of the most memorable methods to expertise the valley. You can look down on all of the rows of vineyards and rolling hills. Time your flight with dawn or sundown for the final word expertise. You’ll see Napa Valley within the prettiest gentle and in addition be capable of spot different sizzling air balloons taking off from the valley ground.
You can guide this Napa Valley Balloon Ride for a full-day tour. Fly over Napa Valley’s vineyards and historic cities launching at dawn. Your day ends with a Napa Valley wine tasting at a chateau vineyard.
3. Napa Art Walk
Napa Art Walk is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Napa Valley. The stroll is dotted round Downtown Napa and rotates its artwork on a biannual foundation. Get your digital camera prepared since you’ll be strolling round recognizing unbelievable sculptures. The Napa Art Walk will get its sculptures from native artists and artists from the Western US – so that you’ll get the prospect to identify some rising expertise.
Each time that the artwork is rotated, the theme modifications, and ten sculptures are chosen by an expert artwork jury. You can choose up a free map from the Napa Valley Welcome Center. The map describes every artist and sculpture, plus offers you the all-so-secret instructions between every exhibit.
These are our Suggested Tours for Napa Valley!
4. Take the Napa Valley Wine Train
Ready for extra wine? Pair wine, gourmand meals, and rolling hills whenever you bounce aboard this classic wine prepare. Starting from St Helena, the historic prepare whisks you away on a 36-mile spherical journey. You’ll tuck right into a four-course meal with wine pairings whereas watching the Napa Valley surroundings whizz by.
It’s one of the luxurious issues to do in Napa Valley and among the best methods to embrace California’s ‘Wine Country’ to the fullest. Napa Valley Wine Train is an ideal technique to spend just a few hours. Book your ticket right here as this sells out fairly quick!
5. Take a kayak tour on the Napa River
Fancy discovering Napa Valley historical past extra uniquely? Take a kayak tour down the Napa River. You’ll paddle down essentially the most iconic stretch of river, accompanied by a educated information who’ll educate you on the valley’s historical past. From the primary settlers to the primary wineries and even a go to from Elvis Presley, you’ll hear all concerning the valley and its most enjoyable tales.
The entire expertise lasts underneath two hours with most excursions, and also you’ll want a reasonable health degree to finish the kayak. But if combining a health problem with a historic tour and exquisite river views sounds enjoyable, kayaking is likely one of the most wonderful issues to do in Napa Valley.
6. Napa Valley Museum
Napa Museum has every part from artwork to historical past. The museum goals to counterpoint ‘ the cultural fabric’ of the Napa Valley group, placing this into motion with varied displays, actions, and packages. The museum is an interesting, instructional place to spend an hour or two.
You’ll discover a diverse vary of short-term displays. You may uncover native hospitality historical past by the story of Sally Schmitt, who based The French Laundry along with her husband. Or be taught concerning the area’s First People and geology. Napa Museum takes a broad strategy with its displays, which is all a part of the attract.
7. Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
After you’ve accomplished the Napa Art Walk, you’ll in all probability be excited to see extra artwork and examine extra works by native artists. To get your artwork repair, visiting Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is likely one of the finest issues to do in Napa Valley.
The heart sits on 217 acres and is a wonderful artwork park showcasing works from all throughout Northern California. You can wander between galleries and sculpture gardens and even sit down for a picnic lunch by the 35-acre lake. Napa Valley is a unbelievable place to view artwork outdoor, and we love how the di Rosa Center shows its works.
8. Olive oil tasting
Forget wine tastings; olive oil tasting is the place it’s at. The expertise is totally different and fairly a novelty. Oils are usually categorized into delicate, medium, and intense. Like wine tasting, you historically sip olive oil to style it slightly than consuming it with one other product like bread. Olive oil tasting is definitely one of the enjoyable, distinctive issues to do in Napa Valley.
You’ll discover olive oil producers everywhere in the valley. Long Meadow Ranch is a well-liked spot for olive oil tasting and has impressively low charges that give nice worth for cash. You don’t even have to guide prematurely.
9. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal
This attraction is perhaps brief and candy, however it’s positively a must-do when visiting Napa Valley. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal is a chief spot for household images and Instagram photographs. The landmark is iconic within the valley.
Is it touristy? Yes. But in the very best manner. Plus, it’s simply mixed with different points of interest because you simply pull over on the St Helena Highway between Yountville and Oakville. Just attempt to go to early to attenuate crowds and keep away from queuing for an image.
10. The Petrified Forest
There are petrified logs dotted everywhere in the US, however Napa Valley’s Petrified Forest is fairly particular. You discover the forest through a twenty-minute path, weaving by large redwood timber that have been petrified by a volcanic eruption over three million years in the past.
The fossilized redwoods are fascinating to stand up near, and visiting is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Napa Valley. Along the way in which, informative indicators clarify the fossilization course of and level out particular fossils.
11. Catch an opera present transfer
Napa Valley Opera House has been entertaining company since 1880. The gorgeous Italianate-style constructing is positioned within the coronary heart of Downtown Napa and is a National Historic Landmark. Catching a efficiency is a dreamy technique to spend a night and is definitely among the best issues to do in Napa Valley. Put in your finest garments and let the efficiency whisk you away.
You may watch a jazz efficiency, a theater manufacturing, or attend a comedy night. The Opera House has a various leisure schedule, so you might be assured to search out one occasion that takes your fancy.
12. Go fly fishing
Napa Valley isn’t simply good for seafood; the rivers even have lots to catch. Napa Valley Fly Guides run fishing excursions to Putah Creek to fish for wild rainbow trout. The expertise is unbelievable if you would like some downtime, professional help, and native information.
Another advantage of reserving a fly fishing tour is that they offer you all tools. It is far more handy than bringing your individual or discovering a rental retailer. You can select between half-day and full-day excursions too, which provides you a whole lot of flexibility.
13. Old Faithful Geyser of California
Yellowstone National Park is perhaps miles and miles away, however the Old Faithful Geyser of California is a good different. The geyser is gorgeous, and the multi-colored geyser pool makes for a wonderful {photograph}. Old Faithful can also be an everyday and explodes a number of occasions an hour. In truth, the geyser is so ‘faithful’ that durations of inactivity have been used to foretell earthquakes.
Visiting Old Faithful Geyser of California is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Napa Valley. It can also be positioned simply outdoors Calistoga, so it’s simply added to an itinerary.
14. Silverado Trail
The Silverado Trail isn’t any imply feat. The path is over 29 miles lengthy and takes a mean of 11 hours to finish on foot. You can cycle or stroll the trail, offering gorgeous views of Napa Valley and an thrilling health problem.
The path received its title from the quicksilver mines that when surrounded it. The two-lane nation street was the primary everlasting street ever to hyperlink Napa and Calistoga, and it was constructed in 1852. Nowadays, the path passes wineries and viewpoints galore. There will probably be lots to see alongside the way in which should you deal with it as a single-day or multi-day hike.
15. Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
You are in all probability aware of the novel Treasure Island. Robert Louis Stevenson is a family title, and the museum has the world’s largest assortment of Stevenson memorabilia.
You can stroll by a number of displays – everlasting and short-term. You’ll uncover Stevenson’s life and get near a few of his private objects, together with a weathered-looking terrestrial globe that sat on his desk in Samoa. Visiting the museum is a should for any literature or historical past fanatics.
16. Hog Island Oyster Bar
Ready for regionally sourced seafood at a classy oyster bar? Hog Island Oyster Bar is likely one of the finest locations to eat in Napa Valley. Technically, we’ve already coated this venue, as it’s positioned in Oxbow Public Market. But the Oyster Bar is simply so iconic that it deserves to be an attraction in its personal proper.
The oysters are delivered each day from a farm simply fifty miles away, so you might be assured the freshest produce. You should buy some to remove or sit on the traditional bar to eat in – maybe treating your self to a cocktail.
17. Jack London State Historic Park
Stevenson isn’t the one well-known author celebrated in Napa Valley. Jack London can also be celebrated on the Jack London State Historic Park. The park options over 29 miles of trails spanning some 1400 acres, and it was as soon as Jack London’s house. Jack London State Historic Park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963.
You can nonetheless go to the buildings the place Jack lived, and the park can also be house to his gravesite for these wishing to pay their respects. Not solely is the park gorgeous, however the historical past behind it and its literary significance is profound. It is likely one of the finest issues to do in Napa Valley – particularly should you’ve learn his works like White Fang.
18. Wetlands Edge Park
Wetlands Edge Park is a large reserve following the Napa-Sonoma Marsh and Napa River. It is a haven for native wildlife and heaven for birdwatchers, who can spot wonderful birds like herons. You could even spot an otter or two. Wetlands Edge Park is widespread amongst households and is free to enter. It is a good budget-friendly exercise in Napa Valley.
You can simply discover the park by strolling Wetlands Edge Trail. The path is simply two miles lengthy and is a good brief exercise to your itinerary. You may additionally discover the wetlands from the water, as there’s a launchpad for canoes and kayaks.
19. Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute is a hub of food and drinks appreciation in Napa. You can pattern gourmand appetizers and seasonal dishes, be taught to cook dinner scrumptious meals your self with a cooking class or take pleasure in native wines with pals. The institute affords plenty of issues to do and is completely food-centric; the right spot for foodies and people enthusiastic about cooking.
The institute takes its instructing critically and is taken into account one of many world’s finest culinary schools. Some folks undertake culinary levels on the Culinary Institute. While that is perhaps exhausting to do on a brief journey to Napa Valley, it’s good to know that you’re in skilled palms. It is the most effective spot to be impressed by the culinary arts.
20. Dine at The French Laundry
The French Laundry is Napa Valley’s most famed effective eating restaurant. The restaurant is ready in a shocking stone farmhouse. It was one of many first eating places to supply ‘Californian cuisine’. A husband-and-wife duo, the Schmitts, opened the restaurant. They boosted the enterprise and the repute of Californian delicacies to unprecedently excessive ranges. Now, The French Laundry is owned and run by Thomas Keller, an esteemed chef, and creator of The French Laundry Cookbook.
You can choose one in all two each day tasting menus. Each menu boasts over ten totally different dishes, and you should buy wine pairings to accompany the expertise. You’ll style dishes like ‘cuit a la vapeur’; wild Atlantic cod with Brokaw avocado mousse, crispy chickpea Panisse, and olive French dressing. It’s an ultra-luxury expertise and among the best issues to do in Napa Valley.
21. Get a spa remedy in Calistoga
Calistoga is a sizzling spot for spa therapies. After just a few days of action-packed sightseeing, getting a therapeutic massage or facial is the right technique to unwind and rejuvenate. Golden Haven Hot Springs is the most well-liked, and you’ll take pleasure in novel therapies like mud baths.
A sizzling mud bathtub expertise is bucket record worthy, and you’ll soak alone, as a pair, or with pals. Afterward, you’ll bounce in a sizzling mineral bathtub and end with a cool-down wrap. It is unquestionably a spa remedy to indulge your senses and have enjoyable. If you fancy making an attempt one thing new, it’s our prime remedy suggestion.
22. Napa County Historical Society
Are you interested by Napa Valley’s historical past? Or analysis? Napa County Historical Society is an excellent attraction for lecturers and historical past lovers. You’ll discover displays, lectures, and particular occasions. The society paperwork varied subjects, from the historical past of wine to Jewish heritage. If you guide an appointment, it’s also possible to go to the Historical Society’s analysis library, Goodman Library.
Napa County Historical Society was based in 1948 and was really an area initiative to protect Napa Valley’s historical past. The society remains to be regionally run and completely not-for-profit, aided by volunteers and interns who run the group and proceed its analysis.
23. Take a motorbike tour
You don’t go to a spot as scenic as Napa Valley and never maximize your time in nature. In truth, you might be in all probability determined to get a extra genuine and stress-free expertise of Napa Valley’s stunning panorama. And if that’s the case, then take one of many Napa Valley bike excursions.
Sightseeing from a motorbike is a wonderful technique to expertise Napa Valley. The slower tempo is low effort and excessive reward – good for a heat morning. The hottest path to cycle is Napa Valley Vine Trail, a 47-mile observe that cuts throughout the entire valley. You may full the route in 5 hours or simply choose a piece.
24. Hike Mt. Saint Helena
It isn’t simply bike excursions that help you get lively and discover Napa Valley. There are additionally mountains to climb. If you might be up for a problem, Mt. Saint Helena is a good summit to deal with. You gained’t want tools or technical means – simply dedication and good health ranges.
Located in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park the mountain is the tallest in Napa county and an awesome accomplishment to finish. A hike to the summit has an elevation achieve of 2300 ft, so be ready for a exercise and produce loads of refreshments. However, the views from the summit at 4343ft make all of it worthwhile, and also you’ll have a shocking panorama of Napa Valley whenever you attain the highest.
The return hike takes round 5 hours however enable your self six or seven hours if you would like common breaks and an honest period of time on the summit. Why rush again down when you have got the most effective seat in the home, proper?
25. Visit Linda Falls
Linda Falls is a shocking 50-foot waterfall hidden away within the hills of Angwin. The falls cascade over granite rock, reducing a powerful image for visiting hikers. The most enjoyable side of the waterfall is that the granite is formed as steps, with the water falling down – what seems like – a rock stairway.
The waterfall is accessed by a brief fifteen-minute hike, simply over a mile out and again. Keep your eyes peeled alongside the path, as it’s house to greater than 130 species of native crops. If you need a brief hike and an hour in nature, Linda Falls is an unbelievable addition to an itinerary.
26. China Point Overlook
China Point Overlook is an urban-meets-nature attraction, and the small, paved space is the right place for views of Downtown Napa at sundown. The most well-known function of China Point Overlook is the colossal ring sculpture, which you stroll by on a footpath. You can snap images of Napa by the ring at sundown, utilizing it as a pure body.
Once you’ve visited the ring, we advise sitting on one of many benches. China Point Overlook is correct subsequent to the river and is a peaceable, fantastically designed spot to mirror and loosen up. Watch the sundown and permit your self a couple of minutes to do nothing in any respect.
27. Oxbow Public Market
Who doesn’t love a superb market? Oxbow Public Market is a unbelievable spot in Napa and is an area sizzling spot for high-quality produce. Wander between artisan stalls and natural produce stands – maybe selecting up a snack or elements for a scrumptious home-cooked meal in case your lodging has kitchen amenities.
Oxbow Public Market is 40,000 sq. meters and completely coated (other than an out of doors deck). It is the right place on a wet day or simply to drop by for a fast chew to eat. You’ll additionally discover loads of cafes out there if you would like a caffeine repair.
28. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Visiting Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is likely one of the finest issues to do in Napa Valley. The state park affords lodging in yurts, cabins, and campground amenities. However, that doesn’t cease you from visiting for only a day, both.
The park is 1,900 acres in whole and has over ten miles of mountaineering trails to discover. Day guests may entry normal amenities just like the spring-fed swimming pool and picnic areas. Pack a bikini and mountaineering boots.
29. Connolly Ranch Education Center
California isn’t all wine and seashores; you’ll additionally discover loads of ranches. To expertise that cowboy and cowgirl way of life for your self, head to Connolly Ranch Educational Center. The not-for-profit working farm takes satisfaction in displaying guests what actual farming and agriculture are about.
You can find out about every part – from natural gardening and the function of a nutritious diet to assembly animals and listening to about their significance. Connolly Ranch is enthusiastic about sustainability too, which is a big constructive. A go to to Connolly Ranch is great for adults and youngsters for a clear perception into on a regular basis happenings at a working farm.
30. Play golf
Are you a golfer? If so, the excellent news is that Napa Valley has a whole lot of stunning golf programs. The dangerous information is that you simply’ll in all probability have to decide on one or two, as there are simply so many to attempt to squeeze into an itinerary.
We counsel Eagle Vines Golf Course, a wonderful 18-hole course on a manicured part of a working winery. It is an idyllic place to play and is stuffed with small creeks, lakes, and woodland. Plus, you have got the backdrop of Napa Valley’s attribute rolling hills. Eagle Vines is so stunning that strolling the course will probably be simply as a lot of an expertise as the sport itself. You may even go wine tasting when you end.
31. Take a strolling tour round Downtown Napa
A strolling tour of Downtown Napa is a straightforward addition to a Napa Valley journey. Chances are, you’ll go to and even keep in Napa anyway, as town is a major vacation spot within the Napa Valley. Typical strolling excursions final for 2 hours and value round $20, so they’re comparatively budget-friendly. If you select to remain in Napa, a strolling tour is the right first-day exercise so that you can concurrently get your bearings and sightsee.
There is a mix of strolling excursions to guide. But, in case you are courageous, we advise taking a mystical ghost tour. This tour covers the darkish aspect of Napa, touring the previous red-light district and telling tales of Napa Asylum. A ghost tour is an excitingly spooky and totally different technique to expertise Napa Valley’s historical past.
Napa Valley FAQs
Now that we’ve explored all the most effective issues to do in Napa Valley let’s have a look at some frequent FAQs.
How to get to Napa Valley
The best technique to go to Napa Valley is to fly into San Francisco Airport. From there, hire a automotive and drive north. This is a wonderful possibility for many who need freedom and comfort. Check out the finest costs on automotive leases right here!
If you don’t wish to or can’t drive, there are nonetheless loads of choices. You may catch the ferry from the San Francisco Bay space, which takes you on a scenic (barely slower) journey to Napa Valley. Or you might catch the Amtrak San Joaquins, which is quicker and extra handy. Taking the prepare is finest for many who don’t have a automotive however nonetheless need a fast, straightforward technique to attain Napa Valley, whereas the ferry is ideal for these with extra time who need the additional expertise.
Of course, in case you have much more time, you may at all times street journey to Napa Valley. Napa Valley is ideally fitted to a California street journey. You may mix it with a few of California’s finest seashores, epic locations, and cities.
Getting round Napa Valley
Things are a bit spaced out round Napa Valley, however whereas a automotive is the best possibility, it’s under no circumstances the one manner. There’s been a large push for different strategies of transport, and Napa Valley encourages you to go car-free when you may – even only for a day journey.
The Vine bus is a unbelievable fixed-route bus line that runs lengthways by Napa Valley each day. This is the most well-liked technique to get round with no automotive in case you are sticking to visiting widespread points of interest and locations in Napa Valley. Otherwise, you may guide shuttles if you wish to get to a selected space or at a selected time. It can also be price checking together with your resort about shuttles, as many properties supply complimentary shuttles providers.
In some circumstances, biking could be a sensible technique to get round Napa Valley. As we talked about, the Napa Valley Vine Trail is a well-liked biking route. You’ll get the prospect to understand the valley slowly. You may guide one of many many bike excursions, which provide you with a extra informative expertise. Similarly, it’s also possible to discover strolling excursions, notably in smaller areas like Napa metropolis.
Best time to go to Napa Valley
So, when is the most effective time to go to Napa Valley? Ideally, in early spring. If you wish to go to wineries, visiting Napa Valley within the harvest season between August and October is tempting. Don’t fall into that entice, although, as Napa Valley turns into chaotic with peak season right now.
Napa Valley affords fewer crowds and barely cooler, refreshing temperatures in early spring. You’ll usually discover cheaper lodges and trip leases, too. When reserving a Napa Valley journey, March to May are the right months.
Where to remain in Napa Valley NV
Napa Valley lodges are diverse and plentiful, so that you’ll haven’t any points discovering one to fit your finances. These are our prime three.
Budget: Napa Discovery Inn
Napa Discovery Inn is a good budget-friendly possibility. Guests obtain a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, plus have a microwave and fridge in each room – good for saving cash on consuming out. Make use of the free wifi or discover Napa’s points of interest, that are simply minutes away.
Mid-range: Cabernet House
Cabernet House is a superb boutique resort located in the midst of Napa. Each room has local weather management panels and complimentary toiletries. All company additionally obtain entry to a shared fireplace pit on the rear of the property. Cabernet House is a good mid-range possibility in Napa Valley.
Luxury: Indian Springs
Indian Springs is the definition of luxurious in Napa Valley. The resort affords a wide range of upscale rooms and entry to unbelievable pure sizzling springs and spa amenities. You are conveniently positioned in the midst of Calistoga, too, so you’ll take pleasure in doorstep entry to many points of interest.
To conclude NV
There are so many wonderful issues to do in Napa Valley. Visiting Napa Valley is a Californian journey of a lifetime, and you need to attempt to expertise as a lot of it as attainable. You might be making an attempt out the Napa Valley wine scene one morning, then mountaineering a mountain, or bathing in pure sizzling springs the following.
Napa Valley is a various and thrilling vacation spot within the US, and we hope you have got an unbelievable journey.