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.
If you go to Napa Valley, you’ve gotten entered wine nation as it’s California’s premier wine area. Nevertheless, it isn’t simply wine that Napa Valley brings to the desk there are different culinary delights in manufacturing from purple wine vinegar, olive oil, and scrumptious syrup. Napa Valley additionally gives out of doors adventures and exquisite surroundings. This information will discover the perfect issues to do in Napa Valley.
High issues to do in Napa Valley, California
Prepared to go to Napa Valley California? Nice. Whether or not 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 a lot of issues to maintain you entertained. These are the perfect issues to do in Napa Valley. Let’s dive straight into it.
Get extra data on Napa Valley in our article How you can Go to Napa Valley on a Funds – Locations to Keep, 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 nation’ for nothing! How might you go to Napa Valley with out visiting a vineyard or two? Napa Valley wineries are scattered generously throughout the area. You’ll be able to 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 most interesting tasting rooms in Napa Valley. You’ll be able to expertise Pinot Noir wine tasting within the Domaine Carneros Chateau mansion.
This Sprinter Wine Tour is an efficient choice 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 alternative. When you don’t know the place to go to, let your driver choose just a few for a well-rounded expertise
Spherical Pond Property is one other implausible vineyard to go to and focuses on cabernet sauvignon, and a vastly 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 implausible place for wine tasting.
It’s no secret that Napa Valley California is dwelling to high quality wines, and also you’ll wish to dedicate at the least 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? Occurring a sizzling air balloon trip is likely one of the most memorable methods to expertise the valley. You’ll be able to 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 mild and likewise be capable of spot different sizzling air balloons taking off from the valley ground.
You’ll be able to guide this Napa Valley Balloon Journey 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 Artwork Stroll
Napa Artwork Stroll 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 digicam prepared since you’ll be strolling round recognizing unbelievable sculptures. The Napa Artwork Stroll 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.
Every time that the artwork is rotated, the theme modifications, and ten sculptures are chosen by knowledgeable artwork jury. You’ll be able to decide up a free map from the Napa Valley Welcome Middle. The map describes every artist and sculpture, plus offers you the all-so-secret instructions between every exhibit.
These are our Prompt Excursions for Napa Valley!
4. Take the Napa Valley Wine Prepare
Prepared for extra wine? Pair wine, gourmand meals, and rolling hills once you leap aboard this classic wine prepare. Ranging 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 the most effective methods to embrace California’s ‘Wine Nation’ to the fullest. Napa Valley Wine Prepare is an ideal approach to spend just a few hours. Ebook 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 probably 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 fun tales.
The entire expertise lasts below two hours with most excursions, and also you’ll want a reasonable health stage to finish the kayak. But when combining a health problem with a historic tour and exquisite river views sounds enjoyable, kayaking is likely one of the most superb issues to do in Napa Valley.
6. Napa Valley Museum
Napa Museum has all the things from artwork to historical past. The museum goals to counterpoint ‘ the cultural cloth’ of the Napa Valley group, placing this into motion with numerous displays, actions, and applications. The museum is a captivating, instructional place to spend an hour or two.
You’ll discover a various vary of short-term displays. You would uncover native hospitality historical past by the story of Sally Schmitt, who based The French Laundry together with her husband. Or study concerning the area’s First Individuals and geology. Napa Museum takes a broad strategy with its displays, which is all a part of the attract.
7. Di Rosa Middle for Up to date Artwork
After you’ve accomplished the Napa Artwork Stroll, you’ll most likely be excited to see extra artwork and look at extra works by native artists. To get your artwork repair, visiting Di Rosa Middle for Up to date Artwork is likely one of the finest issues to do in Napa Valley.
The middle sits on 217 acres and is a ravishing artwork park showcasing works from all throughout Northern California. You’ll be able to wander between galleries and sculpture gardens and even sit down for a picnic lunch by the 35-acre lake. Napa Valley is a implausible place to view artwork outside, and we love how the di Rosa Middle shows its works.
8. Olive oil tasting
Overlook wine tastings; olive oil tasting is the place it’s at. The expertise is completely different and fairly a novelty. Oils are sometimes categorized into delicate, medium, and intense. Like wine tasting, you historically sip olive oil to style it reasonably than consuming it with one other product like bread. Olive oil tasting is well one of the enjoyable, distinctive issues to do in Napa Valley.
You’ll discover olive oil producers all around the valley. Lengthy 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 upfront.
9. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal
This attraction may be brief and candy, however it’s positively a must-do when visiting Napa Valley. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal is a primary spot for household pictures and Instagram photographs. The landmark is iconic within the valley.
Is it touristy? Sure. However in the absolute best manner. Plus, it’s simply mixed with different sights because you simply pull over on the St Helena Freeway between Yountville and Oakville. Simply attempt to go to early to reduce crowds and keep away from queuing for an image.
10. The Petrified Forest
There are petrified logs dotted all around the US, however Napa Valley’s Petrified Forest is fairly particular. You discover the forest through a twenty-minute path, weaving by big redwood bushes that have been petrified by a volcanic eruption over three million years in the past.
The fossilized redwoods are fascinating to rise up near, and visiting is likely one of the most fun issues to do in Napa Valley. Alongside 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 Home has been entertaining company since 1880. The beautiful Italianate-style constructing is positioned within the coronary heart of Downtown Napa and is a Nationwide Historic Landmark. Catching a efficiency is a dreamy approach to spend a night and is well the most effective issues to do in Napa Valley. Put in your finest garments and let the efficiency whisk you away.
You would watch a jazz efficiency, a theater manufacturing, or attend a comedy night. The Opera Home 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 loads to catch. Napa Valley Fly Guides run fishing excursions to Putah Creek to fish for wild rainbow trout. The expertise is implausible in order for you some downtime, knowledgeable help, and native data.
One other advantage of reserving a fly fishing tour is that they give you all gear. It’s rather more handy than bringing your personal or discovering a rental retailer. You’ll be able to select between half-day and full-day excursions too, which provides you a number of flexibility.
13. Previous Devoted Geyser of California
Yellowstone Nationwide Park may be miles and miles away, however the Previous Devoted Geyser of California is a superb various. The geyser is beautiful, and the multi-colored geyser pool makes for a ravishing {photograph}. Previous Devoted can be an everyday and explodes a number of instances an hour. In truth, the geyser is so ‘trustworthy’ that intervals of inactivity have been used to foretell earthquakes.
Visiting Previous Devoted Geyser of California is likely one of the most fun issues to do in Napa Valley. It is usually positioned simply outdoors Calistoga, so it’s simply added to an itinerary.
14. Silverado Path
The Silverado Path is not any imply feat. The path is over 29 miles lengthy and takes a mean of 11 hours to finish on foot. You’ll be able to cycle or stroll the trail, offering beautiful views of Napa Valley and an thrilling health problem.
The path obtained its title from the quicksilver mines that after surrounded it. The 2-lane nation street was the primary everlasting street ever to hyperlink Napa and Calistoga, and it was constructed in 1852. These days, the path passes wineries and viewpoints galore. There shall be loads 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’re most likely conversant in the novel Treasure Island. Robert Louis Stevenson is a family title, and the museum has the world’s largest assortment of Stevenson memorabilia.
You’ll be able to stroll by a number of displays – everlasting and short-term. You’ll uncover Stevenson’s life and get near a few of his private gadgets, 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
Prepared for domestically sourced seafood at a stylish oyster bar? Hog Island Oyster Bar is likely one of the finest locations to eat in Napa Valley. Technically, we’ve already lined this venue, as it’s positioned in Oxbow Public Market. However the Oyster Bar is simply so iconic that it deserves to be an attraction in its personal proper.
The oysters are delivered every 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 basic 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 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 dwelling. Jack London State Historic Park was designated a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1963.
You’ll be able to nonetheless go to the buildings the place Jack lived, and the park can be dwelling to his gravesite for these wishing to pay their respects. Not solely is the park beautiful, 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 an enormous reserve following the Napa-Sonoma Marsh and Napa River. It’s a haven for native wildlife and heaven for birdwatchers, who can spot superb birds like herons. You might even spot an otter or two. Wetlands Edge Park is widespread amongst households and is free to enter. It’s a nice budget-friendly exercise in Napa Valley.
You’ll be able to simply discover the park by strolling Wetlands Edge Path. The path is simply two miles lengthy and is a superb brief exercise on your itinerary. You would 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 foods and drinks appreciation in Napa. You’ll be able to pattern gourmand appetizers and seasonal dishes, study to prepare dinner scrumptious meals your self with a cooking class or take pleasure in native wines with mates. The institute gives a number of issues to do and is totally food-centric; the proper spot for foodies and people obsessed with cooking.
The institute takes its educating critically and is taken into account one of many world’s finest culinary faculties. Some individuals undertake culinary levels on the Culinary Institute. Whereas that may be arduous to do on a brief journey to Napa Valley, it’s good to know that you’re in skilled fingers. It’s the finest spot to be impressed by the culinary arts.
20. Dine at The French Laundry
The French Laundry is Napa Valley’s most famed high quality eating restaurant. The restaurant is ready in a shocking stone farmhouse. It was one of many first eating places to supply ‘Californian delicacies’. 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’ll be able to decide considered one of two every day tasting menus. Every menu boasts over ten completely different dishes, and you should purchase 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 the most effective issues to do in Napa Valley.
21. Get a spa therapy 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 proper approach to unwind and rejuvenate. Golden Haven Scorching Springs is the preferred, and you’ll bask in novel therapies like mud baths.
A sizzling mud tub expertise is bucket checklist worthy, and you’ll soak alone, as a pair, or with mates. Afterward, you’ll leap in a sizzling mineral tub and end with a cool-down wrap. It’s positively a spa therapy to indulge your senses and have enjoyable. When you fancy making an attempt one thing new, it’s our high therapy suggestion.
22. Napa County Historic Society
Are you curious about Napa Valley’s historical past? Or analysis? Napa County Historic Society is an excellent attraction for lecturers and historical past lovers. You’ll discover displays, lectures, and particular occasions. The society paperwork numerous subjects, from the historical past of wine to Jewish heritage. When you guide an appointment, you may also go to the Historic Society’s analysis library, Goodman Library.
Napa County Historic Society was based in 1948 and was truly a neighborhood initiative to protect Napa Valley’s historical past. The society continues to be domestically run and fully 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 most likely 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 ravishing approach to expertise Napa Valley. The slower tempo is low effort and excessive reward – excellent for a heat morning. The preferred path to cycle is Napa Valley Vine Path, a 47-mile observe that cuts throughout the entire valley. You would full the route in 5 hours or simply decide a bit.
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’re up for a problem, Mt. Saint Helena is a superb summit to deal with. You gained’t want gear or technical capacity – simply willpower and good health ranges.
Situated in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park the mountain is the tallest in Napa county and an important accomplishment to finish. A hike to the summit has an elevation acquire of 2300 ft, so be ready for a exercise and produce loads of refreshments. Nevertheless, the views from the summit at 4343ft make all of it worthwhile, and also you’ll have a shocking panorama of Napa Valley once you attain the highest.
The return hike takes round 5 hours however permit your self six or seven hours in order for you common breaks and a good period of time on the summit. Why rush again down when you’ve gotten the perfect seat in the home, proper?
25. Go to Linda Falls
Linda Falls is a shocking 50-foot waterfall hidden away within the hills of Angwin. The falls cascade over granite rock, chopping a formidable image for visiting hikers. Essentially the most thrilling 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. Maintain your eyes peeled alongside the path, as it’s dwelling to greater than 130 species of native vegetation. In order for you a brief hike and an hour in nature, Linda Falls is an unbelievable addition to an itinerary.
26. China Level Overlook
China Level Overlook is an urban-meets-nature attraction, and the small, paved space is the proper place for views of Downtown Napa at sundown. Essentially the most well-known characteristic of China Level Overlook is the colossal ring sculpture, which you stroll by on a footpath. You’ll be able to snap pictures of Napa by the ring at sundown, utilizing it as a pure body.
When you’ve visited the ring, we propose sitting on one of many benches. China Level Overlook is correct subsequent to the river and is a peaceable, superbly designed spot to mirror and chill out. 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 market? Oxbow Public Market is a implausible spot in Napa and is a neighborhood sizzling spot for high-quality produce. Wander between artisan stalls and natural produce stands – maybe choosing up a snack or components for a scrumptious home-cooked meal in case your lodging has kitchen services.
Oxbow Public Market is 40,000 sq. meters and fully lined (other than an out of doors deck). It’s the excellent place on a wet day or simply to drop by for a fast chew to eat. You’ll additionally discover loads of cafes available in the market in order for you 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 gives lodging in yurts, cabins, and campground services. Nevertheless, that doesn’t cease you from visiting for only a day, both.
The park is 1,900 acres in complete and has over ten miles of climbing trails to discover. Day guests may entry common services just like the spring-fed swimming pool and picnic areas. Pack a bikini and climbing boots.
29. Connolly Ranch Training Middle
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 Academic Middle. The not-for-profit working farm takes pleasure in displaying guests what actual farming and agriculture are about.
You’ll be able to find out about all the things – from natural gardening and the position of a nutritious diet to assembly animals and listening to about their significance. Connolly Ranch is obsessed with sustainability too, which is a big constructive. A go to to Connolly Ranch is great for adults and kids for a clear perception into on a regular basis happenings at a working farm.
30. Play golf
Are you a golfer? If that’s the case, the excellent news is that Napa Valley has a number of stunning golf programs. The dangerous information is that you just’ll most likely have to decide on one or two, as there are simply so many to attempt to squeeze into an itinerary.
We propose Eagle Vines Golf Course, a ravishing 18-hole course on a manicured part of a working winery. It’s an idyllic place to play and is filled with small creeks, lakes, and woodland. Plus, you’ve gotten the backdrop of Napa Valley’s attribute rolling hills. Eagle Vines is so stunning that strolling the course shall be simply as a lot of an expertise as the sport itself. You would even go wine tasting when you end.
31. Take a strolling tour round Downtown Napa
A strolling tour of Downtown Napa is a simple addition to a Napa Valley journey. Chances are high, you’ll go to and even keep in Napa anyway, as town is a big vacation spot within the Napa Valley. Typical strolling excursions final for 2 hours and price round $20, so they’re comparatively budget-friendly. When you select to remain in Napa, a strolling tour is the proper first-day exercise so that you can concurrently get your bearings and sightsee.
There’s a combination of strolling excursions to guide. However, if you’re courageous, we propose 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 completely different approach to expertise Napa Valley’s historical past.
Napa Valley FAQs
Now that we’ve explored all the perfect issues to do in Napa Valley let’s take a look at some widespread FAQs.
How you can get to Napa Valley
The simplest approach to go to Napa Valley is to fly into San Francisco Airport. From there, lease a automobile and drive north. This is a wonderful choice for individuals who need freedom and comfort. Try the finest costs on automobile leases right here!
When you don’t wish to or can’t drive, there are nonetheless loads of choices. You would 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 individuals who don’t have a automobile however nonetheless desire a fast, simple approach to attain Napa Valley, whereas the ferry is ideal for these with extra time who need the additional expertise.
After all, in case you have much more time, you may all the time street journey to Napa Valley. Napa Valley is ideally fitted to a California street journey. You would mix it with a few of California’s finest seashores, epic locations, and cities.
Getting round Napa Valley
Issues are slightly spaced out round Napa Valley, however whereas a automobile is the simplest choice, it’s certainly not the one manner. There’s been an enormous push for various 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 implausible fixed-route bus line that runs lengthways by Napa Valley every day. That is the preferred approach to get round with no automobile if you’re sticking to visiting widespread sights and locations in Napa Valley. In any other case, you may guide shuttles if you wish to get to a selected space or at a specific time. It is usually price checking along with your lodge about shuttles, as many properties provide complimentary shuttles companies.
In some circumstances, biking could be a good approach to get round Napa Valley. As we talked about, the Napa Valley Vine Path is a well-liked biking route. You’ll get the prospect to understand the valley slowly. You would guide one of many many bike excursions, which offer you a extra informative expertise. Equally, you may also discover strolling excursions, notably in smaller areas like Napa metropolis.
Finest time to go to Napa Valley
So, when is the perfect 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 lure, although, as Napa Valley turns into chaotic with peak season presently.
Napa Valley gives fewer crowds and barely cooler, refreshing temperatures in early spring. You’ll usually discover cheaper resorts and trip leases, too. When reserving a Napa Valley journey, March to Could are the proper months.
The place to remain in Napa Valley NV
Napa Valley resorts are various and plentiful, so that you’ll don’t have any points discovering one to fit your price range. These are our high three.
Funds: Napa Discovery Inn
Napa Discovery Inn is a superb budget-friendly choice. Visitors obtain a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, plus have a microwave and fridge in each room – excellent for saving cash on consuming out. Make use of the free wifi or discover Napa’s sights, that are simply minutes away.
Mid-range: Cabernet Home
Cabernet Home is a wonderful boutique lodge located in the course of Napa. Every room has local weather management panels and complimentary toiletries. All company additionally obtain entry to a shared hearth pit on the rear of the property. Cabernet Home is a superb mid-range choice in Napa Valley.
Luxurious: Indian Springs
Indian Springs is the definition of luxurious in Napa Valley. The resort gives a wide range of upscale rooms and entry to unbelievable pure sizzling springs and spa services. You’re conveniently positioned in the course of Calistoga, too, so you’ll take pleasure in doorstep entry to many sights.
To conclude NV
There are such a lot of superb issues to do in Napa Valley. Visiting Napa Valley is a Californian journey of a lifetime, and it is best to attempt to expertise as a lot of it as attainable. You would be making an attempt out the Napa Valley wine scene one morning, then climbing 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’ve gotten an unbelievable journey.
