31 Greatest Issues to do in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is without doubt 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 entered wine nation as it’s California’s premier wine area. Nonetheless, it isn’t simply wine that Napa Valley brings to the desk there are different culinary delights in manufacturing from pink wine vinegar, olive oil, and scrumptious syrup. Napa Valley additionally gives out of doors adventures and delightful 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 numerous issues to maintain you entertained. These are the very best issues to do in Napa Valley. Let’s dive straight into it.

Get extra data on Napa Valley in our article Find out how to Go to Napa Valley on Price range – 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 possibly 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 among the best tasting rooms in Napa Valley. You possibly can 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 selection. For those who 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 improbable vineyard to go to and makes a speciality of 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 improbable place for wine tasting.

It’s no secret that Napa Valley California is house to tremendous 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 scorching air ballooning

Napa Valley is so lovely, why wouldn’t you wish to see it from the sky? Occurring a scorching air balloon journey is without doubt one of the most memorable methods to expertise the valley. You possibly can look down on all of the rows of vineyards and rolling hills. Time your flight with dawn or sundown for the last word expertise. You’ll see Napa Valley within the prettiest mild and likewise be capable to spot different scorching air balloons taking off from the valley ground.

You possibly can e book this Napa Valley Balloon Trip 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 without doubt 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 possibility to identify some rising expertise.

Every time that the artwork is rotated, the theme modifications, and ten sculptures are chosen by an expert artwork jury. You possibly can decide up a free map from the Napa Valley Welcome Middle. The map describes every artist and sculpture, plus provides you the all-so-secret instructions between every exhibit.

4. Take the Napa Valley Wine Practice

Prepared for extra wine? Pair wine, connoisseur meals, and rolling hills whenever you soar aboard this classic wine practice. Ranging from St Helena, the historic practice 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 probably the most luxurious issues to do in Napa Valley and among the best methods to embrace California’s ‘Wine Nation’ to the fullest. Napa Valley Wine Practice is an ideal method to spend just a few hours. E-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 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 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 when combining a health problem with a historic tour and delightful river views sounds enjoyable, kayaking is without doubt one of the most wonderful issues to do in Napa Valley.

6. Napa Valley Museum

Napa Museum has the whole lot from artwork to historical past. The museum goals to counterpoint ‘ the cultural material’ of the Napa Valley group, placing this into motion with varied reveals, actions, and packages. The museum is a captivating, academic place to spend an hour or two.

You’ll discover a various vary of non permanent reveals. You possibly can uncover native hospitality historical past by the story of Sally Schmitt, who based The French Laundry together with her husband. Or be taught concerning the area’s First Folks and geology. Napa Museum takes a broad method with its reveals, which is all a part of the attract.

7. Di Rosa Middle for Modern 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 Modern Artwork is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Napa Valley.

The middle sits on 217 acres and is an attractive artwork park showcasing works from all throughout Northern California. You possibly can wander between galleries and sculpture gardens and even sit down for a picnic lunch by the 35-acre lake. Napa Valley is a improbable place to view artwork open air, 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 moderately than consuming it with one other product like bread. Olive oil tasting is definitely probably the most 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 e book upfront.

9. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal

This attraction is likely to be quick and candy, however it’s undoubtedly a must-do when visiting Napa Valley. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal is a chief spot for household pictures and Instagram photographs. The landmark is iconic within the valley.

Is it touristy? Sure. However in the absolute best means. 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 large 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 without doubt one of the most enjoyable 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 visitors 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 method 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 possibly can watch a jazz efficiency, a theater manufacturing, or attend a comedy night. The Opera Home has a various leisure schedule, so you’re assured to seek 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 improbable in order for you some downtime, professional help, and native information.

One other advantage of reserving a fly fishing tour is that they give you all tools. It’s way more handy than bringing your personal or discovering a rental retailer. You possibly can select between half-day and full-day excursions too, which provides you a whole lot of flexibility.

13. Outdated Trustworthy Geyser of California

Yellowstone Nationwide Park is likely to be miles and miles away, however the Outdated Trustworthy Geyser of California is a good various. The geyser is beautiful, and the multi-colored geyser pool makes for an attractive {photograph}. Outdated Trustworthy can also be an everyday and explodes a number of instances an hour. In truth, the geyser is so ‘devoted’ that durations of inactivity have been used to foretell earthquakes.

Visiting Outdated Trustworthy Geyser of California is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Napa Valley. It’s also positioned simply exterior 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 median of 11 hours to finish on foot. You possibly can cycle or stroll the trail, offering beautiful views of Napa Valley and an thrilling health problem.

The path bought its identify 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 can 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 might be most likely conversant in the novel Treasure Island. Robert Louis Stevenson is a family identify, and the museum has the world’s largest assortment of Stevenson memorabilia.

You possibly can stroll by a number of reveals – everlasting and non permanent. 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 lovers.

16. Hog Island Oyster Bar

Prepared for domestically sourced seafood at a classy oyster bar? Hog Island Oyster Bar is without doubt 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. 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’re assured the freshest produce. You should purchase some to remove or sit down 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 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 Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1963.

You possibly 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 beautiful, however the historical past behind it and its literary significance is profound. It is without doubt 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’s a haven for native wildlife and heaven for birdwatchers, who can spot wonderful 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 possibly can simply discover the park by strolling Wetlands Edge Path. The path is simply two miles lengthy and is a good quick exercise in your itinerary. You possibly can 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 possibly can pattern connoisseur appetizers and seasonal dishes, be taught to prepare dinner scrumptious meals your self with a cooking class or get pleasure from native wines with buddies. The institute gives a lot of issues to do and is totally food-centric; the right spot for foodies and people obsessed with cooking.

The institute takes its educating significantly and is taken into account one of many world’s finest culinary faculties. Some folks undertake culinary levels on the Culinary Institute. Whereas that is likely to be onerous 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 tremendous 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 fame of Californian delicacies to unprecedently excessive ranges. Now, The French Laundry is owned and run by Thomas Keller, an esteemed chef, and writer of The French Laundry Cookbook.

You possibly can decide one in every of two every day tasting menus. Every menu boasts over ten completely 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 therapy in Calistoga

Calistoga is a scorching spot for spa remedies. After just a few days of action-packed sightseeing, getting a therapeutic massage or facial is the right method to unwind and rejuvenate. Golden Haven Scorching Springs is the preferred, and you’ll bask in novel remedies like mud baths.

A scorching mud bathtub expertise is bucket checklist worthy, and you’ll soak alone, as a pair, or with buddies. Afterward, you’ll soar in a scorching mineral bathtub and end with a cool-down wrap. It’s undoubtedly a spa therapy to indulge your senses and have enjoyable. For those who fancy attempting one thing new, it’s our high therapy suggestion.

22. Napa County Historic Society

Are you interested by Napa Valley’s historical past? Or analysis? Napa County Historic Society is a superb attraction for teachers and historical past lovers. You’ll discover reveals, lectures, and particular occasions. The society paperwork varied matters, from the historical past of wine to Jewish heritage. For those who e book an appointment, you can too 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 completely not-for-profit, aided by volunteers and interns who run the group and proceed its analysis.

23. Take a motorcycle tour

You don’t go to a spot as scenic as Napa Valley and never maximize your time in nature. In truth, you’re most likely determined to get a extra genuine and stress-free expertise of Napa Valley’s lovely panorama. And if that’s the case, then take one of many Napa Valley bike excursions.

Sightseeing from a motorcycle is an attractive method to expertise Napa Valley. The slower tempo is low effort and excessive reward – good for a heat morning. The most well-liked path to cycle is Napa Valley Vine Path, a 47-mile monitor that cuts throughout the entire valley. You possibly can full the route in 5 hours or simply decide a piece.

24. Hike Mt. Saint Helena

It isn’t simply bike excursions that permit you to get energetic and discover Napa Valley. There are additionally mountains to climb. In case you are up for a problem, Mt. Saint Helena is a good summit to deal with. You gained’t want tools or technical potential – simply willpower and good health ranges.

Positioned in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park the mountain is the tallest in Napa county and an excellent accomplishment to finish. A hike to the summit has an elevation acquire of 2300 ft, so be ready for a exercise and convey loads of refreshments. Nonetheless, 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 in order for you common breaks and a good period of time on the summit. Why rush again down when you’ve the very best 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 facet of the waterfall is that the granite is formed as steps, with the water falling down – what seems to be 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 house to greater than 130 species of native vegetation. If you need 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 right place for views of Downtown Napa at sundown. Essentially the most well-known function of China Level Overlook is the colossal ring sculpture, which you stroll by on a footpath. You possibly can snap pictures of Napa by the ring at sundown, utilizing it as a pure body.

When you’ve visited the ring, we recommend sitting on one of many benches. China Level Overlook is true subsequent to the river and is a peaceable, fantastically designed spot to replicate 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 a superb market? Oxbow Public Market is a improbable spot in Napa and is a neighborhood scorching spot for high-quality produce. Wander between artisan stalls and natural produce stands – maybe choosing up a snack or substances for a scrumptious home-cooked meal in case your lodging has kitchen amenities.

Oxbow Public Market is 40,000 sq. meters and completely coated (aside from an outdoor deck). It’s the good place on a wet day or simply to drop by for a fast chunk to eat. You’ll additionally discover loads of cafes out there in order for you a caffeine repair.

28. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

Visiting Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Napa Valley. The state park gives lodging in yurts, cabins, and campground amenities. Nonetheless, 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 also entry common amenities just like the spring-fed swimming pool and picnic areas. Pack a bikini and climbing boots.

29. Connolly Ranch Schooling Middle

California isn’t all wine and seashores; you’ll additionally discover loads of ranches. To expertise that cowboy and cowgirl life-style for your self, head to Connolly Ranch Academic Middle. The not-for-profit working farm takes satisfaction in exhibiting guests what actual farming and agriculture are about.

You possibly can study the whole lot – 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 optimistic. 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? In that case, the excellent news is that Napa Valley has a whole lot of lovely golf programs. The unhealthy information is that you simply’ll most likely have to decide on one or two, as there are simply so many to attempt to squeeze into an itinerary.

We advise Eagle Vines Golf Course, an attractive 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 the backdrop of Napa Valley’s attribute rolling hills. Eagle Vines is so lovely that strolling the course can be simply as a lot of an expertise as the sport itself. You possibly can 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 major vacation spot within the Napa Valley. Typical strolling excursions final for 2 hours and price round $20, so they’re comparatively budget-friendly. For those who 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’s a combination of strolling excursions to e book. However, if you’re courageous, we recommend taking a magical ghost tour. This tour covers the darkish facet of Napa, touring the outdated red-light district and telling tales of Napa Asylum. A ghost tour is an excitingly spooky and completely different method to expertise Napa Valley’s historical past.

Napa Valley FAQs

Now that we’ve explored all the very best issues to do in Napa Valley let’s take a look at some frequent FAQs.

Find out how to get to Napa Valley

The best method to go to Napa Valley is to fly into San Francisco Airport. From there, lease automotive and drive north. This is a wonderful choice for individuals who need freedom and comfort. Try the finest costs on automotive leases right here!

For those who don’t wish to or can’t drive, there are nonetheless loads of choices. You possibly can catch the ferry from the San Francisco Bay space, which takes you on a scenic (barely slower) journey to Napa Valley. Or you possibly can catch the Amtrak San Joaquins, which is quicker and extra handy. Taking the practice is finest for individuals who don’t have a automotive however nonetheless desire a fast, simple method to attain Napa Valley, whereas the ferry is ideal for these with extra time who need the additional expertise.

After all, when you have much more time, you possibly can at all times street journey to Napa Valley. Napa Valley is ideally fitted to a California street journey. You possibly can mix it with 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 automotive is the simplest choice, it’s not at all the one means. There’s been a large push for various strategies of transport, and Napa Valley encourages you to go car-free when you possibly can – even only for a day journey.

The Vine bus is a improbable fixed-route bus line that runs lengthways by Napa Valley every day. That is the preferred method to get round with no automotive if you’re sticking to visiting widespread sights and locations in Napa Valley. In any other case, you possibly can e book shuttles if you wish to get to a particular space or at a selected time. It’s also price checking along with your resort about shuttles, as many properties supply complimentary shuttles providers.

In some circumstances, biking generally is a sensible method to get round Napa Valley. As we talked about, the Napa Valley Vine Path is a well-liked biking route. You’ll get the possibility to understand the valley slowly. You possibly can e book one of many many bike excursions, which provide you with a extra informative expertise. Equally, you can too discover strolling excursions, notably in smaller areas like Napa metropolis.

Greatest time to go to Napa Valley

So, when is the very best 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 at the moment.

Napa Valley gives fewer crowds and barely cooler, refreshing temperatures in early spring. You’ll typically discover cheaper motels and trip leases, too. When reserving a Napa Valley journey, March to Could are the right months.

The place to remain in Napa Valley NV

Napa Valley motels are various and plentiful, so that you’ll don’t have any points discovering one to fit your funds. These are our high three.

Price range: Napa Discovery Inn

Napa Discovery Inn is a good budget-friendly choice. Friends 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 sights, that are simply minutes away.

Mid-range: Cabernet Home

Cabernet Home is a superb boutique resort located in the course of Napa. Every room has local weather management panels and complimentary toiletries. All visitors additionally obtain entry to a shared hearth pit on the rear of the property. Cabernet Home is a good 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 scorching springs and spa amenities. You might be conveniently positioned in the course of Calistoga, too, so you’ll get pleasure from doorstep entry to many sights.

To conclude NV

There are such a lot of 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 doable. You possibly can be attempting out the Napa Valley wine scene one morning, then climbing a mountain, or bathing in pure scorching springs the following.

Napa Valley is a various and thrilling vacation spot within the US, and we hope you’ve an unbelievable journey.