31 Best Things to do in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is among the hottest locations in California and one of many best places to visit in the US. The area is situated 50 miles north of San Francisco and 70 miles west of Sacramento.

Once you go to Napa Valley, you might have 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 crimson wine vinegar, olive oil, and scrumptious syrup. Napa Valley additionally provides outside adventures and exquisite surroundings. This information will discover the perfect issues to do in Napa Valley.

Prime 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 means of 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 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 nation’ 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 may 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 few of the best tasting rooms in Napa Valley. You may expertise Pinot Noir wine tasting within the Domaine Carneros Chateau mansion.

This Sprinter Wine Tour is an effective 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. If you happen to 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 unbelievable vineyard to go to and makes a speciality of cabernet sauvignon, and a vastly in style 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’s no secret that Napa Valley California is house to positive wines, and also you’ll wish to dedicate at the very 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 among the most memorable methods to expertise the valley. You may 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 in addition have the ability to spot different sizzling air balloons taking off from the valley flooring.

You may 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 Artwork Stroll

Napa Artwork Stroll is among 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 unimaginable 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 adjustments, and ten sculptures are chosen by an expert artwork jury. You may 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.

4. Take the Napa Valley Wine Prepare

Prepared for extra wine? Pair wine, connoisseur meals, and rolling hills once you soar 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 some of the luxurious issues to do in Napa Valley and top-of-the-line methods to embrace California’s ‘Wine Nation’ to the fullest. Napa Valley Wine Prepare is an ideal method to spend just a few hours. Book your ticket 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 beneath two hours with most excursions, and also you’ll want a average health stage to finish the kayak. But when combining a health problem with a historic tour and exquisite river views sounds enjoyable, kayaking is among 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 cloth’ of the Napa Valley neighborhood, placing this into motion with varied reveals, actions, and packages. The museum is an interesting, instructional place to spend an hour or two.

You’ll discover a diversified vary of momentary reveals. You might uncover native hospitality historical past by means of the story of Sally Schmitt, who based The French Laundry along 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 think about extra works by native artists. To get your artwork repair, visiting Di Rosa Middle for Modern Artwork is among 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 may 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 outside, and we love how the di Rosa Center shows its works.

8. Olive oil tasting

Neglect wine tastings; olive oil tasting is the place it’s at. The expertise is completely 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 reasonably than consuming it with one other product like bread. Olive oil tasting is definitely some of the enjoyable, distinctive issues to do in Napa Valley.

You’ll discover olive oil producers everywhere in 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 quick and candy, however it’s positively a must-do when visiting Napa Valley. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal is a main spot for household images and Instagram photographs. The landmark is iconic within the valley.

Is it touristy? Sure. However in the absolute best method. Plus, it’s simply mixed with different points of interest because you simply pull over on the St Helena Freeway between Yountville and Oakville. Simply 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 means of big redwood timber that had 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 among the most enjoyable issues to do in Napa Valley. Alongside the best way, 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 friends since 1880. The gorgeous Italianate-style constructing is situated 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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Napa Valley. Put in your finest garments and let the efficiency whisk you away.

You might 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 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 data.

One other advantage of reserving a fly fishing tour is that they offer you all tools. It’s rather more handy than bringing your individual or discovering a rental retailer. You may select between half-day and full-day excursions too, which supplies you lots of flexibility.

13. Outdated Trustworthy Geyser of California

Yellowstone Nationwide Park may be miles and miles away, however the Outdated Trustworthy Geyser of California is a superb different. The geyser is gorgeous, and the multi-colored geyser pool makes for a ravishing {photograph}. Outdated Trustworthy can also be a daily and explodes a number of instances an hour. The truth is, the geyser is so ‘trustworthy’ that durations of inactivity have been used to foretell earthquakes.

Visiting Outdated Trustworthy Geyser of California is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Napa Valley. Additionally it is situated simply exterior Calistoga, so it’s simply added to an itinerary.

14. Silverado Path

The Silverado Path isn’t any imply feat. The path is over 29 miles lengthy and takes a mean of 11 hours to finish on foot. You may cycle or stroll the trail, offering gorgeous views of Napa Valley and an thrilling health problem.

The path obtained its title from the quicksilver mines that when 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 lots to see alongside the best way in case 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 may stroll by means of a number of reveals – everlasting and momentary. 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 fans.

16. Hog Island Oyster Bar

Prepared for regionally sourced seafood at a classy oyster bar? Hog Island Oyster Bar is among the finest locations to eat in Napa Valley. Technically, we’ve already lined this venue, as it’s situated 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 day by day from a farm simply fifty miles away, so you might be assured the freshest produce. You should buy 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 may 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 among the finest issues to do in Napa Valley – particularly in case 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 wonderful birds like herons. You might even spot an otter or two. Wetlands Edge Park is in style amongst households and is free to enter. It’s a nice budget-friendly exercise in Napa Valley.

You may simply discover the park by strolling Wetlands Edge Path. The path is simply two miles lengthy and is a superb quick exercise on your itinerary. You might 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 may pattern connoisseur appetizers and seasonal dishes, be taught to cook dinner scrumptious meals your self with a cooking class or take pleasure in native wines with mates. The institute provides a number of issues to do and is completely food-centric; the proper spot for foodies and people captivated 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 laborious to do on a brief journey to Napa Valley, it’s good to know that you’re in skilled palms. 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 positive 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 status 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 may decide considered one of two day by 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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Napa Valley.

21. Get a spa remedy in Calistoga

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

A sizzling mud tub expertise is bucket listing worthy, and you may soak alone, as a pair, or with mates. Afterward, you’ll soar in a sizzling mineral tub and end with a cool-down wrap. It’s positively a spa remedy to indulge your senses and have enjoyable. If you happen to fancy making an attempt one thing new, it’s our high remedy advice.

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. If you happen to guide an appointment, you may as well 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 regionally 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. The truth is, 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 method to expertise Napa Valley. The slower tempo is low effort and excessive reward – excellent for a heat morning. The most well-liked path to cycle is Napa Valley Vine Path, a 47-mile observe that cuts throughout the entire valley. You might full the route in 5 hours or simply decide a piece.

24. Hike Mt. Saint Helena

It isn’t simply bike excursions that let you 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 superb summit to deal with. You gained’t want tools or technical capability – simply willpower and good health ranges.

Situated 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. 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 if you would like common breaks and a good period of time on the summit. Why rush again down when you might have 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 powerful image for visiting hikers. Probably 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. Preserve your eyes peeled alongside the path, as it’s house to greater than 130 species of native vegetation. If you’d like a brief hike and an hour in nature, Linda Falls is an unimaginable 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. Probably the most well-known function of China Level Overlook is the colossal ring sculpture, which you stroll by means of on a footpath. You may snap images of Napa by means of the ring at sundown, utilizing it as a pure body.

When you’ve visited the ring, we advise sitting on one of many benches. China Level Overlook is true subsequent to the river and is a peaceable, superbly designed spot to replicate 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 a neighborhood sizzling spot for high-quality produce. Wander between artisan stalls and natural produce stands – maybe choosing 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 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 if you would like a caffeine repair.

28. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

Visiting Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is among the finest issues to do in Napa Valley. The state park provides lodging in yurts, cabins, and campground amenities. 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 mountaineering trails to discover. Day guests may entry basic amenities just like the spring-fed swimming pool and picnic areas. Pack a bikini and mountaineering 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 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 may 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 captivated with sustainability too, which is a big constructive. A go to to Connolly Ranch is superb 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 that’s the case, the excellent news is that Napa Valley has lots of stunning golf programs. The dangerous 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 recommend 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 stuffed with small creeks, lakes, and woodland. Plus, you might have the backdrop of Napa Valley’s attribute rolling hills. Eagle Vines is so stunning that strolling the course can be simply as a lot of an expertise as the sport itself. You might 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 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. If you happen to 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 advise taking a magical ghost tour. This tour covers the darkish facet of Napa, touring the previous 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 have a look at some frequent FAQs.

Easy methods to get to Napa Valley

The best method to go to Napa Valley is to fly into San Francisco Airport. From there, lease a automotive and drive north. This is a wonderful choice for individuals who need freedom and comfort. Take a look at the best prices on car rentals here!

If you happen to don’t wish to or can’t drive, there are nonetheless loads of choices. You might 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 automotive however nonetheless need 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, if in case you have much more time, you possibly can all the time street journey to Napa Valley. Napa Valley is ideally fitted to a California road trip. You might mix it with a few of California’s best beaches, epic places, and cities.

Getting round Napa Valley

Issues are a bit of spaced out round Napa Valley, however whereas a automotive is the best choice, it’s in no way the one method. There’s been an enormous push for different 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 unbelievable fixed-route bus line that runs lengthways by means of Napa Valley day by day. That is the preferred method to get round with out a automotive if you’re sticking to visiting in style points of interest and locations in Napa Valley. In any other case, you possibly can guide shuttles if you wish to get to a selected space or at a selected time. Additionally it is price checking along with your lodge about shuttles, as many properties provide complimentary shuttles companies.

In some circumstances, biking generally is a good 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 might guide one of many many bike tours, which provide you with a extra informative expertise. Equally, you may as well 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 provides fewer crowds and barely cooler, refreshing temperatures in early spring. You’ll usually discover cheaper motels 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 motels are diversified and plentiful, so that you’ll don’t have any points discovering one to fit your finances. These are our high three.

Price range: Napa Discovery Inn

Napa Discovery Inn is a superb budget-friendly choice. Company 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 points of interest, that are simply minutes away.

Mid-range: Cabernet Home

Cabernet House is a wonderful boutique lodge located in the course of Napa. Every room has local weather management panels and complimentary toiletries. All friends 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 provides quite a lot of upscale rooms and entry to unimaginable pure sizzling springs and spa amenities. You’re conveniently situated in the course of Calistoga, too, so you’ll take pleasure in doorstep entry to many points of interest.

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 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 might have an unimaginable journey.