31 Greatest Issues to do in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is likely one of the hottest locations in California and the most effective locations to go to within 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’ve got 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 delightful surroundings. This information will discover the easiest 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 need 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 lots of 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 one can Go to Napa Valley on a 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 may 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 identified for glowing and Pinot Noir. Domaine Carneros additionally has a few of the best 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 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. In the event you don’t know the place to go to, let your driver choose a couple of for a well-rounded expertise

Spherical Pond Property is one other improbable vineyard to go to and focuses on cabernet sauvignon, and a massively fashionable 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 wonderful wines, and also you’ll need to dedicate not less than a couple of 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 need to see it from the sky? Occurring a sizzling air balloon experience 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 gentle and likewise be capable to spot different sizzling air balloons taking off from the valley ground.

You’ll be able to e-book 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 greatest 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 adjustments, and ten sculptures are chosen by an expert artwork jury. You’ll be able to choose 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 whenever 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 some 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 method to spend a couple of 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 underneath 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 delightful 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 little thing from artwork to historical past. The museum goals to counterpoint ‘ the cultural cloth’ of the Napa Valley group, placing this into motion with varied displays, actions, and applications. The museum is a captivating, academic place to spend an hour or two.

You’ll discover a diversified vary of non permanent displays. 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 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 greatest issues to do in Napa Valley.

The middle sits on 217 acres and is a fantastic 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 improbable place to view artwork outside, and we love how the di Rosa Middle 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 slightly than consuming it with one other product like bread. Olive oil tasting is well 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 must e-book upfront.

9. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal

This attraction is perhaps brief and candy, however it’s undoubtedly a must-do when visiting Napa Valley. The ‘Welcome to Napa’ signal is a major spot for household images and Instagram pictures. The landmark is iconic within the valley.

Is it touristy? Sure. However in the absolute best method. 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 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 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 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 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 well the most effective issues to do in Napa Valley. Put in your greatest 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’re 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 improbable if you’d like some downtime, professional help, and native data.

One other advantage of reserving a fly fishing tour is that they give you all gear. It’s way more handy than bringing your individual or discovering a rental retailer. You’ll be able to select between half-day and full-day excursions too, which supplies you plenty of flexibility.

13. Outdated Devoted Geyser of California

Yellowstone Nationwide Park is perhaps miles and miles away, however the Outdated Devoted Geyser of California is a good different. The geyser is gorgeous, and the multi-colored geyser pool makes for a fantastic {photograph}. Outdated Devoted can be an everyday and explodes a number of instances an hour. In truth, the geyser is so ‘devoted’ that intervals of inactivity have been used to foretell earthquakes.

Visiting Outdated Devoted Geyser of California is likely one of the most fun issues to do in Napa Valley. It is usually situated 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 gorgeous views of Napa Valley and an thrilling health problem.

The path acquired its identify 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 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’ll be able to stroll by means of a number of displays – everlasting and non permanent. 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 lovers.

16. Hog Island Oyster Bar

Prepared for domestically sourced seafood at a stylish oyster bar? Hog Island Oyster Bar is likely one of the greatest 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’re assured the freshest produce. You should purchase some to remove or sit down 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 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’ll be able to nonetheless go to the buildings the place Jack lived, and the park can 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 greatest 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. Chances are you’ll even spot an otter or two. Wetlands Edge Park is fashionable 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 good brief 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 food and drinks appreciation in Napa. You’ll be able to 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 number 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 greatest culinary faculties. Some folks undertake culinary levels on the Culinary Institute. Whereas that is perhaps arduous to do on a brief journey to Napa Valley, it’s good to know that you’re in skilled fingers. It’s the greatest spot to be impressed by the culinary arts.

20. Dine at The French Laundry

The French Laundry is Napa Valley’s most famed wonderful eating restaurant. The restaurant is ready in a surprising 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 writer of The French Laundry Cookbook.

You’ll be able to choose one among 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 the most effective issues to do in Napa Valley.

21. Get a spa therapy in Calistoga

Calistoga is a sizzling spot for spa remedies. After a couple of days of action-packed sightseeing, getting a therapeutic massage or facial is the right method to unwind and rejuvenate. Golden Haven Sizzling Springs is the most well-liked, and you’ll bask in novel remedies like mud baths.

A sizzling mud tub expertise is bucket checklist worthy, and you’ll soak alone, as a pair, or with buddies. Afterward, you’ll leap in a sizzling mineral tub and end with a cool-down wrap. It’s undoubtedly a spa therapy to indulge your senses and have enjoyable. In the event you fancy attempting 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 varied matters, from the historical past of wine to Jewish heritage. In the event you e-book an appointment, it’s also possible to go to the Historic Society’s analysis library, Goodman Library.

Napa County Historic Society was based in 1948 and was really a neighborhood initiative to protect Napa Valley’s historical past. The society remains 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 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 enjoyable 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 motorcycle is a fantastic method 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 might full the route in 5 hours or simply choose a bit.

24. Hike Mt. Saint Helena

It isn’t simply bike excursions that permit you to get lively and discover Napa Valley. There are additionally mountains to climb. If you’re up for a problem, Mt. Saint Helena is a good summit to deal with. You received’t want gear or technical skill – simply dedication 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 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 surprising panorama of Napa Valley whenever you attain the highest.

The return hike takes round 5 hours however permit your self six or seven hours if you’d like common breaks and a good period of time on the summit. Why rush again down when you’ve got the most effective seat in the home, proper?

25. Go to Linda Falls

Linda Falls is a surprising 50-foot waterfall hidden away within the hills of Angwin. The falls cascade over granite rock, reducing a powerful 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. 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 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 means of on a footpath. You’ll be able to snap images of Napa by means of 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 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 market? Oxbow Public Market is a improbable 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 substances 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 chunk to eat. You’ll additionally discover loads of cafes out there if you’d like a caffeine repair.

28. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

Visiting Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is likely one of the greatest 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 whole and has over ten miles of climbing trails to discover. Day guests also can entry common services 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 way of life for your self, head to Connolly Ranch Instructional Middle. The not-for-profit working farm takes delight in exhibiting guests what actual farming and agriculture are about.

You’ll be able to find out about every little thing – from natural gardening and the position 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 that’s the case, the excellent news is that Napa Valley has plenty 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 recommend Eagle Vines Golf Course, a fantastic 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’ve got 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 big vacation spot within the Napa Valley. Typical strolling excursions final for 2 hours and value round $20, so they’re comparatively budget-friendly. In the event 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’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 most effective issues to do in Napa Valley let’s have a look at some widespread FAQs.

How one can get to Napa Valley

The simplest method to go to Napa Valley is to fly into San Francisco Airport. From there, hire a automotive and drive north. This is a wonderful choice for many who need freedom and comfort. Take a look at the most effective costs on automotive leases right here!

In the event you don’t need 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 greatest for many 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, if in case you have much more time, you’ll be able to all the time street journey to Napa Valley. Napa Valley is ideally suited to a California street journey. You might mix it with a few of California’s greatest seashores, epic locations, 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 not at all the one method. There’s been a large push for different strategies of transport, and Napa Valley encourages you to go car-free when you’ll be able to – even only for a day journey.

The Vine bus is a improbable fixed-route bus line that runs lengthways by means of Napa Valley day by day. That is the most well-liked method to get round with no automotive if you’re sticking to visiting fashionable sights and locations in Napa Valley. In any other case, you’ll be able to e-book shuttles if you wish to get to a particular space or at a selected time. It is usually value checking together with your lodge about shuttles, as many properties provide complimentary shuttles providers.

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 prospect to understand the valley slowly. You might e-book one of many many bike excursions, which provide you with a extra informative expertise. Equally, it’s also possible to discover strolling excursions, notably in smaller areas like Napa metropolis.

Greatest 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 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 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 diversified and plentiful, so that you’ll haven’t any points discovering one to fit your price range. 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 – 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 superb boutique lodge located in the midst of Napa. Every room has local weather management panels and complimentary toiletries. All friends additionally obtain entry to a shared fireplace 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 sizzling springs and spa services. You might be conveniently situated in the midst 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 must attempt to expertise as a lot of it as attainable. You might be attempting 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 got an unbelievable journey.