Questioning what actions and sights you possibly can’t miss in California’s Wine Valley? Our information to the very best issues to do in Napa Valley is simply what you want!
World-famous for its sprawling vineyards that produce many famend wines, Napa Valley, California, is greater than only a getaway for wine lovers.
There are a boisterous quantity of issues to do in Napa Valley, California’s premier wine nation. From olive oil tasting to horseback driving, climbing to soaking in pure sizzling springs, Napa Valley is a paradise of luxurious and outside refreshment to rejuvenate and energize away from the hustle and bustle of life.
So whether or not you want to sink again and chill out in sizzling springs or sip on an fragrant glass of wine surrounded by sprawling vineyards, Napa Valley is the place to do it.
With a location round 1 hour away from each Sacramento and San Francisco, it’s tremendous simple to go to Napa Valley as a day journey from both metropolis.
Or you possibly can spend just a few days there and actually soak in the great thing about this beautiful space in Northern California!
Try our listing of the highest issues to do in Napa Valley, California to organize for the journey of a lifetime!
The Finest Issues to Do in Napa Valley, California
Are you scouring the web for what to do in Napa Valley? Then, our curated listing of the highest issues to do in Napa Valley can prevent effort and time.
Our listing has the preferred Napa Valley actions and distinctive hidden gems, akin to exploring downtown Napa, kayaking down the Napa River, or driving in a sizzling air balloon.
And naturally, there’s wine tasting! If you happen to’re visiting Napa for wine, wine, and extra wine, make sure you strive the native Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and extra on the varied estates and vineyards.
Try our final listing of the very best issues to do in California for extra concepts across the state!
1) Discover Downtown Napa
Full of trendy tasting rooms, upscale boutiques, and eating places sourcing their elements regionally, downtown Napa is an invigorating a part of Napa Valley that shouldn’t be bypassed!
Get pleasure from strolling alongside First Avenue Napa, increasing throughout three metropolis blocks. Guests can relish high quality retail remedy by buying at native boutiques or worldwide shops like Lululemon and Free Folks.
The native shops in downtown Napa, which embrace multi-generational natives, are infamous for using distinctive stylings and ideas derived from the west coast.
Savor the crafted cocktails at Sky & Vine or browse stalls hosted by native meals distributors on the Napa Farmers Market hosted each Saturday. Seize a chunk to eat at Oxbow Public Market or peer at artwork deco within the Uptown Theatre.
Or for a enjoyable night time out, go to Blue Observe Napa. This reside music jazz membership provides nice meals and attractive music, so make sure you swing by Blue Observe Napa whereas exploring downtown.
Or enterprise into the wilderness round wine nation with this guided kayaking tour that departs proper from downtown Napa!
Kayakers could have the chance to glide down the Napa River and study Napa Valley historical past from their native information.
2) Peer Into The Space’s Previous At The Napa County Historic Society
A non-circulation analysis library open to the general public, the Napa County Historic Society’s mission is to find and protect historical past.
Within the Napa County Historic Society, guests can peer at reveals, be a part of an informative lecture, and take part in a devoted occasion the place analysis and historical past come alive!
The Napa County Historic Society is prevalently targeted on Napa County’s historical past and the folks that have lived there, intertwining reveals and academic factors to convey forth the significance of Napa County’s function in California and world historical past.
As a library, analysis heart, and museum, visitors can peer into Napa Valley’s previous by means of the Napa County Historic Society!
- Handle: 1219 1st St, Napa, CA 94559, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Tuesday – Thursday, 10 am – 5 pm Friday & Saturday
- Price: Free
3) Sink Again Into Luxurious At The O’Brien Property Vineyard
Out of all of the Napa Valley wineries and high issues to do in Napa Valley, O’Brien Property Vineyard is by far probably the greatest!
The 33-acre vineyard is family-run, showcasing beautiful vineyards and vistas accessible to the general public by means of reservations solely.
At this vineyard, the vineyards are the place the vineyard’s grapes are solely sourced for his or her native wines. And the exclusivity solely continues, because the wines made on the O’Brien Property Vineyard are offered explicitly to members and potential members that go to the vineyard!
This side of taking time to snag a reservation to the O’Brien Property Vineyard and go to makes for a novel expertise surrounded by the affluent vineyards backdropped by the Mayacamas Mountains.
- Handle: 1200 Orchard Ave, Napa, CA 94558, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
4) Soar Over The Valley On A Sizzling Air Balloon Journey
Among the finest issues to do in Napa Valley is taking a sizzling air balloon experience and soar over the beautiful vineyards and landscapes of the San Francisco Bay Space.
A visit on a sizzling air balloon proves to be one of the touted actions in Napa Valley. Most sizzling air balloon rides take off early morning for calmer climate circumstances so guests can bask within the dawn lighting up the valley.
As a passenger, you possibly can get pleasure from breathtaking sights above as the recent air balloon soars over Napa Valley’s vineyards.
5) Journey the Napa Valley Wine Prepare
A restored historic prepare, the Napa Valley Wine Prepare is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Napa Valley!
An iconic attraction in Napa Valley, the prepare’s classic Pullman rail automobiles have been restored so you possibly can sink again into luxurious as a passenger and expertise how individuals used to journey again within the day.
The rail automobiles function engraved partitions, beautiful brass accents, plush armchairs, and Honduran mahogany paneling. These spectacular designs are paired with scrumptious wines and gourmand meals for an distinctive fine-dining expertise.
And all through these memorable moments, bask within the impeccable views because the Napa Valley Wine Prepare chugs alongside from St. Helena and again whereas stopping at famend wineries on the journey!
Learn Extra: Spending a while in San Francisco? Right here is our final 3-day itinerary to the Golden Metropolis.
6) Be taught About Artwork, Tradition, & Historical past At The Napa Valley Museum
Devoted to showcasing exhibitions on tradition, historical past, effective artwork, and the surroundings of Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Museum is situated within the historic city of Yountville.
A visit to the Napa Valley Museum presents a three-part cultural expertise utilizing three separate galleries: the Major Gallery, Highlight Gallery, and Historical past Gallery.
The Major Gallery showcases world premieres, West Coast, and main exhibitions. The Highlight Gallery is the place rising regional artists and different vital pinpoints of the native tradition are offered.
Lastly, the Historical past Gallery launched catered choices that personify Napa Valley’s historical past utilizing the Napa Valley Museum’s everlasting assortment.
The Napa Valley Museum welcomes all ages to study extra concerning the area’s artwork, tradition, and historical past with hands-on reveals and family-friendly actions to take part in!
- Handle: 55 Presidents Cir, Yountville, CA 94599, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Sunday
- Price: $15
7) Go Olive Oil Tasting
Napa Valley is understood for greater than its scrumptious grapes which can be masterfully crafted into world-renowned wines. Inside the thriving lands of Napa Valley, olives are grown and made into appetizing olive oils!
The best Mediterranean local weather in Napa Valley is ideal for rising olives. Like wine tastings, becoming a member of an olive oil tasting is an expertise the place you possibly can strive numerous flavors and aromas.
All through the expertise, the olive oil is usually served by itself or paired with small bites to extend taste and sharpen the palate.
Think about a non-public guided tour of the property’s olive grove with a tasting at Spherical Pond Property.
Or, when you neglect to schedule an appointment upfront, take a look at Lengthy Meadow Ranch for tastings on the farm ranch, although when you do have time, make an appointment to see the ranch within the Mayacamas Mountains for a spherical of wine and olive oil!
8) Go to the di Rosa Heart for Up to date Artwork
Famend for its intensive assortment of Northern Californian artists, the di Rosa Heart for Up to date Artwork’s everlasting assortment awaits exploration!
Boasting greater than 1600 famend artwork items, the museum hosts items from reputed artists akin to Tony Labat, Jay DeFeo, and Bruce Conner.
Utilizing teaching programs, modern exhibitions, and its excellent everlasting assortment, the di Rosa Heart for Up to date Artwork is devoted to inspiring curiosity and creativity with high-class options.
On the grounds of 217 picturesque acres, there are eye-catching sculpture gardens, a sprawling 35-acre lake, and plenty of extra galleries to ponder.
If you happen to want a break from wine tasting, take a look at the di Rosa Heart for Up to date Artwork is a superb option to spend a day in Napa!
- Handle: 5200 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559, United States
- Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Friday – Sunday
- Price: $20
Learn subsequent: The 25 Finest Issues To Do In Northern California
9) Be taught How To Fish With Napa Valley Fly Guides
Whether or not a newbie or a seasoned angler, be a part of a enterprise with Napa Valley Fly Guides on a fishing journey by means of the Northern California rivers.
This firm takes newbie and skilled anglers, locals, and vacationers on a memorable journey to the realm’s high rivers for excellent catches, together with Putah Creek, Napa River, and the Decrease Fork of the Yuba River.
Then, lure in native Rainbow Trout in Snow Mountain Lake Berryessa Nationwide Monument for recent catches whereas exploring Napa Valley past the vineyards the realm is broadly recognized for.
10) Stroll By way of The Impeccable Napa Artwork Stroll
Offered to counterpoint the standard of life in downtown Napa, the Napa Artwork Stroll is the place vacationers and locals can stroll and study exemplary sculptures designed by artists within the native area.
For instance, in 2021, the Napa Artwork Stroll devoted its “Play!” exhibition, displaying ten hand-picked sculptures chosen by a jury of high professionals within the artwork world.
The artwork utilized mild, motion, and kinetic artwork to create an interactive expertise filled with dimensions and symbolic shows. This show will stay till two years have handed, and a brand new exhibit can be showcased for 2 years.
On the OtoCast app, guests to the Napa Artwork Stroll can take part in audio excursions by means of downtown Napa for a deeper understanding of the artwork items from the mouths of the artists!
11) Cruise Napa Valley Bike Excursions
Specializing in guided bike excursions, self-guided excursions, and bike leases, Napa Valley Bike Excursions gives you with an epic day of exploring wine nation on two wheels!
Whether or not selecting a half-day, full-day, or wine and brews cruise, Napa Valley Bike Excursions has a day of journey in retailer. Regardless of which choice you choose, you get a full-day e-bike rental to get pleasure from.
Relying on the choice, there’s both one or two vineyard visits on the bike tour or a mix of vineyard and brewery. The complete-day tour and wine and brews cruise include a picnic lunch by Bouchon Bakery for a novel expertise touted as probably the greatest issues to do in Napa Valley.
Or, take into account this open-air trolley wine-tasting tour. The tour travels by means of Napa Valley by a cable automotive trolley, visiting three premier wineries with an knowledgeable information explaining the depth behind viticulture, wine manufacturing, and the area’s historical past.
12) Scour The Hess Assortment Vineyard and Artwork Museum
All of it started with the founding father of the Hess artwork assortment, Donald Hess, who bought a portray. Hess purchased the portray, intending for the art work for use as a decor merchandise for his new residence. A pal later knowledgeable Hess that the portray was, to everybody’s shock, a Picasso!
Quickly after, Hess started amassing artwork, constructing the gathering, and establishing connections with dwelling artists to develop a deeper understanding of what goes on within the express course of of making artwork.
The Hess Assortment Vineyard and Artwork Museum permits guests to discover the artwork items Hess has collected, together with ones from artists Hess met over time and befriended.
The institution features a vineyard on Mount Veeder, the place visitors can be a part of a guided tour of the gathering and a wine tasting of the property’s unique wines.
- Handle: 4411 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA 94558, United States
- Hours/Price: Go to the web site for tour data
13) Style The Finest Cabernet Sauvignon At Spherical Pond Property
Infamous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, throughout the Rutherford District of Napa Valley, is the famend Spherical Pond Property. Nevertheless, this established property is understood for greater than its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
Affluent vineyards, orchards, gardens, and olive timber thrive on the grounds. The olive timber are hand-harvested, with three Spanish and 5 Italian kinds of olives grown, to create further virgin olive oils with distinctive flavors. Head to the tasting rooms for scrumptious meals, oil, and wine pairings to strive.
Friends to the Spherical Pond Property can take their choose of premium experiences, together with a tour of the property’s culinary and wine-making procurements.
- Handle: 875 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday
- Price: Discover wine-tasting costs on the web site
14) Watch A Efficiency At The Napa Valley Opera Home
This iconic opera home is an unbelievable landmark in downtown Napa. Discovered throughout the historic Napa Valley Opera Home is the JaM Cellars Ballroom, a spectacularly-designed venue designated for top-class music and performing arts the place world-class artists carry out.
The opera home was inbuilt downtown Napa in 1879, as proven by its eye-catching restored gold and purple exterior. And with its restoration and upgrades, performances of top-notch jazz, rock, nation, and pop artists are sometimes held right here.
Iconic artists like Willie Nelson, Jack London, and Wynton Marsalis have all carried out on the Napa Valley Opera Home, the place you possibly can see high performers and artists showcase their abilities!
- Handle: 1030 Major St, Napa, CA 94559, United States
15) Store, Eat, & Drink At The Oxbow Public Market
A boisterous market in downtown Napa, the Oxbow Public Market hosts many high quality meals distributors and options, native produce, a scenic riverside deck, and far more!
A classy restaurant, Hog Island Oyster Bar on the Oxbow Public Market has continued to draw locals and vacationers for its dedication to sourcing elements regionally and organically.
With Hog Island Oyster Bar’s sustainably grown nice oysters, you possibly can anticipate the freshest seafood expertise.
The Oxbow Public Market helps distributors, artisans, and purveyors devoted to sustainable agriculture and selling native harvest. So take your choose of artisan cafes, natural produce, and numerous meals distributors for the freshest treats on the Oxbow Public Market.
Seize some recent produce and gourmand appetizers and make your self a picnic lunch, or sit down at one of many superb eating places. Foodies can’t miss this place whereas exploring downtown Napa!
Heading to the California state capital subsequent? Right here is our listing of the very best issues to do in Sacramento!
16) Journey Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Containing the farthest inland coast redwoods in any of California’s state parks, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is a tranquil retreat the place locals and vacationers go tenting, swim, hike, picnic, and horseback experience.
This park has many standard trails, together with Coyote Peak Path, a 4.7-mile loop excellent for operating, climbing, and birding.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is teeming with towering redwoods, trickling creeks, and breathtaking surroundings excellent for an outside journey, with greater than 10 miles price of climbing trails accessible for exploration.
There are areas accessible on the park for in a single day stays in non-public cabins, campsites, and yurts with entry to the outside swimming pool.
- Handle: 3801 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 8 pm
- Price: Free
17) Step Again In Time At The Castello Di Amorosa
A 14th-century vineyard, the Castello Di Amorosa is without doubt one of the distinctive issues to do in Napa Valley!
The medieval-style Tuscan fort vineyard provides guests a one-of-a-kind expertise. Open to guests by reservation solely, the Castello Di Amorosa gives a large number of excursions and tastings to select from, that are all paired with complimentary tastings of 5 wines from their established wine menu.
With seated and standing wine-tasting alternatives, visitors can journey the fort on the 2 essential ranges, together with entry to the Truncated tower, Nice Corridor, Courtyard, Chapel, Knights Corridor, and Major Tasting Room.
Reserve an property tour and wine tasting on the Castello Di Amorosa for a guided and academic expertise by means of Castello Di Amorosa’s torture chamber, manufacturing space, armory, underground cellars, tasting rooms, and Grand Barrel Room.
- Handle: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
Quick on time? Go to the fort and different Napa highlights on a day journey from San Francisco!
18) Savor The Works Of The Iconic Creator At The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is the place bibliophiles can discover the world’s largest assortment of accessible books and options of the enduring writer.
Opened in 1969, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum was the dream and laborious work of one of the notable bibliophiles in America, Norman H. Strouse.
He turned a fast collector of Stevenson’s work after studying The Silverado Squatters, and after Strouse’s retirement, he established the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.
The museum is devoted to Stevenson’s works and life, utilizing a constantly rising assortment that features Strouse’s assortment of Stevensoniana.
- Handle: 490 Library Ln, St Helena, CA 94574, United States
- Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm Tuesday – Saturday
- Price: Free
19) Soak In The Pure Sizzling Springs
Between sipping wine and olive oil, driving by means of Napa Valley by bike, and exploring downtown Napa, take a look at the recent springs in Calistoga.
This metropolis in Napa Valley is infamous for its sizzling springs and pure mineral water that has been remodeled into an space of luxurious and leisure with upscale resorts, unique spas, and rejuvenating massages.
Probably the most standard springs within the metropolis is Calistoga Spa Sizzling Springs, situated a block from Major Avenue in Higher Napa Valley. Calistoga Spa Sizzling Springs boasts 4 geothermal baths and customized soaks within the spa surrounded by the scenic Napa Valley.
- Handle: 1006 Washington St, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States
- Hours/Price: Discover extra data on the web site!
Heading south? Try our listing of the very best issues to do in Los Angeles!
20) Sip Wine At An Oakville Vineyard
Part of the Napa Valley wine nation, Oakville could also be small, nevertheless it presents a number of the greatest wineries present in Napa Valley.
A go to to Oakville will take you on a journey, a step again in time with the city’s historic structure and ambiance, paired with distinctive wineries, cute boutiques, fashionable cafes, upscale retailers, and fine-dining eating places.
There are a ton of nice wineries in Oakville to select from. One is Ghost Block Property Wine, which will be discovered straight throughout from the well-known Oakville Grocery.
The tasting room exudes intimacy in an off-the-cuff setting the place visitors can style distinctive wines grown and produced on the household’s property.
21) Hit The Wetlands Edge Trails To Discover The Marshlands
Wetlands Edge Park, a part of the Napa River and Bay Path, traverses alongside the Napa-Sonoma Marsh shore.
The paths are open for guests to journey the Napa River and marshland for spectacular bird-watching, kayaking, and canoeing alternatives.
The park is an area favourite for household outings, nice for viewing the sundown or dawn, scenic walks, and lively bike rides. Inexperienced Island Street and Wetlands Edge Street are the 2 entrances that divulge heart’s contents to Wetlands Edge Path.
On the Inexperienced Island Street entrance is a canoe and kayak launch ramp for guests to hit the water to discover the park.
The place to Keep in Napa Valley, California
Now that the very best issues to do in Napa Valley, let’s take a look at the highest locations to remain throughout your trip!
Finest Low cost Lodge in Napa Valley
An reasonably priced keep, Motel 6 Napa, CA, boasts a handy location close to most of the high issues to do in Napa Valley, lower than three miles from the Napa Valley Wine Prepare. Friends are provided complimentary espresso, WiFi, parking, and seasonal entry to the outside pool!
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge in Napa Valley
Settled on the banks of the tranquil Napa River, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Napa Valley is a mile from a number of the greatest Napa Valley sights, such because the Napa Valley Wine Prepare and the highlights of downtown Napa.
Get pleasure from a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, parking, WiFi, an indoor pool, and a sizzling tub throughout your keep!
Finest Luxurious Lodge in Napa Valley
A luxurious resort set on a sprawling countryside of 27 acres, Carneros Resort and Spa, is below an hour’s drive from the bustling metropolis of San Francisco.
The resort options modern cottages paired with French doorways, non-public patios, indoor and outside showers, and heated rest room flooring for a one-of-a-kind keep within the magnificent Napa Valley.
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