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A famous welcome sign in Napa Valley features a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson. It reads, “… and the wine is bottled poetry.” Wine is often the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Napa Valley, and there is no doubt that the story of grapes has shaped the valley into what it is today.
In addition to world-class wines, Napa offers a variety of fun activities for visitors. Located about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco, Napa Valley is a great day trip or weekend getaway. Visitors come from around the world to see the beautiful valley, taste the world-famous wines, enjoy fine dining, shop at boutiques, and get pampered in the spas.
Downtown Napa: Start Your Trip Here
Highway 29 runs through the Napa Valley, from Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north. Napa, located in the southern part of the valley, has a charming downtown filled with unique boutiques and beautiful old homes. A walkway along the Napa River downtown is a pleasant stroll and will take you to the historic Napa Mill Building. The Mill features a variety of restaurants, a bakery, and a few boutiques. The Napa River Inn, which anchors the mill building, is a good base camp for exploring the valley. Website.
Oxbow Public Market: Discover Unique Napa Valley Flavors
The Oxbow Public Market is a vibrant 40,000-square-foot indoor marketplace and community hub in downtown Napa, California, at 610 & 644 First Street, celebrating local food, wine, and sustainable agriculture. It features around 22 vendors offering everything from artisan bakeries, butchers, and oyster bars to organic produce, olive oils, prepared foods, and casual dining options like fried chicken sandwiches and ice cream, with an outdoor deck overlooking the Napa River. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., it’s a go-to spot for foodies seeking unique gifts and Napa Valley flavors.
Yountville Napa Valley
Your first stop just north of Napa, off Highway 29, is the town of Yountville. This village is home to California Veterans Home, Domaine Chandon, and V Marketplace, formerly known as Vintage 1870. V Marketplace is a collection of shops, galleries, and food purveyors. Stop by Kollar Chocolates inside the V Marketplace and pick up some delicious artisan chocolates. 6525 Washington St., Yountville, California.
Bouchon Bakery Yountville
Yountville is a small town, but it offers much. It is pedestrian-friendly, and you can catch the vineyards in your peripheral vision almost any time. Highly rated restaurants by Thomas Keller are in Yountville, including The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Ad Hoc. There is a stand-alone Bouchon bakery where you can pick up delicious bread, sandwiches, and sweet treats if you don’t have time for a complete meal. Website.
Oakville Napa Valley: Historic Town, Dating Back to the 1860s
Oakville is a tiny, unincorporated census-designated place in the heart of California’s Napa Valley, located between Yountville and Rutherford along Highway 29. Oakville is home to some very well-known wineries, including Dolce, Far Niente, Groth Vineyards, Opus One, and Robert Mondavi. Daily winery tours and tastings are available, except for Opus One, where an appointment is necessary.
Oakville Grocery: Historic Napa Valley Landmark
Oakville Grocery is a fantastic spot to gather all the essentials for a picnic. In Napa, where the fresh air and beautiful scenery thrive, picnics are a cherished tradition. You can trust Oakville Grocery to fill your picnic basket with delightful offerings that will exceed your expectations. Once you’re all set, you’ll find plenty of picturesque locations to enjoy your meal throughout Napa Valley. The grocery is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. You can find it at 7856 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville.
Rutherford: Home to More Than 20 Wineries
Not far from Oakville is Rutherford, which offers another array of famous wineries, such as Mumm Napa Valley and Caymus Vineyards. There are B&Bs and inns for lodging, and if you are up for a great meal, visit Rutherford Grille. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
Helena Gott’s Roadside (Originally Taylor’s Automatic Refresher)
Further north on Highway 29 is the second-largest town in the valley, St. Helena. This town has quaint shops, more wineries, and plenty of dining opportunities. A popular spot is Gott’s Roadside, formerly Taylor’s Refresher, a St Helena institution serving burgers, fries, and shakes. The popular eatery features spacious outdoor picnic-style seating under shady oaks and a vibrant atmosphere for locals and day trippers.
Bale Grist Mill Historic Park: Water-powered Mill Built in 1846
Learn about the history of Napa Valley at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. Built in 1846, this restored water-powered mill is still operational. The park is located 3 miles north of St. Helena. Tours are available on weekends. You can pick up a bag of flour ground at the mill for $5.00. There is also a hiking trail from the mill to Napa Valley Park. 3369 Saint Helena Hwy North. Website.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park; Woodlands and Coast Redwoods
This park contains the farthest inland coast redwoods in a California state park and is one of the few places in the valley where you can camp for a modest fee. The park features a spring-fed swimming pool, picnic areas, yurts, cabins, and campsites. Seven trails lead from the campground, from easy hikes to an 8-mile trek. 3801 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga. Website.
Calistoga Napa Valley: Hot Springs and Wineries
The last stop on the valley floor is Calistoga. Here, you will find Hurd Beeswax Candle Factory and retail outlets, art galleries, bookstores, and a chance to experience why Calistoga is dubbed the world’s spa capital. Natural hot springs occur in Calistoga, meaning you can soak in a mineral or mud bath at a local spa.
Old Faithful Geyser Calistoga: Kids Love This Place
Suppose you have kids while visiting Napa Valley, a must-stop Destination. Located 2 miles from downtown Calistoga, Old Faithful erupts about thirty minutes and sends a stream of hot mineral water up to 75 feet into the air. Also on site is a herd of fainting goats. Yes, it’s a roadside attraction, but kids love this place.
Napa Valley Wine Train: Stunning Views of the Wine Country
If you are a rail enthusiast, the Wine Train is a fun way to enjoy a meal and the scenery. The Wine Train makes a round trip from Napa to St. Helena. The lovely vineyard views, along with the enjoyable food and atmosphere, make this a popular attraction for visitors. A typical trip on the wine train takes about three hours and travels from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back.
Outdoor Activities
You can rent a bike for the outdoor enthusiast or bring your own and pedal your way up and down Highway 29 or Silverado Trail. Kayak rentals are available in Napa, and you can enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the Napa River. Several outfitters rent bicycles there, including Napa Valley Bike Tours & Rentals in Yountville. Guided and self-guided bike tours are offered.
Getting to Napa Valley
If you have not been to Napa, now is a great time to plan a trip. Year-round, you can find fun things to do in the valley. The town of Napa Valley is 50 miles north of San Francisco.
Napa Valley is one of California’s most popular tourist attractions, and traffic can slow down on Highway 29 during the summer. If you arrive after ten in the morning on a weekend or holiday, you can avoid much of the traffic on Highway 29 by taking the Silverado Trail.
California Wine-Tasting Regions
Sonoma Valley, Northern California – Temecula Valley, Southern California – Santa Ynez Valley, Central California