If you enjoy exceptional dining opportunities, the perfectly chilled glass of aged wine, outdoor beauty and art, Napa Valley is where you need to be, but that's just the start. With so many things to do in Napa Valley, it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. You want to do it all, but with limited time and a desire to really get to know the community, there are some must-see destinations on your list.
Napa Valley is home to small and large vineyards, enchanting mountain trails for hiking and biking, luxurious breweries and hot air balloon rides. To help you get to experience what makes this location so special, we have a list of 10 things to do in Napa Valley that are not to be missed.
1. Sample the World-Class Wines at Domaine Carneros
- Address: 1240 Duhig Rd. Napa, CA 94559
- Who will love it: Wine lovers with luxury goals
As a landmark Napa Valley wine destination, Domaine Carneros is quite special. It's simply stunning, but also noted for its continued use of old-world style production of traditional sparkling and Pinot Noir. The chateau offers a stunning patio where you'll be able to listen to the water move across the fountain while gazing out over the hills of vineyards, wine glass in hand.
This particular location is noted for its luxuriousness. Expect to enjoy a charcuterie of the finest local cheeses along with caviar. A full food-and-wine pairing experience is also available. This is just one of numerous wine destinations in the area. Consider booking a private wine tour of Napa and Sonoma that includes a visit here. With over 100 vineyards in the area, you'll want to choose your experience carefully.
2. Shop at the Oxbow Public Market
- Address: 610 First Street, Napa, California 94559
- Who will love it: Lovers of artisan goodies and gastro cuisine
The Oxbow Public Market is a massive, 40,000-square-foot culinary destination noted for its modern gastro-centric foods and cafes. Numerous shops exist here as well. For the very best experiences, consider enjoying a meal from Hog Island Oyster Co, easily one of the best oyster bars in the state. Head out to do some shopping at one of the artisan shops or pick up groceries for your family.
Don't leave the market just yet. Grab something sweet from Model Bakery, sit on the deck that overlooks the Napa River and share a coffee with a friend. Oxbow Public Market is not just a place to go for good food, but also for meeting new people and enjoying a higher quality of food.
3. Pause and Stroll Through the Historic Shopping District in St. Helena
- Address: 1154 Main Street. St. Helena, CA 94574
- Who will love it: History and fashion lovers alike
Take a short drive to St. Helena, which is a modern community with deep historic roots. A walk down Main Street here allows you to experience an authentic Northern California lifestyle. This 10-block historic downtown area has numerous 19th-century stone buildings along a walkable area. You can stop in at the local boutiques and enjoy some gourmet goodies. As you do, look around. You'll see the 1913 electroliers, the original streetlights along the street.
This is a community where vintage becomes accessible. You'll find locations like Pearl Wonderful Clothing offering elegant, high-end brands in a quaint shop. You absolutely need to stop in at Woodhouse Chocolate for a truffle that will change your world. It's almost a must to visit Steve's Hardware & Housewares, even as a tourist, because of its charming history spanning nearly 80 years.
4. Fill Up on Farm-to-Table Goodness at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
- Address: 738 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574.
- Who will love: Those who love real food
Located in St. Helena, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch is a wonderful testament to what farm-to-table can be. This restaurant is a traditional farmhouse-style destination. You can come, sit at wooden picnic tables and enjoy food crafted locally. The location offers American fare served in a traditional, though certainly upscale, barn.
The restaurant also has a tasting room, in case you need a bit more wine. Much of the food comes from the actual farm itself, a cattle ranch and winery or from other local, small farms. Enjoy fabulous cuisine options, including the grass-fed beef tartare or authentic mac & cheese. The cheese biscuits are a must-have side.
5. Take a Dip in the Hot Springs in Calistoga
- Address: 1006 Washington St., Calistoga, CA 94515
- Who will love it: Those seeking relaxation and restoration
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs will quickly become your favorite destination in Wine Country. This resort offers geothermal mineral pools, volcanic ash mud baths and soothing massages. You'll enjoy the boutique feel of this location, where everything feels specially made just for you. Enjoy one of their curated spa packages. The resort is one of several locations in Downtown Calistoga offering such experiences.
If that location isn't available, consider others in the area, such as Golden Haven Hot Springs, noted for its couples treatments or down the road, Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort, with a bit more Italian flair. These destinations are some of the best things to do in Napa Valley when you need to step away and restore your mind and spirit from the busy world.
6. Take to the Skies with Balloons Above the Valley
- Address: 6525 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599
- Who will love it: Adventure seekers
Perhaps one of the most interesting ways to see Napa Valley is from the sky. Several hot air balloon companies operate out of the area, including Napa Valley Aloft. You'll meet at a destination, enjoy a bit of coffee and learn about the hot air balloons before taking off. You can then enjoy your trip, about an hour of soaring across the Valley.
Some providers offer themed experiences, such as romantic balloon rides, while others offer tour guides who will point out the area's vast landscapes and historic attractions as you fly over them. Many of these hot air balloon rides take off just after dawn, allowing you to enjoy calm winds and amazing skyline views. This is one of the top things to do in Napa Valley for nature lovers.
7. Board the Napa Valley Wine Train
- Address: 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, CA 94559
- Who will love it: History and wine lovers
The Napa Valley Wine Train is yet another way to enjoy the true character and charm of this area. You'll get on board a historic, restored train and move across the landscape on a wine country tour. There are numerous wine trains in the area, but this is one of the best for those looking for an exceptional, near fine-dining experience.
The tour itself is typically three hours, taking you from San Francisco throughout Napa Valley's beautiful countryside. You'll enjoy a curated meal that's made with locally produced foods while chatting with others in the vintage passenger car. There's a rustic, authentic lounge on board and the highly sought-after dining car, which was, back in the day, the height of sophistication in the area.
8. Trek the Napa Valley Vine Trail
- Address: 3299 Claremont Way, Napa, CA 94558
- Who will love it: Hikers, bikers and outdoor adventure seekers
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a long, paved trail that takes you across as much as 47 miles. It spans from Vallego to Calistoga and there are no cars allowed. Instead, pedestrians and bike riders get to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty of the area. Portions of it follow alongside the Napa River, creating a diverse ecosystem.
Depending on where you start and stop, you'll enjoy numerous unique views from the vineyards along the route to the densely wooded areas. Consider starting in Downtown Napa, where you can easily walk along the riverfront and take in the city. Numerous wineries offer tastings and tours, including Bell Wine Cellars and Priest Ranch Winery. It's hard not to find reasons to stop off the trial to explore the communities.
9. Check Out the Rail Arts District
- Address: Redwood Road, Napa, California
- Who will love it: Art lovers of all ages
The two-mile stretch along the Napa Valley Vine Trail called the Rail Arts District is a must-see location. This is one of the simplest things to do in Napa Valley if you enjoy art. From one block to the next, you'll find an outdoor contemporary art museum. With over 40 murals and sculptures to view, you'll easily learn the culture of this community and region.
The vibrant murals, created by local artists throughout the years, are breathtaking in their messages and vibrance. The Quake Mosaic is one excellent example, paying homage to the 2014 earthquake and fires in the area. There's no cost, but a stroll through the district will inspire you. There are a few shops located in this area, but it's mainly meant to provide you with a break from commercialism to focus on authentic art.
10. Spend the Evening in Downtown Napa
- Address: 1200 West St., Napa, CA 94558
- Who is it for: Those who love fine dining, music and riverfront fun
The Downtown Napa area is vibrant, packed full of tasting rooms and elegant restaurants. You'll find there's a true sense of character here. Some of the best hotels in Napa are in this area, especially when you don't want to stay at a vineyard resort. You could spend the entire day enjoying the shopping. There are luxury designer locations as well as many small, artisan shops here.
But there is so much more to do as well. Visit the Art Gallery Napa Valley, rated one of the best in the region. Color Theory is a fantastic art supply shop that offers classes and workshops. You can find the perfect book for your trip at Copperfield's Books. Several spas are also in the area, including Blue Water Day Spa, perfect for a quick massage and relaxing bath. Lumin Shop and Spa offers a full line of wellness options. Don't forget to stop in at the Napa Farmers Market.
If you're looking for the best things to do in Napa Valley in the evening, it's hard to beat Downtown Napa's nightlife. Numerous destinations have made a name for themselves, including Zuzu, a gastro-pub and Bar Lucia, known for its elegant vibe. Perhaps the most important place for those looking for a laid-back spot to hang out after a long day is ArBARetum, with its combination of crack cocktails and friendly vibes. There are also numerous tasting rooms in the area. Some of the best destinations provide live music most days of the week.
Plan Your Trip to Napa Valley with AAA
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Napa Valley today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.