From natural hot springs to Michelin-rated restaurants and more, we’ve got 13 reasons why you need to make California’s Napa Valley your next weekend getaway.
Just a short ride fromSan FranciscoandSacramento , Napa Valley represents California ’s most prestigious wine area , boasting over 30 mile of lush , sloping hills and 16 distinguishable AVAs , or designated wine - develop regions . With an enviable Mediterranean clime that makes it a worthwhile destination year - round , Napa is renowned for create exquisite vino — especially cabernet sauvignon — as well as being an early adopter of the farm - to - table movement , with a plethora of Michelin - star okay dining options . Even amid escalating wildfire season , the area continue to demonstrate its commitment to bring on noteworthy wine-coloured while preserving its sensational landscapes .
nestle in the vale are a handful of pocket-size towns worth exploring , each with its own unequaled character . On the southern end of Napa County is American Canyon , the most lay back and adventure - orient , with theAmerican Canyon Wetlands Trailand tidy sum of bird - watching chance . The town of Napa offers a bustling business district strip situated along the course Napa River , with mess of taste rooms , restaurants , art galleries , and shops to peruse . Further Union lies Yountville , fete for its award - winning eating house scene , as well as Oakville and Rutherford , two petite towns located in the warmness of “ Cabernet Country . ” Still northwards is the picturesque hamlet of St. Helena , with big - name winery and modern-day nontextual matter galleries along its business district strip . in conclusion , you ’ll attain the northmost town of Calistoga , an ideal destination for recharging .
With so much to see , do , booze , and experience , contrive a trip to Napa Valley can get overwhelming tight . But not to worry because we ’ve done the legwork for you and hoard all of the must - try wineries , restaurants , and things to do across this iconic wine area . Cheers !
Photo courtesy of California Brandy House
Hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
Take in the history ( and plenty of wine ) of Napa as you climb aboard this century - old railroad car as it chug down a historic , 150 - yr - onetime rail corridor that sweep 35 statute mile between Downtown Napa , St. Helena and back . Originally built to take riders to Calistoga , the gearing now offer packages that range fromThe Legacy Experience , a six - 60 minutes journey complete with a three - hour runway term of enlistment of Napa Valley , four - course wine-colored state - exhort repast , one - hour vineyard tasting and photo opportunities at the Napa Valley Sign , and one - hour tasting atCharles KrugandV. Sattui , to aGourmet Lunch Express , Murder Mystery , Afternoon Tea , and more .
Relax and recharge in Calistoga
Drink enough wine-colored and you will undoubtedly need to set aside some time to recuperate — not that you ’ll necessitate an excuse to pay a sojourn to one of Calistoga ’s rude hot springs or local health spa .
Indian Springs Resortis California ’s oldest continuously operate mineral pool and health spa , first spread in 1861 , though it ’s savor its share of renovations since then , including the late initiation of a Halotherapy Himalayan Salt Room and new showers with full - spectrum infrared saunas in the clay rooms . Four thermal geyser provide mineral pool and special mud made from volcanic ash , including the Buddha Pond , a speculation pond where spa guests can relax before or after treatments .
know as Calistoga ’s original wellness retreat , Dr. Wilkinson ’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springsrecently earned a remodel , making its cosy cottages , new spa garden , mud baths , and geothermal mineral pools all the more appealing . “ The Works ” is the treatment to try , involve a steamy mineral shower to prep , thermotherapy with volcanic ash , hydrotherapy in a private mineral whirlpool , a geothermic steam , a inhuman cover wrap , and massage therapy . You might as well book a room — you wo n’t desire to move for a while .
Napa Valley Wine Train
Housed within the artistic creation decoMount View Hotel , True Spaoffers massage therapies , aromatherapies , physical structure scrub and mud wraps , and facials , admit a Lemon Matcha Mud Cocoon with a hydrate Lemon Verbena body scrub and a layering of matcha mud before the body is cocooned in a biodegradable wrapper to open pores and allow ingredients to perforate the skin deeply .
And in case you wanted to go on a day watering hole tripping dangerous undertaking , there ’s also the elegantSpa Solage , Calistoga Spa Hot Springs , Golden Haven Hot Springs , and theBaths at Roman Spa .
Try one of Oprah’s favorite things
Once an yearly section on her since - concluded daytime lecture show , Oprah Winfrey has since been loose a list of her preferent things — normally timed with the holiday season — in her monthlyO Magazine . With three localisation in Yountville , St. Helena , and Napa , Model Bakeryearned this prestigious appointment in 2016 and 2021 , with Oprah pronounce , “ I defy you to find a better English gem than these ! ” We agree , whether you make up one’s mind to order it toasted with house - made strawberry mark kettle of fish on the side or as a breakfast sandwich with white cheddar , scrambled testicle , and bacon . As a bonus , Model Bakery now ships their famous English muffin nationwide viaGoldbelly .
Sip and cycle through wine country
Just because your vacation is center on around wine-coloured does n’t mean you have to be stationary the entire prison term . Cyclists can bait on flat easy roads while taking in vineyard view with Getaway Adventures , which host a diverseness of wine rural area tours across Napa and Sonoma Valley , with multi - sidereal day motorcycle turn uncommitted . TheCalistoga Bike and Wine Touris an all - twenty-four hours excursion that spans 12 miles and makes stops at wine maker likeChateau Montelena , Bennett Lane , Envy , Summers , August Briggs , Frank Family , Twomey , T Vine , andClos Pegase , among others . A hybrid motorcycle and helmet , unlimited water supply , and a pushover lunch are included in the tour — tasting fee are an additional monetary value .
If you prefer to take yourself on a ego - guided tour of the valley , there are plenty ofbike rental options . Get a taste of theNapa Valley Vine Trailwith a 12.5 - geographical mile ride that takes you pastNapa Valley Museum , St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery , and other popular spots between Napa and Yountville . Still under construction , the walk and biking lead system will span 47 miles between Vallejo and Calistoga when it ’s completed .
Take a ride with the Michelin guide
Just as a reminder , the Michelin guide was first develop by the tyre company in 1900 , as a way of promote route locomotion , and thus , tire sale . More than a century after the first guide was released , it ’s now a authentic ranking system of the good restaurants and chef around the man , with more than a few standouts in the Napa area .
Snag a reservation at legendaryThe French Laundryif you’re able to , and you ’ll be deal to a gastronomic journey that pairs local seasonal element with refined French proficiency and ends with a box of hand-crafted chocolate . But just in case that does n’t pan out , test your luck at Thomas Keller ’s pared - downBouchon BistroorLa Toque , another Gallic standout with Michelin cred , plus a lengthy wine list . Intimate , 25 - seatKenzooffers a Japanese kaiseki experience where course are artfully plan and timed — attempt to get a seat at the chef ’s counter , where you could chat with the chefs and watch as they compose your meal .
With a name that translates to “ Inn of the Sun ” and a mise en scene among 33 acres of olive Leslie Richard Groves , you ’ll quickly see whyAuberge du Soleil ’s Mediterranean - tone restaurant catapulted Napa ’s fine dining scene when it give four decades ago .
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
Make a pitstop at Gott’s Roadside
With location across San Francisco , you may already be familiar with Gott ’s Roadside , a no - falderol Warren E. Burger stand that defend local ingredients . The democratic eatery has wine country locations in St. Helena and at Napa’sOxbow Public Market ; the perfect option when you need something substantial to souse up that mid - dawn wine-coloured savoring . You ca n’t go wrong with any of the burgers , but we especially love the Western Bacon Blue Ring with beer - battered onion rings and Point Reyes decay blue-blooded cheese , and the Green Chile Cheeseburger with Anaheim gullible chiles and a charred jalapeno mayo spread . Finish it off with a hand - spun milkshake or Root Beer Float .
Pay a visit to Old Faithful
Okay , so you ’re not going to witness the dramatic eruptions thatYellowstone ’s Old Faithful Geyseryields , but you could still channelise down to Calistoga to see salient sprays up to 60 - foot - grandiloquent , happening every 15 to 30 second — or more frequently if there ’s been late rainfall . While you ’re there , take a saunter through the Old Faithful Gardens , where you may admire aboriginal plant and a tranquil mineral water outpouring , then impose Old Faithful Animal Farm to pet Tennessee fainting goats , Jacob ’s Four - Horn Sheep , and Guard Llamas . you’re able to also learn more about how geysers work on at the nearby geology museum .
Book a luxurious stay
There ’s no shortage of indulgent resorts fit for living like royalty , all across Napa Valley . Set on a historic working ranch on the southern edge of Napa , Stanly Ranch Auberge Resorts Collectionopened in April 2022 with 135 cottages and guest rooms , and a focus on wellness that let in musing morning walk through the vineyards and cycle drive along the Napa River , plus other immersive retirement experience .
Nearby , Carneros Resortoffers cottage and sumptuosity homes equip with fenced K and gardens , outdoor shower , and inebriate tubs that make you feel like a glamourous local . Complimentary motorcycle are usable for research and there are even separate pond for grownup and phratry with kids . Sunday picture nights are hosted on the vinery lawn , over with blankets , Adirondack death chair , and complimentary Zea mays everta .
Boutique resortAlila Napa Valleyopened in March 2021 in St. Helena , offering 68 invitee suite with features like out-of-door fireplaces and views of rolling vineyards . Helmed byTop Chef Masterswinner Chris Cosentino , Acacia Houseis a restaurant housed in a restored Georgian farmhouse that specializes in seasonal fare and boast herbs and vegetable from the stamping ground garden . There ’s also a commodious footbridge that makes it easy to pop over to neighboringBeringer vinery — the oldest incessantly operated wine maker in Napa Valley — for a tasting .
The Model Bakery
Go glamping in wine country
Maybe you need to balance out your glam Napa stay by roughing it outdoors — or maybe you just require to save a few dollar bill on accommodations to drop more on wine . Whatever the rationality , Napa Valley offer a few scale - back camping opportunities . Bothe - Napa Valley State Parkhas 45 campsites for tents and RVs , as well as 10 yurts and restored historic cabins , plus tramp lead and a swim kitty , whileSkyline Wilderness Parkoffers collapsible shelter , RV , and Equus caballus tenting .
Check out vineyard views from a hot air balloon
Napa offers plenty of outdoor adventure from hiking to biking to visiting national landmarks , but nothing compare to a bird ’s eye scene of the sun rising over the valley from a hot air balloon ride . Make a reservation withNapa Valley Balloons , Inc.orNapa Valley Aloft Balloons , both of which pull up stakes from Yountville and offer 45 - minute to hour - farseeing balloon ride over the heroic wine region . Napa Valley Aloft Balloons offers an optional post - flight champagne breakfast for $ 28 per person and Napa Valley Balloons volunteer a wine software program that includes a wine tour in summation to your flight .
Catch a concert or festival
Outside of cheese and charcuterie , you ca n’t beat a live concert or euphony festival when it get to ideal wine pairings . gratefully , Napa offers hatful of opportunities to take in this art form with a glass in script .
The annualFestival Napa Valleybrings world - class performances to a gorgeous Napa setting , offering ten days of music , food , and wine from July 15 to July 24 .
Jazz lover will want to grab slate for theBlue Note Jazz Festival , strike office atCharles Krug Wineryfrom July 29–31 , with performances by artist - in - residence Robert Glasper , Terrace Martin , Kamasi Washington , Thundercat , Maxwell , and more , including vino tasting and a VIP experience with the Napa Valley Wine Train , which will be parked at the ground every sidereal day of the fete .
The French Laundry
mind to the classic sounds of Beethoven , Brahms , and other sleeping room musicians duringMusic in the Vineyards , an yearly fete curated by the Napa Valley Chamber of Music that takes place at various Napa vineyards , landed estate , and secret residences from August 3 to August 21 . This twelvemonth ’s programming celebrates women and BIPOC musician who are traditionally overlooked in the manufacture .
Get a history lesson with California brandy
No one is argue Napa Valley as a premiere wine goal , but did you know that it ’s also one of the best places to judge California brandy ? It makes sense — why would n’t these award - winning grapes also lend themselves to producing high - ending brandy ?
As it turns out , California has a account of making brandy that predates the res publica ’s wine-colored industry . you could learn more about the history and try a taste flight with California brandies at theCalifornia Brandy Housein Downtown Napa .
Visit more wineries
And just in case you postulate even more wine recommendation for Napa , let us direct your attention towards historic , folk - ownedSpottswoode Estate , a pioneer in constitutive wine;Brown Estate , Napa Valley ’s first Black - have estate winery;The Prisoner Wine Company , which blend the state ’s full and most unusual varieties;Baldacci Family Vineyards , where you could expand your viticulture and enology education with the Behind the Cellar Door experience;Conn Creek , Raymond Vineyards , andJudd ’s Hill , where you could pick up the fundamental principle of blending and create a custom blend to take house ; andSomerston Estate , where you could roam 1,682 acres of undecomposed terrain during a turn and tasting .
Courtesy of Alila Napa Valley
Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Prisoner Wine
