The Napa Valley, just north of San Francisco, is one of North America’s most celebrated (and award-winning) wine regions. It’s full of vineyards, gorgeous scenery, and cute little towns. It’s a place worth visiting when exploring the best of California. Trust me, you’ll be spoiled for choice with so much to do in Napa Valley.
It’s a great area of California.
Here are some of the top places we love in Napa Valley (and the surrounding area) so you can make the most of your stay. This way you can focus on the all-important wines, balloon flights and walks that make this area so special.
Take a look below at some of the best things to do in Napa Valley.
1.) Satui Winery, St. Helena
Well, we all know that Napa Valley is the epitome of good wine, right? There are many places where you can do this.
For us you will definitely want to visit Satui Winery It has a history dating back to the 1800’s. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Napa Valley. Especially if you want to visit established historic vineyards that are easily accessible.
To make things easier, Book this day tour from San Francisco Experience the gorgeous vineyards of Napa Valley. You can also visit his 3 most famous wineries and stroll through the vineyards.
Plus, you have plenty of time to drink.
St. Helena offers balloon tours, bike tours, walking tours, airplane tours, culinary tours, private tours and many other types of tours to learn more about and explore the place.
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2.) Yountville
Want a delicious gourmet experience during your vacation?
Then, head to Yountville in Napa Valley. Honestly he is one of the best things to do in Napa Valley if you want to spend a day away from the vineyards.
To start the day with a great breakfast, head to Bouchon Bakery. The handmade bread is exquisite, so get it before it’s sold out.
If you miss them, head across the street to Mini Models instead.
Finally, head over to and reserve a table french laundryOne of Thomas Keller’s delicious fine dining restaurants in Napa Valley. Choose the chef’s tasting his menu and you’re in for a treat.
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3.) Napa Valley Wine Train
See, we love a good train journey…especially when award-winning wines are included!
If that sounds like fun, Napa Valley Wine Train It’s one of the best things to do in Napa Valley while in the area.
The experience is very special and well worth the ticket price. Be sure to book online before heading to Napa Valley. Space is limited and this is very popular.
Enjoy multiple meals and award-winning Napa Valley wines on board the historic train. Starting and arriving in St. Helena is over 30 miles round trip and is a great way to see more of the area.
I love the “Legacy Experience” tickets they offer. About 3 hours on the train and 3 hours at different wineries he spends. Additionally, a 4-course meal and plenty of wine are included.
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4.) Napa Valley Museum
Now, I know you’ve already mentioned Yountville, but I had to designate a dedicated location for visiting the Napa Valley Museum. It’s such a special place to see in the area and one of the best things to do in Napa Valley if you want to learn more about historical artifacts.
You know, this spot isn’t about wine. Although small, it’s a great way to break up the day if you’re feeling a little ‘vineyard tired’.
Once inside, you can see historical artefacts, photographs, and paintings from the wider area. The museum also hosts a variety of exhibitions, showcasing local, regional and national artists and private collections. A great little spot for 45 minutes.
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5.) Skyline Wilderness Park, Napa
At the foot of the picturesque Napa Valley, Skyline Wilderness Park is one of the best places to visit during your road trip through the region. In fact, it’s on the urban fringes of Napa itself.
If you’re looking for something other than wine, Skyline Wilderness Park is also great for picnics, camping and trails. Loved the Buckeye Trail.
With over 800 acres to explore, you can spend a lazy sunny afternoon here. You might spot wild turkeys, geese and deer. So keep an eye out!
Don’t forget there’s also the Archery Range, Martha Walker Gardens, Lake Murray, and Caldwell Vineyards shy of the park itself.
Read more: Best places to visit on your California road trip
6.) Oxbow Public Market, Napa
ok, if you were like me, you would love Oxbow Public MarketIt’s one of the best things to do in Napa Valley, especially if you’re spending time in the city of Napa.
Once here, you can sample the best farms and local foods that make this area so special. Sure, there’s fresh produce and bread, but what makes the Oxbow Public Market so special are the other delicious dining spots.
You can get it all from sushi, wood-fired pizza, and local honey and wine tasting spots (if you haven’t set foot in the valley itself).
Then book a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley at sunset. Be sure to book your ride before visiting Napa Valley and be prepared for last-minute changes to your hot air balloon ride. After all, everything depends on the weather.
There are now several companies to choose from. Some of the most popular and trusted are: Napa Valley Aloft, Balloons Above the Valley or Napa Valley Balloons Inc..
Both offer seasonal balloon flights and are a great way to see Napa Valley from a different perspective.
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7.) Napa Art Walk
All done with wine? What are you doing! Ha!
Jokes aside, if you want to get away from the grape variety for a bit, hang out and hang out. Napa Art Walk.
Launched in 2009 with the first Napa Art Walk exhibition, this semi-annual event is a great way to explore the city.
Free maps of the Napa Art Walk are available at 600 Main Street, the Napa River Inn, the Napa Valley Welcome Center (and onlineclearly).
Plus, experience a Napa Art Walk Audio Tour recorded by the artists themselves.
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8.) Safari West
Promoting conservation and environmental education activities, Safari West aims to share knowledge and empower people to think about sustainability and what they can do to help the environment in the heart of Sonoma.
About 1,000 animals currently live at Safari West, and may even stay overnight. Worth a little look if you’re facing the younger members of your family. After all, the vineyard is very interesting for children.
Then, drive through Napa Valley and surrounding areas, stopping at Redson Winery.
The estate located near Santa Rosa is absolutely beautiful and one of the best things to do in Napa Valley around Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
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9.) Palmas Vineyards
One of Napa Valley’s finest wineries is Palma’s Vineyards. Not only that, but they also serve delicious Cabernet Sauvignon and are well worth a visit while in the Valley.
With over 50 acres of land, this rather sprawling and cozy winery has some delicious wines to try on your route to the top spots in Napa Valley.
Not only that, but Palmas Vineyards has a cool (and practical) underground wine cave. An impressive underground dome is used for fermentation and Pamaz’s unique winemaking process. we love it!
Also, don’t forget that the Shadybrook Estate Winery is just around the corner. You can easily partner both (or more) in one visit.
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10.) Amorosa Castle
Now, one of my favorite wineries in Napa Valley is Castello di AmorosaWith a castle, you can forgive yourself for thinking you’ve arrived in the rolling hills of Tuscany.
For your convenience, Book this guided tour to Castello di Amorosa Depart from San Francisco. Very easy to visit and the wine tour is just out of this world.
The whole history behind the castle and the Winder vineyards is amazing. In fact, he’s one of the best vineyards in Napa Valley that you can’t miss.
surely Book this tour in advanceTours fill up quickly during peak Napa Valley times. To be honest, pictures don’t do justice to this vineyard.
Ever wanted to get away from the vineyard for a while (who ever said that)? next, petrified forestEasily accessible on a day trip from Sacramento or San Francisco, it’s worth a stop if you’re in the Napa Valley area.
Open daily, viewing the largest sequoia redwood trees is one of the top Napa Valley activities. Over millions of years, trees have fossilized and look almost like rocks.
Once here, check out the small hikes and walks around the park. Some take about 20 minutes and are fairly easy for families.
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11.) Vale Grist Mill and Beaute Napa Valley State Park
Just steps away from Beaute Napa Valley State Park, Vale Grist Mill State Park is one of the top things to do in Napa Valley after exploring the Castello di Amorosa.
Here you’ll find a 36-foot watermill and gristmill first built in the 1800s. Long ago, before wine arrived in Napa Valley, mills were used to grind local corn and wheat for the thriving regions of California.
For more information, you can join a history tour or milling demonstration most weekends.
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