12 Best Things To Do in Napa
When you hear the name Napa, I’m sure your mind goes to wines; you’re not wrong. The region is known for its wineries and vineyards. However, there is so much more to Napa, and you are in for a treat when you come for a visit.
Napa is in the Napa Valley and consists of around 76,000 people, and it is the largest city in Napa County.
There is something for everyone in Napa. You are sure to have a full itinerary while you visit, and we have gathered up 12 things for you to check out while in Napa.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Explore Napa from the river with a guided kayak tour or flexible self-guided rental from the Main Street Dock in downtown Napa.
12 things to check out in Napa
- Paddleboard down the Napa River
The Napa River is calm, so despite your experience level, paddle boarding on it is safe and a great way to get into nature for the day. You can rent a paddleboard from Enjoy Napa Valley. There are a few different routes to take, and all of them are full of scenic views and picturesque landscapes.
- Experience Connolly Ranch
This is a perfect getaway for the day and a chance to learn how a farm works. You will meet the farm animals and learn how they are taken care of. You will also learn about sustainable farming and how to grow healthy food. An open house is hosted once a week to meet the animals and hang out in the gardens. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at the farm.
- Check out Calistoga’s petrified forest
Wine may be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Napa Valley, but it is also famed for being the biggest petrified redwood tree on the earth. These trees were fossilized about 3.4 million years ago when a nearby volcano erupted. The trail is only a half-mile long, and you can see the trees right from the path. You can sign up for a guided tour or explore freely.
- Explore art at the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
This is a 217-acre property that is a former vineyard. You will find an outdoor sculpture garden, an indoor gallery, and a stunning lake. You can wander around the property indoors and out to admire the artwork. There are over 2,000 pieces created by 800 artists. You will find historical artifacts and an art collection from local artists. You can sign up for a guided tour or take your time exploring on your own.
- Spend the day at Skyline wilderness park
You can spend an entire day or even an entire week at Skyline wilderness park and still have lots to explore. This park is 850-acres, and it has a campground, over 25 miles of hiking trails, Martha Walker habitat garden, picnic areas, and tons of wildlife.
You can use the trails to go horseback riding, hop on your bike, or go for a hike. Be sure to keep an eye on all the wildlife you may see. This is a peaceful place to get in touch with nature.
- Take a tour of O’Brien Estate
If you are looking for a wine tour, then checking out famed wineries should be on your list. O’Brien Estate is 40 acres of property with a winery and vineyards. You can taste wine that was made in the winery, as well as take a guided tour of the property. You will learn about how the glass of wine you so enjoyed came to be.
- Explore the Oxbow public market
The Oxbow public market is found in downtown Napa, and it is unlike other markets, and it is an experience you won’t soon forget. As you wander around the Oxbow public market, you will find fresh produce, handmade items, furniture, watch a cooking demo or two, listen to live music and can grab a bit to eat at one of the many restaurants or cafes. You can also enjoy a beer or wine tasting while visiting this market.
- Experience Napa County historical society
Napa Valley has a rich history. You can take a guided tour of the Napa County historical society and learn about the past from knowledgeable historians. You can wander around the museum and see various books, maps, artifacts, and photos gathered over the years.
- Watch a show at the Napa Valley opera house
Located in downtown Napa in a historic building built in 1879, you can enjoy the performing arts that Napa Valley has to offer. You will find plays, music, concerts, and dance performances to enjoy for a night out.
- Indulge at TORC
If fine dining is something you hope to indulge in while visiting Napa, then you don’t need to look any further than TORC. This is a gourmet farm-to-table experience, and you will dine to upbeat music in a stylish setting. Some of the menu items you can expect to find are pork belly, Maine diver scallops, Jamon Iberico, duck wings, and of course, local wines that pair beautifully with your meal.
- Check out the Gordon Huether studio and gallery
Gordon Huether is a local artist in Napa, and he is known for creating art out of forks. His studio has 8,000 forks, as well as stunning large-scale sculptures. A lot of these pieces are made with recycled items.
- Have a playdate at playground fantastico
This is a must if you have little ones with you while in Napa. This is an impressive park with lots of green space and tons of fun attractions to keep everyone busy. You will find a castle-themed playground, a sandpit, a fort, a climbing area, and a picnic area so you can make a whole day out playing at this park.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Explore Napa from the river with a guided kayak tour or flexible self-guided rental from the Main Street Dock in downtown Napa.