22 of the Best Places to Visit in Napa Valley
Famous for its wineries and vineyards, Napa Valley has earned its title, but there is so much more to check out while visiting. If you plan a trip to Napa Valley, you can spend your whole trip in wineries, and nobody will blame you. They are fantastic and if you want to venture around but you may be pleasantly surprised by the diversity offered throughout the area.
1. Enjoy Napa Valley – Napa Kayak – Napa River History Tour
Of course a little shameless self promotion is warranted and with the “Napa River History Tour ” you will learn Napa’s most intimate secrets and you will get a chance to pick our brains for insider’s advice from true locals who grew up and live here.
2. Hess Collection Winery and Art Museum
Founded in the 1970s, this winery is a pioneer in mountain wineries. Offering its guests a stunning, panoramic view of the Napa Valley and you can also explore the Donald Hess art collection. Spend the day surrounded by wine and art.
3. The Oxbow Public Market
Enjoy a farmers’ market seven days a week at the Oxbow public market. Definitely a good place to visit and you can pick up fresh produce, handmade items, listen to live music, enjoy artisan baked goods, and stop to eat at a restaurant or cafe.
4. Skyline Wilderness Park
If you are looking to get out and enjoy nature, Skyline wilderness park offers 25 miles of hiking trails teeming with foliage and wildlife. The trails range from beginner to intermediate so that everyone can enjoy them.
5. Domaine Chandon
This winery is a leader in champagne-style wines where will be treated like royalty with colorful picnic spreads, fun cocktails and some of the best sparkling wine you have ever tasted.
- Castello di Amorosa
You will be transported to the Italian countryside when you enter the beautiful Castello di Amorosa. A stunning Tuscan-style castle and you can enjoy a lovely discoveries in the old-world Italy great hall or on the rooftop terrace.
- Food tour
Enjoy a private tour of all the delicious food Napa Valley has to offer and enjoy a food around the scenic Napa Valley while sipping on wine and indulging in cuisine.
- Madonna Estate Winery
A family-owned winery that has been around since 1922. You can taste the love and dedication in the wine. You will be hard-pressed to find a more refined wine using organically grown grapes.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
You are waking up with the sun to get a jump on your day and get a bird’s eye view of the valley. You will be living the dream in a comfy basket and take in the breathtaking views of the Napa Valley.
- Robert Mondavi Winery
Check out what all the fuss is about at the Robert Mondavi Winery and why it is rated number one in the USA and number five in the world. Your taste buds are in for a treat and this winery is the best place in the world where you can indulge in a glass of Fume Blanc, and it is an variety of grapes that has been perfected at this winery.
- Chateau Montelena
This winery has been around for over a century and has a vast range of wines they offer. If heading out with a group of friends to the Chateau Montelena and there will be something for everyone.
- Jacuzzi Family Vineyard
The Italian root of this winery really shines through every aspect of the wines and property. Check out the select varieties of wine offered here and if you are into Montepulciano, this is a must-stop in your visit to the Napa Valley.
- Grgich Hills Estate
If you want a wine tasting, then head over to the Grgich Hills Estate. Established in 1976 and a winner at the historic Paris Wine tasting competition and you are in for a great day with fantastic wine and amazing service.
- Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
This is the place to be if you are interested in art and what Northern California artists have been up to. Head over to Di Rosa Center for contemporary art and get a feel for the local community.
- Safari West
A unique experience in the Napa Valley is the once cattle ranch turned wildlife conservation called Safari West. You can connect with exotic animals and learn about them. You can also camp here or glamping if camping isn’t really your thing and reconnect with mother nature.
- Old Faithful Geyser
The old faithful geyser has earned its name for consistent and reliable eruptions. You can take in the beauty of the geyser erupting and producing shimmering rainbows. This is a highly photographic location and will leave you in awe.
- Clos du Val
You will find bold French wines at Clos du Val made with modern American winemaking. If you are a fan of French-styled wine then you will not want to pass on a visit to this winery.
- Petrified Forest
These petrified redwoods date back 3.4 million years and are quite a sight to see. You can take a guided tour or wander around yourself and check out these volcanically preserved redwoods.
- Indian Springs
Take some time to pamper yourself while visiting Napa Valley at Indian Springs. You can indulge in their famous mud baths, hang out at the pool, or relax by Buddha Pond, which has its own geyser. You can find peace and renew your sense of calm while on vacation.
- Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
You can make a day trip to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or you can use the campgrounds or rent a private cabin. The park offers lots of trails, redwoods and hiking, giving you lots of space to reconnect with mother nature.
- Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
This old mill lets you take a peek at what rural life used to be like in the Napa Valley. If you are a history buff, then this is a must-see. Full of artifacts, you can take the 2.4-mile walk through history and appreciate the area’s history a little more.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Napa Valley roll by as you ride this vintage luxury train. You can ride the train for a gourmet lunch or dinner and enjoy some of the best wines Napa Valley has to offer.
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.