Things to do in Napa
Late spring and early fall bring warm, dry days ideal for tasting on the patio. Harvest (crush) runs roughly August through October and is the liveliest, busiest time; winter is quiet, green, and good for value.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Napa
Oxbow Public MarketDo not miss
A buzzing downtown food hall of local oysters, cheese, charcuterie, tacos, and coffee beside the Napa River.
Market · 1.5 hr4.6
Robert Mondavi WineryDo not miss
The mission-style estate that put Napa on the world wine map, with a famous arch and a deep cellar tour and tasting.
Activity · 2 hr4.4
Beringer VineyardsDo not miss
Napa's oldest continuously operating winery, with the ornate Rhine House mansion and hand-dug aging tunnels.
Activity · 2 hr4.3
Domaine CarnerosDo not miss
A hilltop chateau modeled on a French estate where you sip estate sparkling wine on a grand terrace overlooking the Carneros vineyards.
Activity · 2 hr4.3
Sterling VineyardsDo not miss
Ride an aerial tram up to a white hilltop winery for a self-guided tour and panoramic valley views with your glass in hand.
Activity · 2 hr4.3
Castello di AmorosaDo not miss
A meticulously built 13th-century-style Tuscan castle with a moat, drawbridge, and dungeon, paired with estate wine tastings.
Activity · 2 hr4.2
CalistogaDo not miss
A laid-back Old West spa town famous for geothermal hot springs, mud baths, and a relaxed up-valley wine scene.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr
Downtown NapaDo not miss
A walkable riverfront core of tasting rooms, restaurants, the Oxbow market, and the historic Napa Valley Opera House.
Neighborhood · 1.8 hr
St Helena Main StreetDo not miss
An elegant tree-lined main street of stone storefronts, boutiques, olive oil shops, and acclaimed restaurants in the up-valley heart.
Neighborhood · 1.5 hr
YountvilleDo not miss
A tiny village with more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere, anchored by The French Laundry and Bouchon Bakery.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr
Yountville Pioneer Cemetery
The resting place of George Yount, the valley's first settler, a quiet shaded stop of early Napa history.
Historic Site · 28 min5
First Street Napa Tasting Rooms
A cluster of downtown walk-in tasting rooms and bars where you can sample valley wines without a single drive.
Food District · 1.8 hr4.8
Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides
Drift over the vineyards at sunrise on a hot air balloon flight for the most magical view of the valley floor.
Activity · 3.5 hr4.8
Napa Valley Distillery
A change from wine: a downtown distillery tasting room pouring barrel-aged spirits and craft cocktails.
Activity · 1.1 hr4.7
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Always reserve winery tastings in advance; most Napa wineries are by appointment only and walk-ins are rare.
- Designate a sober driver or book a car service or wine tour; DUI enforcement is strict and tasting fees add up.
- Tasting fees run roughly $40 to $100 per person and are often waived with a bottle purchase.
- Plan two or three wineries per day at most so you are not rushed and can drive safely between stops.
- Up-valley towns (St Helena, Calistoga) are a 30 to 45 minute drive from the city of Napa; build in travel time.