Experiencing the real Napa Valley is all about balance. Just like a great glass of wine, Napa Valley is full of a lot of fun and full of flavor. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, a wine lovers paradise, and the culinary capital of California.
While most visits to Napa Valley typically involve a lot of wine, there are dozens of other things to discover in the area; grapes aren’t the only things in abundance in Napa. Whether you want to connect with nature, fill the day with shopping and fine dining, or spruce up your cooking skills, there are loads of amazing opportunities to choose from.
Here are 10 of the best things to do while visiting Napa Valley:
Visit Napa Valley Wineries
It’s no secret that Napa Vally has a fabulous wine scene; one of the best in the country. A trip to Napa isn’t complete without going on a wine tasting throughout the various vineyards and wineries in the area. Even if you aren’t a wine person, this experience is what the area is all about, and is essential to any trip to Napa. Napa Valley is the birthplace of some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, in addition to Merlots, Chardonnays, and Zinfandels. Wine tastings average around $40 per person, or, purchasing a full bottle may waive this fee. Tours are available all throughout the region, or you can opt by taking a road trip through Napa on your own.Soak in a Natural Hot Springs
There’s no better way to relax after a day of exploring and wine tastings, than soaking in a peaceful natural hot spring. Around 8,000 years ago, the local Indigenous Wappo Tribe believed that hot mineral water had healing powers. It has been proven that natural hot springs are good for personal well-being, increases metabolism, and lower stress levels.
Calistoga is the home to natural hot springs and geothermal spas in Napa Valley. Keep in mind, that most of them are located on private property at hotels and spas. If a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring is a must-do while in Napa, be sure to book at least one night at a hot springs resort.
Spend a Day on the Napa River
The Napa River spans 55 miles from Mt. St. Helena to San Pablo Bay. It includes open waters, narrow passages, and wooded lined dogwood trees. Spending a day on the river kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding is an excellent choice for an afternoon adventure in Napa.
Take a tour or go solo, and experience the natural serenity and forested wonders up and down the rivers. If you opt for the tour, guides will inform you about the river’s history, and animal species, and point out famous landmarks. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as beavers, turtles, birds, and otters.
Go Olive Oil Tasting
Take a Cooking Class
The cuisine in Napa Valley revolves around the farm-to-table style of cooking. California is rich in agriculture and inspires colorful, healthy product-driven dishes. Some of the world’s best culinary artists eventually make their way to Napa Valley; take a cooking class and learn from the best of the best.
Taking a cooking class will sharpen your cooking skills by practicing making homemade pasta, picking out the best fruits and veggies at the farmers market, and producing some of the best recipes around. Depending on how deep you want to dive into the culinary side of Napa, the Culinary Institutio of America offers multi-day classes and cooking boot camps.
Go Shopping
While Napa is the largest town in the Valley, it’s still rather small, and very walkable. It’s been the center of commerce for over 180 years and was built up by merchants around the trading town. Now, things are a bit more upscale.
Napa Valley has fabulous shopping opportunities for luxury, gourmet products, and hip and trendy local designs. Some great options are the Oxbow Market, Ritual Coffee Roaster, Nostalgia of Napa, Macbella, and Whole Spice. Strolling around the streets of Napa and bouncing from shop to shop is a great way to see more of the city, and the perfect time to pick up any souvenirs or gifts to bring home.
Take a Hot Air Baloon Ride
One of the most famous attractions in Napa Valley is the beloved Napa Valley Wine Train. For 3 hours, the train takes you through mountains of vineyards, while enjoying a multi-course meal with various wine options. While the train was originally constructed to connect Napa and Calistoga, it’s now one of the best ways to have a scenic experience through the Valley.
The train has a modern 20th vibe with a plush seat, mahogany paneling, and fancy white aesthetics. With that being said, keep in mind it is not a party bus, as it is more of a sophisticated and classy experience.
Take a Hot Air Baloon Ride
What better way to see Napa Valley than from a birds-ey view? Taking a hot air balloon ride over Napa is the best way to soak in the surrounding hills and mountains and marvel at the region’s beauty. While it can be pricey, a hot air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is well worth the price.
Typically, hot air balloon rides take place in the morning, offering gorgeous views, as well as coffee. Rides will last for about an hour, while your guide will fill you in on local highlights, history, and landmarks. The floating sensation is so serene and is an ideal way to get a different perspective of the valley.
Go on a Hike
Napa Valley is beautiful, and it’s a great location for those who love nature and the great outdoors. The area has a status of an Agricultural Preserve, offering thousands of acres to wander around and explore. Indulge in the majestic scenic mountains, redwood trees, flor and fauna, and loads of hiking trails.
While there are many options, some of the best hikes in Napa Valley are Alston Park, Rim Rock Trail, River to Ridge Trail, and Linda Falls.
Go Craft Beer Tasting
Wine isn’t the only fun beverage produced in the family. In addition to an abundance of vineyards and distillers, there are also multiple breweries and distilleries as well. Craft Beer tasting will allow you to experience a different taste of the valley, Head downtown as there is a half a mile radius of opportunities for a day of beer tasting.
Some of the best local breweries and distilleries in Napa Valley are Fieldwork Brewing, Trade Brewing, and the Napa Valley Distillery.