- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Napa
Napa's downtown reflects its 1847 founding and a later silver rush boom. You'll find preserved Victorian and Italianate architecture, like the 1880 Napa Valley Opera House. A hidden gem is the First Presbyterian Church, home to stunning Tiffany windows.
When visiting Napa, explore beyond vineyards. Skyline Wilderness Park offers over 25 miles of trails. Kayak the restored Napa River for a unique perspective or cycle the scenic Silverado Trail. In winter, yellow mustard flowers carpet the valley floor.
Napa's cuisine extends past its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The farm-to-table ethos is real, best experienced at Oxbow Public Market, a hub for local artisans. Here you can find everything from Hog Island oysters to Model Bakery's English muffins.
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- NapaUnited States
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightJacket
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #Camera
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days for vineyards & nearby attractions
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #NapaValleyWineries
- #OxbowPublicMarket
- #CastelloDiAmorosa
- #Yountville
- #NapaRiverfront
- #BeringerVineyards
- Wine tasting at local vineyards
- Hot air balloon ride
- Dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant
- Explore art galleries
- Relax in a spa
Recommended Hotels in Napa by Experience
Things to do in Napa
Discover
Exploring Napa reveals stunning sights from the medieval-style Castello di Amorosa to the lively Oxbow Public Market. Enjoy the serene Napa River, discover unique public art installations, and wander through historic downtown districts.
Experience
Ride a hot air balloon at sunrise for valley views, cycle the scenic Silverado Trail, or take a cooking class. Enjoy cultural events like BottleRock Napa Valley, embark on wine tasting tours, or visit the Napa Farmers Market for local goods.
Castello di Amorosa
Authentic Tuscan castle and winery with guided tours.
Oxbow Public Market
Bustling marketplace with local artisan food and wine.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Vintage train offering gourmet meals and scenic winery tours.
Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sunrise flight over vineyards for panoramic valley views.
Uptown Theatre Napa
Restored 1937 art deco theater for live music and comedy.
Skyline Wilderness Park
Over 850 acres of trails for hiking, biking, and riding.
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
Art center featuring works by Northern California artists.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into SFO, OAK, or SMF, all ~1.5 hours away. The best option for Napa airport to city center travel is a pre-booked Napa shuttle bus or a car rental in Napa. Amtrak offers a train to Napa via Martinez (MTZ) with a connecting bus.
Getting Around
Driving in Napa offers the most freedom between wineries. The Vine Transit bus is the main public transport in Napa, with routes through the valley. Ride-sharing services are available, but can be spotty. Consider the scenic Napa Valley Wine Train.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Napa, book winery tastings far in advance. Highway 29 traffic is heavy; use Silverado Trail. Cell service is patchy; download offline maps. Here are some Napa travel tips for first-timers: DUI checks are frequent.
Where to Stay in Napa
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Where to eat in Napa? Explore its farm-to-table ethos with artisan cheeses and oysters. Taste world-class Cabernet Sauvignon with every meal, a key dining habit. Relaxed patio lunches are a cherished ritual.
Enjoy
Eat at Gott's Roadside for upscale burgers in a busy, casual setting; order ahead. Bounty Hunter Wine Bar has a rustic vibe; try brisket. It's one of the best bars in Napa. The Model Bakery is bustling and aromatic; grab muffins.
Cole's Chop House
A classic American steakhouse experience.
Morimoto Napa
Iron Chef's acclaimed Japanese fare. Sleek riverfront views.
Bistro Don Giovanni
Lovely Italian countryside dining. It is always busy.
Gott's Roadside
Iconic burgers and California fare. Casual, expect lines.
Hog Island Oyster Company
Fresh oysters and seafood plates. Waterside, lively setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Napa's heritage through its annual festivities, such as the must-see Christmas Parade and 4th of July events. The Napa Town & Country Fair in August continues a century-long tradition of celebrating local agriculture.
Enjoy
Discover modern Napa attractions through diverse creative events. Festival Napa Valley offers classical and jazz performances in iconic settings. The Uptown Theatre hosts rock, blues, and comedy acts year-round, shaping the city's cultural pulse.
BottleRock Napa Valley
May music festival with A-list artists, food, and wine.
Festival Napa Valley
A July celebration of music, food, wine, and the arts.
Napa Truffle Festival
A four-day culinary event in January celebrating truffles.
Napa Valley Film Festival
November festival showcasing independent films and filmmakers.
Napa Lighted Art Festival
Winter art walk with light installations in Downtown Napa.
Napa Town & Country Fair
August fair with carnival rides, concerts, and exhibits.
Napa's 4th of July Celebration
A patriotic parade and a spectacular evening drone show.
Simply beautiful wine country
Napa is just stunning with its rolling hills and endless vineyards. The whole valley has a laid-back, upscale feel. It's a perfect place to unwind, sip great wine, and just enjoy the scenery. So much more than just a day trip destination.
Great for foodies too!
Came for the wine, but the food scene was just as impressive. The quality of the restaurants is top-notch. We found some amazing local cheese and bread at the Oxbow Public Market. Everything is so fresh and pairs perfectly with the local wines.
Perfect romantic escape
Such a romantic place for a getaway. The mornings are so peaceful, and the evenings are perfect for a cozy dinner. Driving along the Silverado Trail with the windows down was a highlight. It felt like we were a world away from everything.
More than just vineyards
Napa has a lot to offer besides wine tasting. We took a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, and the views were absolutely incredible. The whole valley looked amazing from up there. It's a great way to see the area from a different perspective.
Cozy winter visit
Visiting in the off-season was a great choice. It was much quieter and felt more personal. The Cabernet Sauvignon tastes amazing this time of year. Had a great time exploring the little shops and cafes in St. Helena without the big crowds.
Absolutely gorgeous area
The landscape is just beautiful everywhere you look. It's so well-kept and clean. The towns are cute, especially Calistoga with its unique shops. The people working at the wineries were super knowledgeable and friendly, which made it all better.