As one of the most iconic wine destinations in the world, Napa Valley draws in thousands of visitors every year. An interest in wine and food may be what initially gets you here, but the breathtaking landscape, historical sites, and ample outdoor experiences will add to the enjoyment of your trip.
Located 50 miles north of San Francisco, entering Napa Valley is like stepping into a different world. From thriving wineries to five-star restaurants sprinkled throughout the valley, it’s truly a destination you have to experience in order to fully appreciate its magic.
From the historic castle winery in Calistoga to hot air ballon trips over famous vineyards to the olive oil tasting in St. Helena, Napa Valley offers an abundance of activities for families, couples, groups, and solo travelers. Looking for some guidance as you create the perfect itinerary for your Napa Valley trip? We’re highlighting the top things to do in Napa Valley in this post!
Overview: Embark on a personalized wine tour at one of your choice wineries in Napa and become a winemaker for the day. Harvest season in Napa is from August to October and select wineries will allow visitors the opportunity to pick and crush grapes and learn how the entire winemaking process works.
Duration: at least 3 to 5 hours
Perfect for: Couples who want a unique experience in Napa, wine lovers looking for something outside of standard wine tasting, or groups/ bachelorette parties who want a full-day activity.
What Makes it Unique: Winetasting is a fun, memorable experience, but you can have a similar experience at most wineries. Becoming a winemaker gives you access to the experts in the field, who know the intricacies and complications of winemaking so you can gain a real understanding of what it takes to create a smooth blend that will fly off the shelves.
BP’s Insider Tip: Sitting in on a session to learn to be a wine maker must be reserved in advance. Create a custom famous Bordeaux-style red blend at Raymond Vineyards or sign up for the unique blending day camp experience at Judd’s Hill. If you plan to make a day of it, be sure to hire a chauffeur or private car so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor without worrying about transportation.
Overview: Cook your way through Napa Valley with hands-on classes at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley! Learn from the expert faculty including master chefs and restaurateurs as they teach classes like Bread for Beginners, Hors d'Oeuvres at Home, and Celebrating French Cuisine. The institute also offers wine and cocktail classes where you’ll gain useful knowledge about beverage pairing.
Duration: at least 2-4 hours
Perfect for: Couples wanting a unique and romantic date night that blends the delicious wine and food from Napa Valley, groups and foodies looking for a fun way to spend the evening while learning about Napa’s food and wine scene.
What Makes it Unique: You can take a cooking class anywhere, but in the heart of Napa Valley, food and wine creation requires a special touch. Learn the basics from the professionals so you can host with confidence and gain an appreciation for the complexities of cuisines from around the world
BP’s Insider Tip: Book a hands-on cooking class for a fun date night, or enjoy a private cooking class in a group setting. For larger groups, be sure to call ahead to make a reservation to receive a special rate and select from the cuisine options you’d like to cook.
Overview: Calling all foodies! While in Napa Valley, you simply can’t miss a renowned dining experience at The French Laundry, a Three-Michelin-star restaurant located in Yountville. Run by world-famous chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller, guests will sink their teeth into the freshest ingredients in Napa including signature oysters, Pacific shima aji tartare, Wolf Ranch Quail, and many other delicacies.
Duration: 2-5 hours
Perfect for: Foodies looking for an unparalleled dining experience, and couples who want to enjoy a memorable date night with the best food in the city.
What Makes it Unique: Far from just a standard Napa restaurant, The French Laundry was thoughtfully designed to create stunning visual appeal for patrons. From the counter height to the flowing lines of the ceiling, every component works in unison to create a relaxing, modern atmosphere.
BP’s Insider Tip: Seats at this culinary mecca are in high demand, so plan to make reservations months in advance. The French Laundry is open for dinner, seven days a week. The first seating is at 4pm, and the last seating starts at 8pm. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly, so be open to anything when you walk through the doors.
Overview: Napa’s warm days and cool nights offer the ideal environment for olives to grow (as well as grapes), so tasting some of Napa’s fine olive oil is a must for visitors! You’ll learn all about olive cultivation, harvesting, and the artisan methods of olive oil production through a small group immersive tasting experience at one of Napa’s stunning wineries.
Duration: between 2 and 3 hours
Perfect for: Couples and groups who want to visit Napa’s wineries while enjoying their seasonal bounty paired with delicious wine and other bites
What Makes it Unique: Wine tasting is easy to come by in Napa Valley, but olive oil is a unique, seasonal experience that provides visitors with an inside look at other operations within local wineries. Taste unique olive oils and red wine or balsamic vinegars deep in the heart of Napa Valley with a backdrop that will take your breath away.
BP’s Insider Tip: Olive harvest follows the grape harvest and occurs in October and November in Napa Valley. Stop at Round Pond Estate in Rutherford or Grove 45 in St. Helena for a memorable olive oil tasting experience. Many vineyards sell their olive oil on-site, so be sure to grab some on your way out to enjoy with cheese and fresh bread!
Overview: Looking for a change of scenery during your Napa stay? Charter a private yacht and spend a magical day cruising the Napa River in luxury. Soak in the beauty of the valley’s vineyards, hills, and wineries from the water as you enjoy the region’s most delectable wines and fresh food pairings.
Duration: at least 3 to 4 hours
Perfect for: Couples looking for a romantic day spent on the water, groups who want to see more of Napa Valley from the water, families with older children looking to enjoy a day off from wine tours.
What Makes it Unique: Many private yachts offer wine-tasting packages that include sampling local Napa wines, bringing the winery experience to the water. Some luxury Napa River yachts also offer gourmet catering options to pair with the wines, to provide an elevated experience. Take a standard trip to the vineyards out onto the water for a day trip you’ll talk about for years to come.
BP’s Insider Tip: Make your river trip a memorable one by booking a private yacht that offers special amenities, like yoga, massages, live music, and much more. Most chartered yachts offer half and full-day cruise experiences with many appealing amenities. Average prices for a private yacht range from 1,500 to over 3,000 per charter (depending on amenities and duration) so be sure to inquire about accurate pricing based on the type of cruise you’re looking for.
Overview: Get a first-hand look at the charming world of fine wines alongside an authentically styled 14th-century Tuscan castle winery at Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley! Explore the lush castle grounds on a guided estate tour, sample many of the castle’s exquisite wines, and tuck into a delicious food and wine pairing experience you’ll never forget.
Duration: at least 2 hours
Perfect for: Wine aficionados, couples, and groups wanting to explore one of Napa’s most historic wineries and experience a phenomenal food and wine pairing service.
What Makes it Unique: For an authentic Italian wine experience, no winery holds the candle to Castella di Amorosa in Napa. The architectural masterpiece offers all the elements of an authentic castle; a moat, drawbridge, towers, ramparts, courtyards, and more. Take a trip into the past when you visit this stunning Italian castle in the Napa countryside.
BP’s Insider Tip: Book a guided tour through owner and winemaker Dario’s cellar and explore the treasure trove of meticulously crafted wines, including a rich Cabernet and a crisp Chardonnay. The castle requires reservations for a tasting, so be sure to book ahead of time!
Overview: Delight the senses with a night spent at the Blue Note Napa — the area’s famed live music jazz club and gourmet restaurant! Occupying the first floor of the historic Napa Valley Opera House, the Blue Note Napa has welcomed world-renowned jazz musicians including the Gipsy Kings, Eric Darius, and many others.
Duration: 90 minutes
Perfect for: Jazz lovers, couples, and small groups wanting to enjoy live music in a laid-back, intimate atmosphere. Whether you’re a jazz fanatic or just appreciate a live music setting, Blue Note Napa is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing evening.
What Makes it Unique: Blue Note Napa offers an intimate, living room-style ambiance for guests; enjoy live music from the legends up close as you sip craft cocktails and wine, and eat delicious farm-fresh menu items to satisfy every taste bud.
BP’s Insider Tip: Seating at the Blue Note is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to arrive early so you can get the best seats in the house! Check the website ahead of time to see who is performing while you’re in town. No children under 8.
Overview: Explore the nearly 1,600 works of art by Northern California artists at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art. Witness the park’s outdoor art exhibits, Sculpture Meadow, Courtyard, and nature hikes, spanning 200 acres of sweeping vistas in Napa Valley. Take in the breathtaking views of the lush valley as you explore outdoor exhibits and immerse yourself in the peace of nature.
Duration: at least 2 hours
Perfect for: Art lovers, groups, and families to learn about the art and culture of Northern California, spend time outdoors, and take in Napa’s spectacular outdoor beauty.
What Makes it Unique: An outdoor art gallery offering interactive components for kids and adults alike, di Rosa is a must-see for a memorable day spent in nature’s beauty. Explore modern and contemporary art with your partner, a group, or the whole family. All are welcome!
BP’s Insider Tip: If you’re traveling in a group, reserve a private tour of the museum and art park for an insider’s look with a helpful docent. Don’t miss a view of the 35-acre lake and take in all the sights and sounds on the Courtyard, from blooming flora to chirping songbirds. There’s so much to see and hear!
Take an immersive ride through beautiful Wine Country aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train with your special someone.
Take in the stunning views of vineyards and wineries from the skies on a private hot air balloon ride!
Head north to Calistoga for a day of pampering and relaxation at one of the many spas in the area.
Mingle with friends while sampling some exquisite local wines during a private group tasting in Napa Valley.
Get your sweat on across 47 miles of scenic wine country by bike or foot on the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
In the mood for some shopping? Explore the vibrant Oxbow Public Market for great local food, wine, and artisanal goods in downtown Napa.
Get outdoors and soak up the sun while exploring the area’s lush, natural beauty at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.
Looking for a physical challenge while in Napa? Go for a rock climbing adventure with the whole family!
Yes, you read that right — there’s an Old Faithful geyser right here in Napa!
Napa is an amazing place to visit, but creating your vacation itinerary can be overwhelming. BeautifulPlaces concierge team is dedicated to helping our clients enjoy Wine Country without having to coordinate plans, make reservations, and all the minute details that come with creating a memorable vacation.
Contact us today and we’ll plan the perfect Sonoma County getaway for you and your party.
