So, you’re planning a vacation in Napa Valley! Get ready for a trip filled with epic scenery, some of the best wine and food you’ll ever taste, and great memories.
The diversity and beauty of Napa Valley make it one of the biggest bucket-list vacation destinations, and for good reason. Accommodations in the area are easy to come by. The most popular choices when considering where to stay in Napa are boutique inns, luxury hotels and luxury vacation rentals.
As you plan your trip, you may be wondering how who you’re traveling with and what’s on your itinerary should impact where you stay.
Don’t stress—we’re here to provide insider information, tips, and recommendations on the best places to stay in Napa Valley.
Napa Valley has lots of options for couples wondering where to stay; options range from cozy to spacious, and comfortable to romantic. There’s lodging in wine country for every type of experience a couple desires.
The villages of St. Helena and Yountville are both popular with couples. They offer walkable downtowns with shopping, entertainment, and five-star dining options. Nestle into a cozy bistro where vineyard and mountain views will take your breath away as you sip a glass of the finest red with your love.
The town of Calistoga is the hidden gem of Napa with its charming vibe and abundant wellness themed resorts. Sink into a mud bath with your sweetheart, swim in the local natural hot springs, and relax.
Vacation rentals in Napa Valley are ideally suited for rest, romance, and rejuvenation for couples who need to get away.
Luxury vacation rentals in Napa cater to these needs by offering luxurious bedrooms, hot tubs for a romantic soak, fireplaces for ambiance and firepits under the stars. Most vacation homes for rent are close to famed vineyards, restaurants, and Napa nightlife.
If your partner is in the mood to stay in one of Napa Valley’s celebrated resorts, there are delightful options for your adventure together.
Solage Resort & Spa in Calistoga offers a fresh, vibrant retreat, with studios and suites available, geothermal spa treatments, and an alluring cocktail scene.
St. Helena is home to Alila, a private oasis with sweeping vineyard views and the finest amenities you can imagine.
Harvest Inn encourages intimacy and connection with private patio hot tubs, stunning mountain views, and luxury amenities to indulge in together.
Are there any wine aficionados in the building? Napa Valley is home to some of the most magical areas for you to immerse yourself in the culture of winemaking.
Rutherford is host to some of Napa’s most prestigious wineries. When you’re in the area, you can’t miss Inglenook, Beaulieu Vineyard, Round Pond Estate, and Rutherford Hill Winery. Each offers private tasting, delectable local wines, and friendly staff.
Oakville is a charming region with an ideal climate for wine growing. Iconic wineries include Robert Mondavi Winery and Opus One, but you’ll find intimate family-run spots as well.
Both Rutherford and Oakville are famed for their exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon wines, so be sure to taste a glass (or several) while you’re in town! While there aren’t many hotels, inns or vacation rentals in these two villages, you can find accommodations that are only a short drive away.
The charm of Napa Valley lies in its small towns like Rutherford and Oakville, which are in close proximity to larger villages like St. Helena and Yountville. All lie along route 29, and are separated by just a few miles.
When considering where to stay, you’ll find vacation rentals from Calistoga in the north to the city of Napa in the south. These two ends of the valley are only about 12 miles from the center of the valley where Oakville and Rutherford lie. This area is very drivable, making your trek through Napa scenic and enjoyable.
Featured vacation rentals in Napa valley
Few resorts in the area offer more idyllic charm than Rancho Caymus Inn in the heart of Napa Valley. Located close to Oakville, Rancho Caymus Inn offers exclusive tasting partnerships, nightly tastings, and opportunities to wander the historic grounds.
In Rutherford, Auberge du Soleil is one of the best places to stay in Napa Valley. The boutique hotel offers exclusive access to the Valley’s most sought-after tours, tastings, and dining experiences.
The secluded Meadowood resort and spa lies in a quiet valley in St Helena. It is renowned for its wine programs, spa and fine dining experiences.
For you five-star foodies, Yountville is the culinary capital of Napa County, and for good reason! You’ll find over a half-dozen Michelin-starred restaurants serving French, Italian, and American cuisines to delight any taste bud. The star of the show is Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. The village of St Helena is not far behind it in terms of the number of celebrated restaurants.
When considering where to stay in Napa Valley, foodies have an abundance of options, including luxury vacation home rentals. These homes make an ideal base from which to explore the culinary scene, and most are equipped with incredible culinary amenities like gourmet chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, ample wine glasses for any sized group, and indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Indulge in your meals in indoor/outdoor dining spaces, bring in a private chef for a special night, or go on a culinary adventure at a nearby five-star restaurant.
One of the best parts about a resort stay is the onsite dining. Several hotels in Napa spare no expense to provide guests with delicious meals any time of day.
Hotel Yountville mixes fresh and locally sourced products in every meal. The on-site Bottega restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine with a California twist. Start your day with a coffee from the caffé or tuck into an afternoon red from the resort’s ottimo.
Also in Yountville, tasty and fresh field-to-fork dining is achieved at Bardessono Hotel and Spa. The resort’s famed restaurant, Lucy, features flavorful and lavish meals using only local and regionally sourced ingredients.
The city of Napa is the most convenient and suitable place for families of any size to stay, thanks to its central location within Napa County.
You’ll never run out of events, things to do, and kid-friendly activities in the area, particularly in the bustling downtown area and at the local Napa River.
One of the best parts about a resort stay is the onsite dining. Several hotels in Napa spare no expense to provide guests with delicious meals any time of day.
Hotel Yountville mixes fresh and locally sourced products in every meal. The on-site Bottega restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine with a California twist. Start your day with a coffee from the caffé or tuck into an afternoon red from the resort’s ottimo.
Also in Yountville, tasty and fresh field-to-fork dining is achieved at Bardessono Hotel and Spa. The resort’s famed restaurant, Lucy, features flavorful and lavish meals using only local and regionally sourced ingredients.
Worried your vacation rental options are slim with a larger group? Think again. Vacation rentals in Napa City can sleep 10, 12, and sometimes even larger parties.
These properties are designed with family in mind, and offer amenities for tons of family fun.
Spend the day in the sparkling swimming pool, roast marshmallows over the outdoor firepit, grill on the BBQ, and enjoy large outdoor spaces to play bocce, tennis, and more.
Families are drawn to Napa’s resorts for their welcoming vibes and thoughtful amenities for large groups.
Andaz Napa offers spacious rooms and suites that cater to families, while the lobby and on-site entertainment are designed to provide a fun time for your tribe. Fire pits on the terrace, hiking trails to wander, live music, and easy parking make the Andaz a family’s dream come true.
Carneros Resort and Spa is made for kids—featuring a family pool (an adult pool is also available), hosted activities like scavenger hunts in the morning, and livestock to visit. Book a luxurious two-bedroom connected cottage for the ultimate comfort during your stay.
Seeking luxury accommodations in Napa Valley? St. Helena and Yountville top the list as the hot spots in the area. Featuring some of the region’s best restaurants, opulent hotels, swanky shopping, world-renowned art galleries, and delectable wine tasting, these two cities have it all.
Calistoga is the Napa mecca for wellness. You’ll find a number of top resort hotels there, many with spas and hot springs on the property. Treat yourself to the finest rejuvenation in the form of hot springs, mud baths, geothermal mineral pools, hot stones, and other luxurious spa treatments.
Meadowood resort is nestled in the foothills of St. Helena and boasts stunning suites, delicious local cuisine, and guaranteed tranquility.
In Calistoga, The Francis House and Solage Resort & Spa is the Valley’s newest luxury inn, designed for adults seeking a getaway sprinkled with luxury and reminiscent of the French countryside.
Seeking luxury accommodations in Napa Valley? St. Helena and Yountville top the list as the hot spots in the area. Featuring some of the region’s best restaurants, opulent hotels, swanky shopping, world-renowned art galleries, and delectable wine tasting, these two cities have it all.
Calistoga is the Napa mecca for wellness. You’ll find a number of top resort hotels there, many with spas and hot springs on the property. Treat yourself to the finest rejuvenation in the form of hot springs, mud baths, geothermal mineral pools, hot stones, and other luxurious spa treatments.
Meadowood resort is nestled in the foothills of St. Helena and boasts stunning suites, delicious local cuisine, and guaranteed tranquility.
In Calistoga, The Francis House and Solage Resort & Spa is the Valley’s newest luxury inn, designed for adults seeking a getaway sprinkled with luxury and reminiscent of the French countryside. St. Helena, Yountville, and Calistoga are all within a quick drive of the most extravagant and luxurious vacation rentals in Napa Valley.
Indulge your party with a stay in the finest properties. These homes are filled with thoughtful amenities that will make your trip memorable. Enjoy indoor/ outdoor entertaining spaces, wine rooms, luxury kitchens, sparkling swimming pools, and sprawling grounds to explore.
Outdoor adventurers will never be bored in Napa Valley. Calistoga is a must-see city with its iconic hot springs, mud and mineral baths, and abundant hiking trails. It’s home to its own Petrified Forest, where you can wander through towering trees, gigantic rock formations, and walking paths for miles.
Calling all thrill seekers! Book a hot air balloon ride out of the heart of Yountville and take in the lush valleys, mountains, and rugged coast from the skies.
Adventure seekers will appreciate the number of luxurious vacation rentals in Napa that make it easy to enjoy the great outdoors.
You’ll find vacation homes for rent that offer vineyard and mountain views, and walking paths. Some are located close enough to the downtown scenes for a quick bike ride. When staying at a luxury vacation rental in Napa it’s easy to relax outdoors and cook dinner on the BBQ, watch the stars in the hot tub, and roast s'mores by the fire.
Featured vacation rentals in Napa valley
St. Helena offers everything from fine dining to memorable winery experiences and luxury accommodations for any size party. Known as "Napa Valley's Main Street," it’s home to family-owned wineries and some of the best vineyards in northern California.
Explore luxury shopping on Highway 29 and wander through the art galleries dotted throughout Main Street. From laid-back dining to Michelin-star restaurants, there’s a vibe for everyone.
St. Helena also offers some of the most appealing weather and climate in the area. Soak in the sunshine with clear skies and rugged, rocky cliffs. You’ll find volcanic beaches, grasslands, and forests to explore during your stay.
Yountville is the full package for families, partners, large groups, and solo travelers. Deemed the “culinary capital” of Napa Valley, you’ll find dozens of fine dining restaurants and memorable culinary experiences to share.
The city is also a revered art destination, packed with museums, theater performances, art galleries, and cultural experiences for visitors.
Yountville is home to 14 tasting experiences and 7 nearby wineries, guaranteeing your glass will never be empty! Close to Oakville, Yountville is popular for its proximity to so many delightful vineyards.
The food, wine, culture, and kind locals give Yountville a unique, small-town charm that you wouldn’t expect from a bustling Napa Valley neighboring city.
For a relaxing outdoor adventure, look no further than Calistoga. It’s an ideal place for wellness enthusiasts who want to revel in natural spa treatments in the great outdoors.
From mud baths and natural hot springs to the local Old Faithful Geyser, hiking trails, and the Petrified Forest, Calistoga is a nature lover’s dream come true.
But don’t forget to wine and dine! Visit charming tasting rooms sprinkled throughout the town, or drive a few miles and explore the surrounding wineries.
Calistoga’s restaurants and cafes offer a laid-back feel while serving up some of the best dishes in the region. From French bistros to breweries and casual brunch spots, not a craving goes missed in this town.
First-time visitors to Napa Valley should consider their group and what they hope to see and do during their stay. For taking in the area’s natural beauty, staying in Calistoga or St. Helena is a great choice.
Wine enthusiasts who want to be near the action are best suited for Oakville, Rutherford, and the city of Napa. Families traveling with children will find an abundance of activities and fun in Napa City as well. Yountville and Calistoga offer couples tranquility, privacy, and luxury in every way.
While Sonoma is considered the more affordable wine-tasting destination, you just can’t beat the true heartbeat of Wine Country that you’ll experience in Napa Valley. Sonoma county is larger and more geographically diverse, while Napa is defined by the single 40 mile long valley filled with celebrated vineyards and wineries.
Enjoy upscale dining, wineries, culture, and art among the region’s charming towns and cities that all offer something unique.
For those travelers who are looking for a the most convenient way to experience wine country, consider staying in downtown Napa. There you’ll find numerous wineries have set up store front wine tasting rooms that you can easily walk to.
Most wineries are sprinkled throughout the valley and do require a rental car or tour bus to visit.
Each of Napa’s neighborhoods offers something special. Downtown Napa is a popular choice for all different groups, families, couples, and wine lovers.
Rutherford is home to Napa’s best wineries, and St. Helena offers a small-town feel with a rich California history. Calistoga is packed with natural wonders and wellness treatments.
There’s no wrong city or town to visit, so choose your adventure boldly!
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.
