24 Best Attractions & Things to Do in Napa Valley
If you are looking to visit a place that is both beautiful and special, Napa Valley should be at the top of your list.
This amazing area of California is well known for its wineries, but there’s a lot more you can do here than just drink.
With plenty of history, entertainment, and unique attractions, Napa Valley is full of fun things to do, such as Pioneer Cemetery and the Uptown Theater.
24 Top-Rated Things to Do in Napa Valley
1. Napa Valley Wine Train
If you aren’t up for biking, you can instead enjoy wine tasting while riding the Napa Valley Wine Train. This train makes stops at many of the most popular Napa Valley wineries.
The Wine Train makes for a laidback and fun Napa Valley trip, and you can really get a good view of wine country while sipping your Cabernet Sauvignon in a train car.
2. Round Pond Estate
Round Pond Estate is a beautiful winery that also offers some terrific wine tastings. So, come visit to sip some of the most popular options or try out new wines, which the estate is coming out with all the time.
This winery is both gorgeous and charming, and it will surround you with everything Napa Valley has to offer in its beautiful wine country.
3. Castello Di Amorosa
This beautiful winery is a medieval-style Tuscan castle setting. The views are amazing, and the castle itself is worth a tour, but it’s also a great place to grab a snack or lunch and learn about wine pairings.
And don’t forget to find a nice item at the gift shop or take home a bottle of your favorite wine when you visit.
You can even book wine tours to get the most out of your experience at Castello Di Amorosa.
4. Napa Valley Vine Trail
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a beautiful bike path that connects the entire area and is full of gorgeous scenery. Plus, you can stop at some of your favorite wineries for wine tasting when you adventure on this wine tour.
Overall, this trail makes for some great exercise and is an excellent way to see the land when you visit Napa Valley.
5. Di Rosa Center For Contemporary Art
If you are looking for a gallery or museum that showcases some of the most beautiful contemporary artworks in the world, be sure to check out the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art in downtown Napa Valley. A former vineyard that now caters to fine art connoisseurs, this museum offers tons of art throughout its 217 acres.
At the museum, you can learn more about the artists who made these beautiful masterpieces or just enjoy the beautiful artwork.
Overall, this is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves art and culture.
6. American Canyon
American Canyon is a beautiful area of southern Napa Valley that has something for people of all ages and is one of the top outdoor activities that you can find in the valley. This canyon, overall, is an ideal place for families to enjoy nature, and it’s not too far from San Francisco.
Here, you will find plenty of attractions, have dinner and a Sauvignon Blanc at a gourmet restaurant, and enjoy plenty of shops and boutiques in the San Francisco Bay area.
7. Fly Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity on the Napa River, and many people visit Napa Valley just to enjoy some amazing fishing. You can also find many Napa Valley hotels near the Napa River to stay in while you enjoy the overabundant waterway.
And, here, you don’t even have to bring your own equipment. Instead, you can rent your gear, so you don’t have to worry about bringing along all your tackle.
Plus, you can cook your biggest catches right by the river.
Thus, whether you are an avid fisherman or just want to try your luck at a new hobby, fishing on the Napa River is something you won’t soon forget.
8. Oxbow Public Market
Oxbow is in downtown Napa and a great option if you want something a little different than the area’s regular tasting rooms and hip wine bars. At this adorable market, you can find plenty of snacks and even some of your favorite drinks.
Spend an entire day at this beautiful market learning more about the shops and vendors and trying new things that are only available in the Napa Valley.
9. Torc
Rated one of the best restaurants in the world, Torc offers delicious and unique foods, like Maine diver scallops and duck wings. A nice place to eat on your trip to visit wineries, Torc is a favorite of the Western United States.
10. Napa County Historical Society
If you are curious about what made Napa Valley so special, check out some of the exhibits and collections at the Historical Society’s headquarters. Here, you can research, attend interesting events, or speak with the experts there and learn whatever you want to know about the area.
11. Hot Air Balloons
Napa Valley is beautiful from all angles, but if you have never seen it from the air, you are really missing out. And, what better way to get a unique afternoon experience than to take a picnic lunch in a hot air balloon high above the valley floor?
Overall, there’s really no better way to see northern California than a hot air balloon ride, and it makes a nice stop after your winery tours. Hot air ballooning should definitely be on the top of your list of things to do in Napa, CA.
12. Silverado Trail
This trail will also take you all around Napa Valley, where you will be able to enjoy a full wine experience. Whether you are hoping for some fine dining or wine, you will be able to find it along this trail.
So, pop into some wine tasting rooms or just enjoy the view as you drive down this famous road.
13. Connolly Ranch
Connolly is great for kids but is also full of enough fun that people of all ages can enjoy it. For example, there are plenty of hands-on activities to enjoy as well as many animals that you can learn about or pet.
When you visit Connolly, you’ll find that this attraction is a nice change of pace from the wineries of Napa County but still gives you a taste of Napa Valley’s agricultural past.
14. Blue Note Napa
How about eating gourmet food at a classy live music jazz club? Music lovers will adore a chance to see some of the best jazz musicians in the country while also hanging out at this club with its close, intimate feel.
15. Hot Springs
The hot springs are deep in the rolling hills of Napa Valley, and if you are looking for a way to relax after drinking wine all day or in between winery visits, these luxurious baths could be the perfect solution.
So, come and enjoy some fresh air and a natural hot tub in an intimate atmosphere. Or, you can explore the hiking trails nearby that make perfect adventures for outdoor lovers.
16. Pioneer Cemetery
Pioneer Cemetery is the final resting place of some of Napa Valley’s first pioneers. You can take a trip from downtown Napa Valley to learn more about these pioneers and what their lives were like in the early days of Napa, CA.
17. Historic Napa Mill
Near Lincoln Avenue and downtown Napa Valley is the Napa Mill. It features a luxurious spa, world-class restaurants, and specialty shops.
The Napa Mill is a great place to visit when you are in the area and looking for a complete experience.
18. Napa Valley Opera House
Historical and beautiful, the Napa Valley Opera House is a great place to visit. Located right in the heart of downtown Napa, the Opera House hosts a variety of musical and artistic shows.
This historic landmark was originally constructed in 1879 and completely restored in 2003, giving the building both history and charm.
19. Sculpture Trail
If you are looking for a fun place to appreciate art, you will have plenty to see along the Napa Valley Sculpture Trail, an outdoor sculpture garden that is a part of the Di Rosa Center. So, come and get some photos at this glorious sculpture park while learning about the artists who created these awesome designs on a guided tour.
20. Uptown Theatre
The Uptown Theatre was once a movie theater but is now the perfect venue for special events. This beautiful venue is ideal for weddings, parties, dances, and any other affair that you want to throw in class.
The theatre is also one of the most historical places in the area, so if you love art, theater, and history, you won’t want to miss a tour.
21. Napa Art Walk
The Napa Art Walk is also a great place to enjoy some amazing artwork. Here, you can stroll through town and enjoy unique art pieces created by some of the best artists in Napa Valley.
22. Charles Krug Winery
If you want to get a taste of history and amazing wine, this historic winery is the place to do it. The grounds here are both beautiful and packed with history, which you can learn about as you sip your favorite reds and whites.
23. Oakville Winery
Oakville Winery has a large selection of wines and some beautiful scenery to enjoy with it. With over 100 years of experience, you won’t be disappointed with one of Napa’s best places to drink.
The place is also known for its delicious olive oil, so don’t forget to try some before you leave.
24. French Laundry
But don’t get to thinking that Napa Valley is just full of wineries and nothing else. There’s also plenty to sink your teeth into, like the popular restaurant called French Laundry.
Conclusion
California is a beautiful state, and many people think of Napa Valley when they imagine the area, and for a good reason.
Napa Valley has some of California’s most beautiful agricultural areas, but the many acres of vineyards are just the start of what you will find when you visit. Countless other attractions grace the gorgeous land that is Napa Valley.
Table of Contents
- 24 Top-Rated Things to Do in Napa Valley
- 1. Napa Valley Wine Train
- 2. Round Pond Estate
- 3. Castello Di Amorosa
- 4. Napa Valley Vine Trail
- 5. Di Rosa Center For Contemporary Art
- 6. American Canyon
- 7. Fly Fishing
- 8. Oxbow Public Market
- 9. Torc
- 10. Napa County Historical Society
- 11. Hot Air Balloons
- 12. Silverado Trail
- 13. Connolly Ranch
- 14. Blue Note Napa
- 15. Hot Springs
- 16. Pioneer Cemetery
- 17. Historic Napa Mill
- 18. Napa Valley Opera House
- 19. Sculpture Trail
- 20. Uptown Theatre
- 21. Napa Art Walk
- 22. Charles Krug Winery
- 23. Oakville Winery
- 24. French Laundry
- Conclusion