Top Tourist Attractions in Napa Valley, California
Don’t Miss These Spots During Your Trip to Wine Country
Napa Valley is one of the hottest tourist destinations for people with a variety of interests – and that’s because northern California has so much to offer for people who love shopping, dining, wine, and the outdoors.
When you plan your trip to Napa Valley, you won’t want to miss these popular tourist attractions. And don’t forget to choose from an array of Napa hotels in advance, so you can be assured that you’ll enjoy your stay. After all, a good night’s rest can make or break your day!
Wineries and Vineyards
A trip to Napa Valley would be incomplete if you didn’t experience the wine. Reserve a private tasting session in advance at the area’s most celebrated wineries and vineyards. Napa Valley is home to more than 450 wineries – 95% of which are family-owned – in just a 30-mile stretch. Realistically, you can visit a few wineries each day to sample the chardonnay and other varieties the region is known for.
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
Immerse yourself in northern California at this art museum on Sonoma Highway in the city of Napa. View the permanent collection of 1,600 pieces of art by California artists like Robert Arneson, Tony Labat, Bruce Conner, William T. Wiley, and Jay DeFeo, plus stop in for special exhibitions.
Chardonnay Golf Club
One of the top golf courses in the area, Chardonnay Golf Club in American Canyon boasts 150 acres of course that meanders through vineyards, across creeks, and around lakes. The 18-hole course is perfect for players of all skill levels and is noted as one of the best not only in northern California, but also the greater San Francisco Bay area.
Lake Berryessa
Get out on the water at Lake Berryessa, one of the largest bodies of freshwater in California. Lying just east of Napa Valley, visit the lake for boating, water skiing, tubing, and other watersports, or enjoy the serene coves in a kayak. The lake’s water is about 75 degrees in the summer, making it perfect for taking a swim after long vineyard visits in the sun.
Skyline WIlderness Park
Get back to nature with a visit to this 850-acre park in Napa. Hike, bike, or ride horseback along more than 25 miles of trails, including a 2.5-mile adventure that leads to Lake Marie. See the San Francisco Bay, Mount Tamalpais and Mount Diablo from the ridge trail. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the dedicated picnic areas.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
For the most unique perspective of Napa Valley, take to the skies! Hot air balloon rides offer unmatched views of the valley’s hills! Hot air balloons launch just after dawn when the winds are calm, and tours last about an hour. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride with a large group, or schedule a private two-person balloon for a romantic moment.
Calistoga Mud and Mineral Baths
Venture to the north end of Napa Valley to the town of Calistoga, where volcanic ash and geothermal hot springs mean you can enjoy a rejuvenating mud and mineral bath. Natural hot springs pools and warm mud baths draw visitors seeking a little rest and relaxation. Don’t miss the geyser eruptions, still active thanks to subterranean pressure.
Shopping
Throughout Napa Valley, tourists will find some of the most eclectic and interesting locally-owned boutiques, offering everything under the sun. And of course, shoppers can count on enjoying upscale shopping from reputable luxury brands. For the most unique finds, check out First Street and the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa. Downtown Yountville, downtown Calistoga, and Main Street in St. Helena are also best bets for shopping enthusiasts.
Create an Itinerary in Advance for the Best Experience
Visiting wine country requires a little advance planning to ensure you can take in all the sights and wine that you want on your trip. And with most wine tasting rooms requiring reservations, it’s a smart bet to plan a complete itinerary before leaving home to keep your days full and interesting.
To create your own vacation itinerary, be sure to consider:
- The length of your trip. The shorter the trip, the more important it is to pack in what you can. This may require forgoing a few hot spots in lieu of spending adequate time at others.
- The interests of the people you’re traveling with. Napa truly offers something for everyone, so it’s only fair that everyone gets to enjoy visiting a place that they love.
- How you’ll document and share your vacation plan. Record all important information, including where you’ll go and when, whether you have confirmation numbers for your reservation, and more. It helps to write down the address and phone number for each attraction, so you have them handy without having to spend time searching online.