Top Things to do in Napa Valley
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Napa Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Vines, wines and the people who love them are central to the economy of Napa Valley. Other treats for taste buds are in store, too, in the form of local olive oils, tomatoes, cheeses and mustard. The other senses are catered for with a vibrant visual arts scene. Rent a car or book a taxi or limousine to get between sights safely. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers an unusual way to experience the views and vintages. A relaxing array of spas and mud baths and the Old Faithful geyser are attractions in Calistoga.
Restaurants in Napa Valley
1. Vincent Arroyo Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By Sasi_Perreault - Mountain View, United States
This is our favorite winery of all time after going to so many different ones over the years. We normally went to a few each time we came to Sonoma/Napa area, but over the last three times, we just came straight to Vincent Arroyo and ONLY here. Other than the most obvious reason why we keep coming back (BEST petite sirah in the WORLD), this winery has the most happy, genuine, friendly, and generous staff. I think we were with Jeffrey twice and he was brilliant. This last time we were with David, and he was absolutely pure joy and amazing!! He was so generous with his time and explanation (and the generous pour!!). We had the most wonderful & pleasant conversation with him about wine and wine making for a very long time. We were very grateful for the time and knowledge (and fun stories) he shared. We highly recommend this place. Forget about all other ‘more famous’ wineries and just come straight here!! :-)
2. Quent Cordair Fine Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Quent Cordair Fine Art was established by artist Quent Cordair in 1996. As a premier provider of contemporary Romantic Realism in painting, sculpture and drawing, QCFA has grown to serve an international clientele of private and corporate collectors. Located in beautiful downtown Napa, Ca., the gallery features a large collection of uplifting and inspirational art. Subject matter includes figurative, narrative, allegorical, still lifes, seascapes and landscapes. Award-winning painters and sculptors of international renown are represented, as well as emerging artists of unique vision and accomplishment.
Reviewed By MargeeRose - Orlando, United States
My visit to Quent Cordair Fine Art Gallery was the highlight of my visit to Napa. Linda Cordair was a gracious and knowledgeable host; she welcomed us warmly, gave us a brief orientation, and invited us to enjoy the art at our own pace, letting us know she was nearby to answer any questions. I was there with a mixed group: my best friend, my two age-20-ish children, and my 94-year-old mom, and each of us found different pieces to fall in love with. The gallery features stunning works of art, so many and so beautiful that I want to return to experience it all again. Highly recommend this oasis of calm refreshment for the soul.
3. Tres Sabores Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Tres Sabores ("three tastes") was founded in 1999 by winemaker and owner, Julie Johnson, to explore the 'three savory flavors' in every glass of wine: the taste of the vine, the terroir, and the good company around the table. The property is filled with growing history as olives and vines were planted here over a century ago. Today, the farm is a certified organic (CCOF) grower of Cabernet, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot, pomegranates, Meyer lemons, and Olives. We also raise Guinea fowl and sheep who serve not only as lawn mowers and the mobile fertilization team for the ranch but also 'go to market' and are served in some of the finest farm to table restaurants in the Bay Area.
Reviewed By 484kelly - Charlotte, United States
This was our favorite stop so far. What an amazing place. Loved being greeted by the friendly dogs and then getting a great tour of this sustainable winery / farm. Everyone was extremely friendly and gave us great information about the property, the area, and the wine. I would say that the quality of the wine was just as good if not better than most of the more expensive wines we tasted at other places. This certainly goes on my must visit list for anyone headed to the area and looking for wineries to go to.
4. Tedeschi Family Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Sona_G81 - Redwood City, United States
Highly recommend visiting this winery. Its off the beaten track & north of town of Calistoga. It a blessing since we didn't see crazy crowds, staff was so accommodating & friendly. With covid, they have seating right at the edge of the vineyards with gorgeous views. The tasting menu was better (quantity, quality, price) than at most famous wineries in Napa Valley. The staff followed all covid rules with precision & we felt safe. I used the restroom which was also cleaned after every visit & kept very clean and tidy. Highly recommend for a cozy afternoon in the valley
5. Judd's Hill Winery and MicroCrush
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 678 reviews
Judd's Hill is owned and operated by two generations of the Finkelstein family. Bunnie, Judd and Holly Finkelstein are vintners dedicated to producing ultra-premium, handcrafted wines in small lots while highlighting them in entertaining and engaging customer experiences. Our family has been making wine in Napa Valley since the 1970s and continues to produce signature wines that are fruit-driven, concentrated and just simply delicious.
Reviewed By MarciV_13 - Whittier, United States
We wanted to do something different in Napa this time and the Wine Blending Day Camp turned out to be the highlight of our trip to Napa! CJ was so informative and fun! We tasted the wines individually first and then blended three options. After some discussion and more tasting we selected our blend. Next, we siphoned the wines out of the barrel, then bottled, corked and labeled our first signature blend. We can’t wait to go back with friends!!
6. Yountville Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
The Yountville Welcome Center is the perfect first stop on a wine country vacation. Friendly volunteer staff will recommend Yountville and the Napa Valley's fine wineries, restaurants, hotels and attractions to make sure that you have an unforgettable wine country experience.
Reviewed By Laserman21st
Stopped by to chat with Carl Johnson at the Chamber of Commerce storefront in Yountville, CA on 2/1/2020. Carl was extremely helpful in mapping out a course that would take us through beautiful areas of wine country and back roads that would also keep us off of Hwy29. My wife and I enjoyed a great day exploring this region and will be back again soon for subsequent exploratory rides.
7. Calistoga Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
When planning your visit to Calistoga, you’ll learn a lot if you make your first stop at the Welcome Center for guidance to get the most out of a visit. The Welcome Center is easily located at 1133 Washington Street, behind Brannan’s Grill.
8. Lake Berryessa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Lake Berryessa is one of Northern California's largest man-made lakes, with 20,000 surface acres and 165 miles of shoreline.
Reviewed By northstatecurators - Maidstone, United Kingdom
It’s become a custom, almost a ritual, to buy breakfast from somewhere in Yountville or St Helena and drive to the lake to eat it whilst gazing over the water to the tree covered hills in the distance. Lake Berryessa is about 30 mins from St Helena on a really scenic route. We arrive around 9 a.m. and there was not another single person in sight to interrupt the glory of mother nature. It is truly stunning, especially as the weather was clear, the sky bright blue, though it was quite cold. If you are minded for something more to eat or intend staying all day, there are picnic facilities. The layout of the roads through the shoreline have recently been improved and make driving through a breeze, though it always was! Well worth the short drive.
9. Bothe-Napa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Located in beautiful Napa Valley wine country, Bothe-Napa Valley offers year-round camping for tents, RVs, bikes, walk-ins and now YURTS! Day visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking trails and a seasonal swimming pool. Large picnic grounds are available for group events. Stop in at our Visitor Center in the 1860s Tucker House, and learn about the park's first homestead families - trail maps available. Hikes range from easy, shady strolls in the redwoods to longer hikes up to Coyote Peak with great views of the valley. Or, take a hike on the History Trail past the historic Pioneer Cemetery and on to our sister park, the Bale Grist Mill, where you can take a tour of an operating water powered mill built in 1846 that still grinds grain on the original stones!
Reviewed By joang82
Gorgeous trails by running creeks, right off of HWY 29 . Can be easy to miss but so worth the time to take a stroll or a longer hike. The last easter stand of redwoods the forests are a mix of bay, eucalyptus, pine and redwood. great trails, easy to navigate.
10. Sharpsteen Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Ravenn2 - Napa, United States
Quite a good museum. Excellent displays of natural history, and the history of Napa Valley. Sharpsteen was an illustrator working with Disney. Some great displays.
