Napa Valley is one of the world’s most enjoyable destination spots. Renowned for it’s abundance of award-winning wineries, Napa Valley offers a plethora of epicurean adventures for visitors near and far. This Napa Valley Travel Guide shares tips on discovering some of the most fabulous spots for fine dining, wine tasting, and diverse activities that Napa Valley has to offer.
From live music festivals to organic, farm-to-table dining excursions, there’s no shortage of interesting and memorable outings to partake in while visiting Napa Valley. From visiting rolling hillside wineries with sweeping valley vistas to taking a leisurely kayak trip down the sleepy Napa River, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque California retreat.
Napa Valley Travel Guide
How To Plan A Fabulous Trip To Wine Country
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
If your idea of wine tasting in Napa Valley includes visiting an awe-inspiring French style estate, complete with rose gardens, never-ending views, and pristine landscaping, then Domaine Carneros is definitely a must-see.
This Taittinger winery boasts a collection of toast-worthy Sparkling Wines and Pinot Noirs. If you have the time, make sure to book a tour and tasting. The guided tour not only enables you to get an up-close experience of the magnificent estate, but it also shows you the production facility and provides a unique behind-the-scenes exploration into the art of wine making.
Dining in Napa Valley
After a day of wine tasting, your tastebuds will probably be salivating. Head up to the charming town of St. Helena, and stop by the rustic chic Farmstead Restaurant at Long Meadow Ranch. You can listen to live music on their outdoor patio, or cozy up inside the farm-style restaurant. If you’re looking for incredible food, you’ve found it. From oysters and heirloom tomato salads to steak and grilled veggies, Farmstead Restaurant is known throughout Napa Valley for it’s fresh and tasty offerings. Ask any local, and they’ll tell you the same.
For a home-style breakfast in a quaint, cozy atmosphere, head to Boon Fly Cafe. Set inside a rustic red barn, this local hotspot boasts a variety of delicious breakfast offerings, which explains why it’s a hit amongst both locals and tourists. Be sure to get there early, as they get busy quickly during peak travel seasons.
Activities in Napa Valley
When you’re in the mood for some outdoor excursions, head down to the Napa River for a leisurely kayak tour, provided by Kayak Napa Valley. The friendly and helpful gals who run the business not only show you the ropes (by explaining everything you need to know about kayaking), they also bring along tasty treats for a mid-day snack. The 3-hour kayak tour is located adjacent to downtown Napa, giving you a unique view of the city. Talk about a fun way to get a workout in!
If you’re up for something a bit more leisurely (without the possibility of getting splashed on), get your girlfriends together for a day of luxury shopping in downtown Napa and St. Helena. Both cities offer a variety of stores and boutiques, ranging from upscale trendy retail shops (like Amelia Claire and Footcandy) to antique and art galleries (such as Napa Valley Vintage Home and Caldwell Snyder Gallery).
Entertainment in Napa Valley
Up for some entertainment? Head out west to Petaluma for the Petaluma Music Festival. Just a short 40-minute drive from Napa, this charming town gets a little lively with this music festival fundraiser. Not only does this festival feature a number of acts (ranging from folk to rock), it also offers organic food stations, wine tastings and merchant booths. To top it off, the proceeds raised from the music festival support keeping music in the schools. So it’s a win-win for everyone.