Last weekend I felt inspired to be spontaneous, hop in the car, and head out of town for a night. So, naturally, I chose one of my favorite destinations to visit – Napa Valley, California. Since I was traveling solo without any plans or ideas in mind, I gave myself the freedom to just explore and have fun. So, if you’re considering heading to Napa Valley sometime this season, here are a few fun places to stay and play, whether you’re traveling by yourself or with other people.
Where To Stay in Napa Valley
Since I was traveling solo and was craving a relaxing experience on my own, I decided to stay at a beautiful and tranquil hotel, The Meritage Resort & Spa in southern Napa. I chose this destination because it offers plush accommodations (with rooms overlooking their on-site vineyard), has a wine cave and tasting rooms, a full spa, a fitness center, and a gorgeous pool that overlooks the vineyard.
From deluxe rooms and spacious suites to a chic new restaurant (called Olive & Hay), the expansive property is one of the best mid-tier luxury hotels in Napa Valley. Rooms start around $350/night, so it’s a fair price given the extent of on-site amenities it offers. Plus, the location is ideal for exploring nearby wineries and downtown Napa (which is only about 10-minutes away by car).
The resort exudes romantic Mediterranean-style architecture and decor, which makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany. Whether you spend time lounging by the pool, relaxing in the hot tub, or enjoying lunch al fresco at their restaurant, it’s a great place to stay (especially if you’re traveling solo).
What To Do in Napa Valley
One of my favorite activities to do while on vacation is to explore the area. From quaint boutiques to charming eateries, one of my favorite cities to visit in Napa Valley is St. Helena. This upscale town offers a plethora of shops to explore, in addition to being surrounded by countless wineries and vineyards.
If you’re like me and love to get off the beaten path to do something unique and different, then this next activity will surely delight you. While exploring downtown St. Helena, I happened to notice a street sign advertising a shop called Napa Valley Soul Crystals.
As I’ve been enjoying learning more about the healing and wellness benefits of crystals, I decided to head to the shop to explore more. But, beyond the beautiful crystals inside, there was one attraction I instantly fell in love with there.
Next to the crystal shop, they provide the opportunity to feed alpacas, including an adorable alpaca named Napa. This was possibly one of the highlights of my trip, because I’m such a wildlife enthusiast. Look at this face! How could you not fall in love with this cutie?!
Where to Eat & Drink in Napa Valley
When it comes to dining out in Napa Valley, there’s no shortage of good restaurants. Since most are serving outdoors (with limited capacity indoors right now), it’s a great time to take advantage of the temperate weather.
During this particular trip, I decided to head to Napa Valley Bistro – a quaint eatery in downtown Napa. This lively and bustling spot offers a wide variety of menu options and is a fun place to see and be seen. I highly recommend the mushroom flatbread – it’s delicious!
After dinner, a few lively spots to hit up are Mercantile Terrace & Bar at Andaz Hotel (which offers live music and seating around firepits), as well as the gorgeous rooftop bar and lounge at the Archer Hotel (which boasts sweeping vistas of downtown Napa).
For more inspiring ideas on where to stay and play in Napa Valley, check out the Napa Valley Travel Guides on I&C.
