Best Things to See and Do in Napa, California

"Napa Valley wine region"
Go wine tasting in Napa valley and see the grapes in the vineyard.

Are you visiting Napa Valley, California for the first time? Welcome! Below are some of my favorite tips and locations for visitors to Napa, California.

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is wine tasting or for a lunch ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

There are too many fantastic restaurants in Napa to count. However, the butternut soup is delicious at  Celadon in downtown Napa.

Did you know that the Napa River flows through downtown Napa? Rent a kayak or canoe on the Napa River or head to Dillon Beach.

A fun place to hide away is at the roof top at Andaz Napa. Order a drink and kick back by the outdoor fire pit.

When you visit Napa wine country, get your picture taken on the upstairs terrace at Opus One.

One of the best things on the menu at UVA are the Arincini Balls or the beer can chicken at Bounty Hunter.

Downtown Napa and Oxbow Public Market are must visit places for wine and great food.

Villa Corona offers excellent Mexican food at reasonable prices.

If you like fine cuts of meat, I’d recommend Cole’s Chop House.

Photo opportunities in Napa valley include Silverado Vineyards and O’Shaughnessy Vineyards on Howell Mountain.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Westwood Hills Park in Napa.

If you enjoy modern art, the most random thing about Napa is the di Rosa Art Preserve.

"Napa Valley Mustard"
Come to the Napa Valley for the Mustard Festival

In Napa, an active day outdoors involves walking, biking, kayaking or hiking.

My favorite biking route is the Silverado Trail on a weekday without traffic.

For a night of dancing, go to San Francisco. There’s not a lot of late night activity in this bedroom community.

The Bounty Hunter is the spot for late night dining.

To find out what’s going on at night or on weekends, read the Napa Register or Wine Country This Week magazine.

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You can tell a lot about Napa from visiting the local festivals. There are plenty!

In the spring time, check out the Napa Valley Mustard Festival and snap your own photos of the yellow mustard.

In the summer you should attend Symphony on the River Festival, downtown Napa at the Third Street Bridge.

In the fall you should visit the wineries for harvest or go on a hot air balloon ride and take in the colors.

In the winter you might want to hang out at Milliken Creek Inn and have a chocolate massage.

"Boon Fly Cafe Donuts"
Have hot donuts at the Boon Fly Cafe in Napa

My insider tip: for a great breakfast treat have the donuts at the Boon Fly Cafe at the Carneros Inn.

Just outside of Napa you can visit Rutherford. Have lunch outside at Rutherford Grill- great french dip.

The best way to see downtown Napa is to walk. Splurge on a driver when wine tasting.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss Safari West in nearby Santa Rosa.

What are your favorite things to do in Napa wine country, California?

Grape and Donut Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Napa Valley Mustard Festival Photo Courtesy of Contestant Smart.

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4 thoughts on “Best Things to See and Do in Napa, California”

  1. I wish I had read your post before I went to Napa for the day last year. Had a lot of fun though… Highlights were lunch at Bouchon and champagne at Domaine Chandon.

  2. I haven’t been to Napa yet. However, when it’s finally on my trip list, I’ll know whom to consult on what to do while on a visit to California’s wine country.

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