Summary
- Get a History Lesson at Napa County Historical Society
- Browse the Oxbow Public Market
- Visit O’Brien Estate
- Soar Above the Napa Valley in a Hot Air Balloon
- Explore Skyline Wilderness Park
- Combine Nostalgia, Food and Scenery Onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
- Take in a Show at the Napa Valley Opera House
- Admire Art at the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
- History and Hiking Await at the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
- Indulge in Fine Food and Drink at TORC
- Explore Calistoga’s Petrified Forest
- Get an Educational Experience for the Whole Family at Connolly Ranch
- Visit the Gordon Huether Studio and Gallery
- Go on a Paddling Adventure Down the Napa River
- Take the Little Ones to Playground Fantastico
Napa, with a population of approximately 76,000 residents, is located in the Napa Valley and stands as the largest city in Napa County. The mere mention of Napa often conjures images of its renowned vineyards and wineries; however, Napa and its adjacent regions offer a wealth of additional attractions.
Renowned for its temperate climate, Napa boasts a diverse array of exceptional restaurants, cafes, and spas. The Napa River flows through the area, and downtown features a riverfront development that includes popular eateries, shops, and a scenic promenade. Strolling along the river reveals several of the city’s oldest residences.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the 43 parks and open green spaces scattered throughout the city; many of these areas feature walking trails and facilities for various outdoor activities.
Napa also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Napa City Nights Summer Concert Series, Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, and Festival Napa Valley.
Here are 15 of the most engaging activities to undertake in and around Napa, California.
1. Get a History Lesson at Napa County Historical Society
Napa, alongside the broader Napa County region, possesses a rich historical background. The Napa County Historical Society offers a comprehensive overview of this history.
This society is dedicated to the preservation of local heritage through various exhibits featuring books, maps, artifacts, and photographs accumulated over the years.
Guided tours led by skilled historians are available, along with lectures and various events occurring throughout the year.
2. Browse the Oxbow Public Market
The Oxbow Public Market, located in downtown Napa, transcends the standard market experience. It features fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs, alongside unexpected offerings typical of ordinary markets.
As you navigate the various vendors, you can peruse furniture, witness cooking demonstrations, enjoy live music, dine at local restaurants or cafes, and partake in beer and wine tastings.
3. Visit O’Brien Estate
No trip to Napa is complete without exploring the Napa Valley in pursuit of its celebrated wineries.
Upon arriving at O’Brien Estate, you will be greeted warmly and provided with a complimentary glass of wine produced on-site. For those interested in the winemaking process, guided tours of the estate, which encompasses 40 acres of vineyards and the winery, are available.
After your visit, be sure to linger and enjoy some wine amidst the picturesque surroundings.
4. Soar Above the Napa Valley in a Hot Air Balloon
The Napa Valley is stunning from ground level; thus, experiencing it from an aerial perspective is even more remarkable! A hot air balloon ride with Balloons Above the Valley allows you to appreciate the landscape from above, gliding over expansive vineyards and breathtaking sceneries.
Indulge in a snack at the cafe before your adventure and enjoy a champagne brunch following your flight.
If hot air ballooning is not to your liking, alternative local companies provide helicopter rides and paragliding experiences, allowing you to savor the views from above in different ways.
5. Explore Skyline Wilderness Park
Whether you desire to camp under the starry sky or spend a day enjoying nature, Skyline Wilderness Park serves as an ideal retreat from urban life.
The park extends over 850 acres and includes a campground, more than 25 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Martha Walker Habitat Garden, which features native plants and wildlife.
The trails accommodate hiking, biking, and horseback riding. As you wander, be vigilant for sightings of deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species.
Additional activities available in the park include disc golf and archery.
6. Combine Nostalgia, Food and Scenery Onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
There exist numerous ways to experience Napa Valley, yet one of the most unique methods is via a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, departing from downtown Napa.
This exquisitely restored antique train, dating back to the early 1900s, journeys along a 25-mile track through the picturesque Napa Valley.
While enjoying the comfort and luxury of the train, attentive and professional staff will cater to your needs. Delight in American cuisine expertly prepared onboard for both lunch and dinner.
For those desiring a more elaborate excursion, options include winery tours, mystery dinner adventures, or evening journeys accompanied by live music.
7. Take in a Show at the Napa Valley Opera House
The Napa Valley Opera House stands as a distinguished venue located in downtown Napa. Constructed in 1879, this historic edifice serves as a premier locale for the performing arts in the area.
Experience an inviting atmosphere while enjoying a variety of plays, musical concerts, or dance performances staged throughout the year.
8. Admire Art at the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
The outdoor sculpture garden at the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is described as unique, beautiful, and intriguing. This must-visit location in Napa Valley provides a refreshing alternative after a day of winery tours.
Set on a 217-acre estate that was once a vineyard, the site features indoor galleries and a picturesque lake. As you stroll through the garden and galleries, you can admire over 2,000 artworks from 800 artists, historical artifacts, and a collection celebrating local talent. Guided tours are also available.
9. History and Hiking Await at the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
The primary attraction at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is the 36-foot grist mill, which dates back to 1846. Visitors can partake in guided tours and demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase organic milled products.
The park also features a beautiful 2.4-mile nature trail where visitors can traverse through dense forests, discovering picnic areas, a swimming spot, a pioneer cemetery, and the first church built in the valley.
10. Indulge in Fine Food and Drink at TORC
For those seeking upscale dining, TORC in Napa has been providing a remarkable culinary experience since its establishment in 2014.
This elegantly designed restaurant offers an array of farm-to-table gourmet dishes accompanied by energetic music.
The menu features selections such as duck wings, pork belly, Maine diver scallops, and jamon Iberico, with wine pairings available to enhance your dining experience.
11. Explore Calistoga’s Petrified Forest
While Napa Valley is renowned for its wineries, it is also home to the largest petrified redwood trees on the planet.
These trees, now fossils, are thought to have undergone petrification following a volcanic eruption approximately 3.4 million years ago. A brief half-mile walking trail permits visitors to view the trees, which can be appreciated from the path.
Daily guided tours are available, or you may opt to explore the area independently.
12. Get an Educational Experience for the Whole Family at Connolly Ranch
Connolly Ranch in Napa provides an ideal environment for families to engage in a day of learning about agricultural practices. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors while familiarizing themselves with farm animals, sustainable farming methods, and healthy food cultivation.
A weekly Farm Open House takes place in the morning, allowing visitors to meet the resident animals and explore an edible garden. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amid the natural beauty.
13. Visit the Gordon Huether Studio and Gallery
While artist Gordon Huether is well-known locally for his captivating fork installation, comprising 8,000 forks, his Studio and Gallery in Napa features an extensive collection of his work, focusing primarily on colorful, large-scale sculptures.
A unique aspect of Huether’s artwork is his frequent use of recycled materials in the creative process.
14. Go on a Paddling Adventure Down the Napa River
Napa Valley Paddle offers paddleboarding excursions that depart from Napa, with multiple routes available based on your interests during the river journey. The gentle nature of the river ensures that these tours are safe, enjoyable, and accessible for all skill levels.
While navigating downstream, you will encounter picturesque sights of Napa, glide beneath four bridges, and admire the scenic beauty of Napa Valley.
15. Take the Little Ones to Playground Fantastico
Regarded as one of the finest playgrounds in the area, Playground Fantastico offers ample green space and engaging attractions for the entire family to enjoy throughout the day.
The playground features a castle theme, complete with a sandpit, fort, and climbing structures. Picnic tables are conveniently located on-site as well.