Napa Valley is known around the world for its award-winning wines, and its temperate weather and proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area make it a popular destination year-round. There’s so much more to Napa in addition to its spectacular wines, and with all that there is to do, it’s hard to believe the valley is just 30 miles long and a few miles wide. Wander through art galleries and stroll through gardens. Get outside and go kayaking, boating, stand up paddling, bicycling or hiking. Dine in acclaimed restaurants that have earned Michelin stars. And, of course, sample some of the wine that’s blended by more than 400 winemakers. There’s something for everyone in Napa Valley, just take a look! 

Why Napa 

• The average daily temperature is 72 degrees. 

• More than 400 wineries and more than 150 restaurants, 13 of which are Michelin-rated. 

• Served by four international airports within 100 miles: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and San Jose International Airport (SJC). Sonoma County Airport (STS) is about 45 miles away, and the private Napa County Airport is about 10 minutes away. 

What’s New in Napa 

• The 33 miles of the Napa Valley Vine Trail are now complete. When finished, the 47-mile, car-free trail will stretch from Vallejo to Calistoga. The trail currently runs from Vallejo to American Canyon, Napa to Yountville and St. Helena to Calistoga. 

• BOATNAPA’s new Duffy electric boat accommodates six passengers on 75-minute cruises. 

• Passengers flying Southwest Airlines can take advantage of the airline’s new Sip & Ship program and check a case of wine home for free.  

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Napa, as well as places to grab a bite to eat. Here are a few spots to pique your interest. 

SEE 

Take a Walk 

Photo: Town of Yountville

I

n the heart of Napa Valley is Yountville, a charming, picturesque town that’s all about passeggiata, or the art of the stroll. It’s here that the valley’s first grapevines were planted, and Yountville’s microclimate has its own American Viticultural Area (AVA). A walking tour showcases unexpected boutiques, tasting rooms and restaurants; the town is considered the culinary heart of Napa Valley. The self-guided or docent-led Yountville Art Walk features a collection of more than 35 outdoor sculptures from local and world-famous artists; many of the town’s tasting rooms feature art, too. 

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art 

The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art sits on 217 acres in the scenic Carneros Region at the south end of the Napa Valley. Indoor galleries house a permanent collection of Northern California art, along with contemporary exhibitions. Outside, a 1/3-mile trail winds through the Sculpture Meadow and, as its name suggests, past dozens of sculptures. 

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park 

Photo Courtesy of Hosts Global

In the late-1800s, local farmers brought their grain to a water-powered grist mill between St. Helena and Calistoga to grind into fresh meal, ideal for making cornbread, yellowbread, shortening bread and spoon bread. Today, the fully refurbished mill is still in operation at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, producing organic polenta, cornmeal, spelt, buckwheat, rye and whole-wheat flours. Stop in to see the action before enjoying a picnic or going on a hike through the park. 

DO 

Up, Up and Away 

Photo: Visit Napa Valley

Get a bird’s eye view of Napa Valley on a hot air balloon ride. Climb into baskets before sunrise and float into the sky to watch the day unfold over the valley. While some baskets are more intimate for couples, others can hold up to 20 guests, perfect for those traveling with friends or family. Afterwards, relive the experience over breakfast. 

Birds Of a Feather 

Photo Courtesy of Hosts Global

Birds of prey like falcons and hawks are used by wineries like Bouchaine Vineyards to minimize bird damage to the vineyards and grapes. Join a falconry presentation to not only learn about the sustainable practice, but how raptors hunt, fly and see. You can even meet the birds and enjoy photo opps, all while enjoying a glass of wine, of course. 

Get Out on the Water 

Photo Courtesy of Hosts Global

For a different perspective of Napa Valley, get onto the water. The Napa River runs 50 miles from Mt. St. Helena to San Pablo Bay. Of those 50 miles, 17 travel through an estuary from the Trancas Street bridge in Napa to Vallejo. Take a guided kayak tour to learn about the area’s history as you paddle downriver, and keep an eye out for wildlife: bird, otters, beavers, deer, rabbits, turtles and even harbor porpoises have been spotted. Or, hop aboard BOATNAPA’s six-person Duffy electric boat. BYOB and snacks, sit back and let the guide boat driver show you the highlights of the regions. 

EAT 

Normandie

Photo: Normandie Restaurant & Martini Bar

Diver Scallop Wellington Style, Saffron Seafood Pappardelle and Porcini & Morel Risotto are a sampling of the dishes on the lunch and dinner menus at Normandie, a new restaurant on Napa’s historic riverfront inspired by European culinary traditions. In addition to exquisite meals, the Martini Bar is not to miss, serving the classics and inspired sips like the Black Pepper Martini, Tuxedo Martini and the Earl Gray-infused The Earl.  

Eight North 

Photo: Jesse Cudworth

The best of Napa’s seasonal produce is served alongside fresh seafood and fine cuts of meat at Eight North, a new restaurant in Calistoga from Lawer Estates winery with Chef Abby Burk at the helm. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, a few of the seasonal dishes not to miss are the Charred Oyster Mushroom Melt Tartine for lunch; the Bone-In Duroc Pork Chop served with creamed sweet corn and grilled peach for dinner; and the Brown Butter Roasted Dates with a side of Sourdough Pancakes for brunch. Social hour is available daily from 2 to 5 p.m. 

George & Kin’s Diner 

Photo: George & Kin’s Diner

Another new spot in Napa is George & Kin’s Diner serving all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rather than a traditional diner, co-owner blends American classics with his Japanese heritage to create mouthwatering dishes. To that end, the diner’s cinnamon buns, French toast, sandwiches, garlic bread and toast are made with Japanese milk bread. Other dishes on the menu include Curry Udon; Carbonara made with katsuobushi; George’s Prime Rib Plate; and Parker’s Banana Split and Kin’s Dream Cake, both of which are worth saving room – and calories – for.  

STAY 

Silverado Resort 

In the heart of all that Napa Valley has to offer is Silverado Resort, a luxury resort with so much to offer, you may never want to leave. Think two PGA championship golf courses; 10 swimming pools; tennis, bocce and pickleball courts; four dining options; and a 16,000-square-foot spa and fitness center. And then there are all the resort activities, from wine tastings (of course!) to garden and cycling tours, guided nature walks, hiking, birdwatching and more. After spending the day exploring Napa Valley or playing on the grounds, retreat to one of the resort’s thoughtfully-appointed 117 guestrooms or 228 suites, all of which are set in four neighborhoods for a truly at-home feel.