Everyone knows California’s Napa Valley has some of the best wineries in the world, but it’s so much more than just wine. Napa Valley is a world-class Wine Country filled with extraordinary culinary experiences, stunning mountains and vineyards, and amazing art. It’s also just a hop, skip, and a jump (or rather a short drive) from San Francisco and neighboring Sonoma, which makes it a perfect destination for a day trip.

While you could easily fit in a half-day visit to Napa, we suggest making it a full-day trip, so you can do all the fun things like wine tasting, dining out, and exploring, of course. And there’s no need for lots of planning because this itinerary maps out how to have a fantastic day full of some of Napa Valley’s best experiences without too much time in the car. (Note: Most of the stops on the itinerary are in and around the city of Napa, as destinations further north like Rutherford and St. Helena would eat up too much drive time.)

Start with a hearty breakfast

Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day when wine tasting is on the itinerary. Proteins and carbs will help soak up that booze (or at least help it absorb it more slowly), and there’s no better protein and carb combo than the chicken and waffles at Boon Fly Café at the picturesque Carneros Resort and Spa. Located at 4048 Sonoma Highway (as you head into Napa from San Francisco or Sonoma), it’s the perfect spot to start the day. Pro tip: Grab a dozen of the famous donuts for car snacking.

Blend your own wine at the Hess Collection Winery

Atop Mount Veeder, you’ll find Hess Persson Estates, located at 4441 Redwood Road in Napa, where you can play winemaker for the day by blending three varietals to create a custom blend you can take home. Or, if you’d rather enjoy your wine with a side of art, opt for the Walking Tour of the Hess Contemporary Art Museum, one of the most impressive private collections in the world, before sitting down to sample the winery’s newest releases.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Oxbow Market (plus treats to take home)

Oxbow Public Market, located at 610 1st Street in Napa, is popular with locals and tourists alike, and for good reason. You’ll find all kinds of food purveyors at this lively high-end market, where you can enjoy a fantastic meal as well as find all kinds of epicurean delights from local Californian food and wine producers. Take a lap before committing to your lunch fare (you’ll find everything from oysters to burgers to tacos) and then enjoy your meal on the spacious deck overlooking the Napa River. You can also find plenty of goodies to assemble your own picnic, if you’d prefer to pack a picnic and eat along the Napa Riverfront.

Stroll and shop in downtown Napa

If you’re looking for something to do other than wine tasting, look no further than First Street in downtown Napa, where you’ll find three blocks of tasting rooms, interesting shops, and unique art galleries. You can also stop by the Napa Valley Welcome Center, located at 1300 1st Street, and pick up a complimentary map for the Napa Valley Art Walk, a public outdoor art exhibition featuring eight sculptures, all within walking distance of each other.

Tour and taste at some of Napa’s best wineries

It would be extremely ambitious to stop at every winery mentioned on this itinerary, but if you want to make a go of it, they’re listed here in driving order. Better yet, pick one or two, so you can really enjoy the experience without rushing or worrying about time.

Stags’ Leap Winery, located at 6150 Silverado Trail in Napa, is on one of California’s first wine estates—home to 240 acres of vineyards and an 1890s stone Manor House surrounded by beautiful gardens. Book the 90-minute Manor House Tour & Tasting experience so you can explore the property and gardens before enjoying a seated tasting.

Silverado Vineyards, at 6121 Silverado Trail in the heart of the Stags Leap District, is all about offering up quality wines alongside beautiful views. Try their new White Wine & Caviar experience for something on the lighter side, or dive into their rich Cabernets during their Legacy Cabernet offering.

Burgess Cellars, situated at 2921 Silverado Trail, doesn’t just offer exceptional wines, but this historic property also has sweeping views that are pretty darn spectacular.

If you’re planning to head back to San Francisco or Sonoma before dinner, stop into Domaine Carneros on your way out of town, which is located at 1240 Duhig Road in Napa. Stroll through the formal gardens before taking a seat on the terrace of the French-inspired Chateau, where you can sip bubbles, snack on caviar, and toast to an amazing day in Wine Country.

If an urban winery is more your jam, don’t miss Robert Mondavi’s new Arch & Tower tasting room. Located overlooking the Napa River, at 930 3rd Street in Napa, Arch & Tower is downtown Napa’s newest spot to sip acclaimed wine while enjoying curated food pairings. If you plan it right, you can sip a glass of wine as the sun sets during their Golden Hour tasting, before heading out to dinner.

Get a new perspective on Napa with an unusual or global-inspired dining experience

If you’re “just” looking for exceptional food in a stylish space that stays fixed to the ground for the entire meal, Napa has some extraordinary restaurants. Angèle Restaurant & Bar, a riverfront bistro located at 540 Main Street in downtown Napa, will transport you to France for the evening. And dining at Morimoto Napa, located just a few doors down at 610 Main Street, feels like a trip to Japan, complete with sushi, sake, and even a little shopping.

We also adore the food at The Grove at the CIA, located at 500 1st Street in Napa. Here, shareable, Mediterranean-inspired dishes are chock full of ingredients from Copia’s own on-site gardens.

However, if you’re looking for a more unusual dining experience, you can go on a literal culinary journey via land or sea. Roll past Napa’s lush landscapes and travel back in time on the Napa Valley Wine Train, located at 1275 Mckinstry Street in Napa. This classic Napa experience is available for wine tours during the day, but they also offer a multi-course dinner at night. If that doesn’t float your boat, a Winemaker Cruise definitely will. Glide along the Napa River in a 50-foot yacht while enjoying a four-course dinner with wine pairings. The boat departs from the Napa Yacht Club, located at 100 Riverside Road in Napa.

Napa Valley boasts plenty of beautiful spots to call home during a visit, but if you’re looking for a wide variety of things to do and see all in one convenient location, downtown Napa is the place to be. This once sleepy town at the south end of Napa Valley has undergone a major renaissance over the past decade and is now home to luxury lodging, hip wine bars, celebrity-led restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and beautiful river walks. So park the car, forget about traffic, and take advantage of the urban oasis that is downtown Napa. Here’s your guide to making the most of a visit.

Eat Well

From award-winning fine dining to farm-to-table casual eateries, downtown Napa is a foodie haven. Simply put, you’ll want to make room in your bellies to chow down on all the delicious offerings that Napa has to offer. First on the agenda should be a visit to the lively Oxbow Public Market. A gathering place for gourmet grub in Napa, Oxbow is where you can find everything from oysters and tacos to chocolates and cupcakes. In fact, there are over 20 merchants under one roof, providing endless ways to eat and drink yourself silly!

For more delectable fare, follow your nose to Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ. In addition to pulled pork and beer can chicken featuring house-made rubs, Bounty Hunter has 40 wines available by the glass. Down the street is famed Napa Valley restaurant, Angèle, renowned for its upscale French country cuisine and quaint, romantic atmosphere since 2002. While wine is a natural choice as you dine on French fare, when your palate needs a break from the grape juice, you can’t go wrong with one of Angèle’s fantastic cocktails.

If you still need more ideas, check out Scala Osteria, a seafood-centric Italian joint from the founder of Bistro Don Giovani, or Morimoto, the sleek Napa River restaurant from celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, where an extensive menu of sushi, seafood, Wagyu beef, sake, and Japanese Whiskey can be found.

Sip & Savor

Housed in a former saloon and brothel from the late 1800s, the Vintner’s Collective is a good place to sample a wide variety of Napa Valley wines from one location. Here, you’ll find over two dozen quality boutique producers who are too small to have their own tasting rooms, with various tasting spaces from which to enjoy their coveted wines.

Make a point to stop into Acumen Wine Gallery, featuring a small but high quality collection of organically grown estate wines from Atlas Peak; Lithology, The Lounge, the sophisticated downtown outpost of the highly acclaimed Lithology brand; and WALT Wines, where tasters can sip their way through 1,000 miles of Pinot Noir from within the bright, cheerful space. Another noteworthy (and new!) spot to check out is Arch & Tower. This beautiful tasting room is the downtown outpost of Robert Mondavi, offering wine tastings and food pairings overlooking the Napa River.

Compline is a wine bar, restaurant, and bottle shop in one, and a worthy destination in downtown Napa. Founded by two sommeliers, Compline’s wine collection is complete with bottlings from around the world, including some obscure varietals from lesser known regions. Stop in for a glass and a bite, and be sure to check their calendar for educational tastings and events. Around the corner, Cadet Beer & Wine Bar is a popular spot for wine, beer, and tasty provisions. Here, you’ll find a worldly selection of wine, from rare Champagne to Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, bottled beers, and an old school vinyl collection, plus there’s always a fun lineup of regular events and guest wineries worth checking out.

See A Show

During the summer months, head to downtown Napa’s Oxbow River Stage at Oxbow Commons Park for the summer concert series. Live music with a backdrop of the Napa River? What could be better! Just note that no outside food and beverages are allowed—luckily, you’ll find beer, wine, spirits, and culinary offerings available for purchase.

At the eclectic JaM Cellars, wine tastings take place in the casual setting of their music and wine lounge. In addition to JaM’s classic vinyl collection and Rolling Stone Magazine-clad walls, the tasting room also plays host to weekly live music sets known as JaMSessions. Another fantastic place to catch a show is the historic Uptown Theatre. This renovated art-deco theater from 1937 regularly welcomes musical performers and comedy acts. The intimate setting means there’s never a bad seat in the house.

Other Things to Do

Foodies and wannabe chefs won’t want to miss heading to the CIA at Copia, the ultimate destination for wine, art, and food-related happenings and exhibits. Take a cooking class in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, explore the collection of specialty cookware at the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum, or try their new cocktail bar, The Haven, where housemade bites and curated cocktails are sure to hit the spot.

Stationed in downtown Napa, the historic Napa Valley Wine Train provides a stylish way to tour around Napa Valley, where plush rail cars, elegant décor, and gourmet cuisine offer a glimpse of the glamourous days of train travel. Whether you stay on the train and enjoy the ride or opt for one of the half or full day tours with wine excursions, the Wine Train is a unique way to take in the beautiful scenery of Napa Valley.

For shopping, head to First Street Napa, the heart of shopping in downtown Napa, where you’ll find a variety of boutiques offering the best in fashion, home décor, art, and gifts. If shopping until you drop isn’t in your budget, a more affordable Napa activity is bike riding around the area. Rent bikes for a scenic ride along the paved Napa Valley Vine Trail, which runs 12.5 miles from Napa to Yountville. Or, rent kayaks or paddle boards from Napa Valley Paddle for a fun outdoor experience on the water. They offer guided and unguided rentals by the hour, day, or weekend. Another great activity that won’t break the bank is simply walking around downtown Napa to experience the Napa Art Walk, an urban exhibition of public artworks. The sculptures change every couple of years, highlighting the work of various artists from throughout California and the West Coast.

Sleep Soundly

The 141-room Andaz is ideally situated right in the heart of downtown Napa, offering the comforts of a boutique hotel with the convenience of being walking distance to shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Loft-style rooms feature hardwood floors and deep soaking tubs, while spacious suites offer an added dose of luxury in the way of rain showers, fireplaces, and terraces overlooking downtown. If a view of the river is what you’re after, stay at Milliken Creek Inn. Hidden away just one mile from the heart of downtown Napa, this peaceful retreat overlooking the Napa River is the perfect romantic getaway after a long day of wine tasting and shopping throughout downtown Napa.

Travelers looking for a relaxing vacation in Wine Country should pay attention to the small town of Calistoga. Visitors to Napa Valley’s most northern city can mingle with farmers, grape growers, winemakers, and locals just by walking down the street or stopping by one of the many restaurants or tasting rooms the town has to offer. Sipping wine and relaxing by a geothermal mineral pool are the main attractions, but charming Calistoga has much more to offer.

Staying in Calistoga

Calistoga hotels focus on relaxation. Many boast heated mineral pools warmed from the rich mineral water that runs below the town and on-site spa offerings for ultimate rejuvenation without leaving the property.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs

1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4102

The recently renovated Dr. Wilkinson‘s perfectly blends nostalgic charm with a hip vibe and modern amenities. This modernized retreat offers everything needed for a perfect Calistoga getaway, including luxe rooms with plush bedding and mid-century decor; mouthwatering food and drink at the on-site restaurant, House of Better; healing mineral pools; and a plethora of restorative treatments at the spa. Opt for the signature mud treatment for a true Calistoga experience.

The Inn on Pine

1202 Pine Street, Calistoga, California 94515, (707) 942-6829

The Inn on Pine is surrounded by vineyards but is only a few minutes walk to downtown Calistoga. It offers 13 rooms outfitted with Wine Country inspired decor and plush beds, alongside in-room fireplaces and soaking tubs. Take a dip in their on-site hot tub, or pay a visit to their dry sauna for a relaxing way to end the day.

Wine Tasting in Calistoga

Calistoga is home to wineries of all sizes, and we have a feeling you’ll love tasting your way around this northern part of the Valley.

Bennett Lane

3340 Hwy CA-128, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6684

Known for offering friendly service with its wines, Bennett Lane tasting room offers a variety of tasting experiences, including the Estate Tour Experience where a personal wine expert will lead you around the vineyards, as well as through a tasting of four Bennett Lane wines. If you’re a Cab Sauv lover, you might also be interested in the Ruby Fox Tasting which focuses on two of their Ruby Fox Cabernet Sauvignon vintages.

Frank Family Vineyards

1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-0859

Set within the winery’s original Craftsman house is Frank Family Vineyards’ tasting room, where seated tasting experiences include samples of current release still and sparkling wines—many of which are exclusive to the winery. If Cabernet Sauvignon is your preferred varietal, don’t miss the Wines of Winston Hill Tasting, highlighting single vineyard Cabernets. For something slightly more elevated, book an experience in the winery’s chic new Miller House.

Tamber Bey

1251 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-2100

You’ll notice something a little different about Tamber Bey as soon as you arrive. This winery is home to not only beautiful wines but also beautiful horses! Tamber Bey is a family-run operation of equestrian lovers through and through and their hardwork and dedication comes through in their wide variety of wine offerings. Book their Courtyard Experience which lets you choose your tasting flight of vineyard-designated wines or dig a little deeper in the Collector’s Tasting, a private experience geared towards collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Brunch in Calistoga

Calistoga brunch is a must for visitors looking to go wine tasting in the afternoon. Many restaurants are open for brunch on weekdays, as well as weekends.

Cafe Sarafornia

1413 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-0555

Cafe Sarafornia serves a traditional diner breakfast with a Wine Country twist. Seasonal dishes such as the Brannan Benedict—two poached eggs, avocado, bacon, and their very own gravy sauce on an English muffin—grace the menu, and portions are big, so bring your appetite.

Solbar

755 Silverado Trail N., Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 226-0800

Solbar is a Michelin-recognized hotel restaurant and bar that is trendy yet approachable. Guests are treated to farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients, from breakfast to late-night lounge snacks. While the interior of the restaurant is beautifully designed, it’s hard to beat starting your day with an al fresco meal on the expansive patio. At night, it’s also the place to be to enjoy the 20-foot long fire pit.

Lunchtime in Calistoga

If you are planning early morning or evening adventures in Calistoga, there are no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat midday.

Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery

1250 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4101

The Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery is for travelers who are looking for a casual lunch and a place to grab a beer (refreshing after a day of wine tasting). The outdoor patio with fire pits stretches along the Napa River and all the beer is made in the historic water tower.

Sam’s Social Club

1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4913

Sam’s Social Club is a favorite stop for brunch, lunch, and dinner in the Calistoga restaurant scene, known for its thoughtfully composed seasonal comfort foods. Stop by between wine tastings to try their Seared Ora King Salmon Sandwich or Pork Schnitzel.

Dinner in Calistoga

After a day of exploring northern Napa Valley, it’s time to kick back, relax, and savor the many amazing flavors of the region.

Evangeline

1226 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 341-3131

Evangeline is casual French fare with a Creole twist. Tables are mostly patio seating, so make sure to bring layers when dining here, but it’s worth it to enjoy an al fresco evening sipping an Old Fashioned and noshing on Fried Pickles, Steak Frites, and savory Gumbo Yaya.

Lovina

1107 Cedar Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6500

The sign “Great Food” outside their small patio isn’t just good marketing, it’s a promise to guests to expect nothing but delicious eats at Lovina. Formerly known as the Calistoga Kitchen, Lovina dishes up heart-warming comfort food with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Stop in for dinner (or brunch!) and dig in to a basket of warm sourdough with kale, pistachio pesto butter with their famed Wine Forest Risotto, and if you happen to stop by on a Wednesday night, enjoy discounted bottles of wine from their extensive list of Napa favorites and no corkage fees.

Adventures in Calistoga

There is much more to Calistoga than wine tasting. Travelers from all over the world visit here to experience the mineral pools, unique sites, and bountiful Wine Country shopping.

Plan to visit Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife sanctuary outside of Calistoga. Where else can you find giraffes, antelope, and lemurs in Wine Country? They also offer glamping, for a more comprehensive outdoorsy experience.

Also worth checking out is the Old Faithful Geyser of California, located just north of downtown Calistoga. Get up close and personal as the geyser erupts every 20 to 30 minutes.

Downtown has many local shops with unique gifts. Walk along Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga’s main street, and experience shops owned by locals including Ca’Toga Galleria D’Arte and Copperfield’s Books.

Known as Napa Valley’s Main Street for its ritzy flare, chic boutiques, pioneering wineries, and contemporary art galleries, St. Helena is a dreamlike destination for epicures the world over.

Getting to this wine lovers’ paradise is an easy 90-minute drive from both San Francisco and Sacramento, California—a sophisticated-yet-charming spot situated between Calistoga and Yountville, just 18 miles north of Downtown Napa.

Regardless of the time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of sights and activities to explore in St. Helena. So, when you’re ready to discover all the top spots to get pampered, cultured, wined, and dined in the viticultural Napa Valley hotspot that is St. Helena, here’s our guide to the best things to do.

Visit a Winery

Whether you want to visit a winery, do a wine tasting in one of Napa’s many tasting rooms, stroll through the vineyards, or take a Wine & Dine tour, historic St. Helena is a prime place to do it.

Perhaps one of Wine Country’s most famous wineries, Beringer Vineyards, owned by Treasury Wine Estates, is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley, founded in 1876. Tour their historic Rhine House, then reserve a private wine tasting at St. Helena’s gorgeous Fantesca Estate & Winery, located a short drive out of town in the Spring Mountain AVA. With its stunning surroundings, intimate tasting experience, and top-notch wines, it’s no wonder this family-owned winery is one of the best wineries in Spring Mountain to visit.

Back in town, Duckhorn is another great option. While you’ll love strolling the beautiful gardens and enjoying the vineyard views from the wrap-around veranda, a visit is all about the renowned wines. And for the Port lovers, Prager Winery & Port Works is a mustn’t miss destination in the heart of Napa Valley. From Tawny Ports to White Ports, it’s the next best thing to tasting in Portugal.

Get Cultured

Experience contemporary art outside of San Francisco in a world-class wine setting at Napa Valley’s HALL Winery. Recognized for its iconic 35-foot chrome rabbit named Bunny Foo Foo leaping out of the vineyards at its entrance, St. Helena’s HALL Winery offers signature tours in its award-winning modern art gallery.

When you’re finished sipping HALL’s storied Cabernets, take a tour of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, just off Main Street in downtown St. Helena. Loved by bibliophiles across the globe, Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish writer best known for his novels, Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His namesake museum in downtown St. Helena offers the world’s largest collection of Stevensoniana on public display.

Get Pampered

After a long day of Napa wine tasting, unwind with a soothing facial, therapeutic massage, or healing soak with detoxifying beverage in hand at the Spa Alila at the Alila Napa Valley hotel on Main Street in downtown St. Helena. Not in the mood for a rub-down? You and your crew can also book private yoga experiences, personalized meditation sessions, and astrology readings at this adults-only Wine Country oasis in Napa Valley.

Overnight guests at Meadowood Napa Valley can visit the award-winning spa for therapeutic massages, organic facials, body scrubs, and other wellness offerings, such as sound therapy, reiki, and mindfulness. Guests can also book the private Tree House Retreat room with a gorgeous hammered copper tub for sumptuous custom baths—milk, mustard, or pure sea salt.

Enjoy a Winery Food Pairing

Snack and sip yourself to a state of blissful oblivion with some of the best food and wine pairings you’ve had all year in St. Helena, Napa, and beyond.
Clif Family Winery and organic farm is one of Napa Valley’s hidden gems. Each week, the Clif team harvests crops from their five fruitful acres and uses them to create seasonal dishes for their on-site food truck and culinary curiosities for their wine tasting menus. There’s even a Farm Elixir Mocktail Flight for a non-alcoholic food pairing in the heart of Wine Country.

Hop on over to Merryvale Vineyards Napa Valley for a selection of hearty, delicious food and wine pairings. Book a delightful brunch with their Seasonal Quiche & Wine Pairing, lunch with the Vino & Pizza Experience, or a hearty Burger Butler Experience with wine and burgers brought in from St. Helena’s famous Gott’s Roadside.

Trinchero Winery is another St. Helena favorite offering delectable culinary bites paired with their signature wines. This elegant experience includes a tour of their Napa Valley winery and vineyards, as well as the barrel room.

Eat at an Award-Winning Restaurant

You don’t have to be in San Francisco or another big city to dine at Michelin-quality restaurants with renowned chefs. Napa Valley, including quaint St. Helena, is inundated with award-winning eateries and institutions, such as the famed Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

Grab your girlfriends and head to the Acacia House restaurant in Alila Napa Valley’s restored Georgian farmhouse—the perfect setting for a breezy Wine Country brunch on its white-pillared wraparound veranda. It also serves up some of the best dinner fare in the area.

Celebratory, family-style California cooking is on full display at The Charter Oak restaurant in St. Helena, just down the road from Yountville and Calistoga. Led by chef Christopher Kostow (of the former three-Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood), The Charter Oak serves brunch and all-day fare with crops from its 3.5-acre culinary garden in St. Helena.