The Napa River is one of the largest Central Coast Range rivers, running 50 miles from Mt. St. Helena to the San Pablo Bay. It’s an important part of the local ecosystem, providing a home to many species of fish, birds, and wildlife. The Napa River also winds through downtown Napa, offering a serene, gurgling backdrop to a plethora of Wine Country experiences, all right along the water. We’ve compiled some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and stay by the Napa riverfront, in addition to some unique things to do for the more adventure-inclined.

Where to Adventure

For those looking for a unique Napa experience without forgoing some of the best wine Napa Valley has to offer, look no further than these Napa River WineCountry Experiences. Tour the river on a 50-foot catamaran with Winemaker Cruise on the Wine Yacht, all while enjoying a beautiful four-course meal by Chef Kadiye, of Tarla Grill, and wine from AUM Cellars. Looking for a workout to pair with your wine course? Join a private river tour with Napa Valley Paddle. Experience the most impressive stretch of the Napa River, from salt water wetlands to fresh water forest. Paddle the restored tidal area and see downtown Napa like never before. For those looking to not get their sea legs, a casual stroll can happen right downtown and includes river views and ample shopping from stores like the Napa General Store, Riverhouse by Bespoke Collection, and more. And for those looking to really connect with nature both in and out of town, there’s a 4.2 mile, casual hike on the Napa River Trail. If you’re visiting in the summer, enjoy a balmy evening at the Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater for Napa City Nights, the concert series that happens Friday evenings. With terraced riverfront seating, live music, and beautiful views of the Napa River, it’s a great way to wind down after a day of Wine Country activities.

Where to Taste

There are also plenty of options for wine tasting for all the landlubbers who want to enjoy a river view without getting wet. In downtown Napa, check out Acumen Winery Gallery, featuring estate wines from organically-grown grapes on Atlas Peak, and Lithology, The Lounge, a sophisticated, yet relaxed place to sample the brand’s iconic Napa wines. Another noteworthy spot to check out is Arch & Tower, Robert Mondavi Winery’s chic new downtown tasting room. Plan it right and you can sip acclaimed wine and eat housemade culinary bites from the terrace overlooking the Napa River right as the sun sets.

Where to Eat

If you’re strolling along the riverfront, you might venture down the dreamy, floral corridor that leads to Celadon. Known for its ‘Global Comfort Food’, Celadon gives an upscale flair to your favorites, with diners raving about the pork belly and the lemon meringue pie. Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ is a great casual option right off Main Street for some hearty protein, with an extensive whisky menu to boot. The Grove at Copia is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving shareable dishes and a great brunch spot.

Angele Restaurant & Bar is a long-running brasserie serving French fare on the Napa River, and remains one of Napa’s most popular restaurants to this day. For those who might be finding it difficult to decide (decision fatigue is real), sample a little bit of everything instead at the Oxbow Public Market, which features favorites such as Hog Island Oyster Bar, Gott’s Roadside, The Fatted Calf, and Kara’s Cupcakes.

Where to Stay

After all the indulging and activity of Napa River, you’ll want somewhere close by to lay your head at night. Treat yourself to a stay at the Andaz Napa, which offers modern, elegantly-proportioned rooms for you and your pooch. It’s located in the heart of downtown Napa, so after you’re done walking along the river and sampling wine at some dog-friendly tasting rooms, check-in for an in-room spa service, while your fur-baby lounges nearby on the complimentary doggie bed, snacking on the complimentary doggie treats. Nearby is the Napa River Inn, located just off Main Street. Luxuriate in glittering views of the Napa River while enjoying the complimentary pastries from Sweetie Pies, delivered fresh to your room daily.

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa isn’t much further from downtown Napa, but this serene setting can feel like a world away, whether you’re strolling through the beautifully landscaped grounds, or enjoying the view from the grassy river banks with a drink in hand and good company by your side.

Napa Valley’s year-round fair weather and stunning stretches of vineyard-dotted roads make it the ideal place to explore by bicycle. A great alternative to wine tasting by car, biking offers the chance to slow down, revel in the fresh Napa Valley air, and truly appreciate Wine Country’s gorgeous scenery. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to get a little exercise in when you’re indulging in Napa’s world-class wine and food scene.

The majority of Napa’s roads are well-paved and relatively flat, with some moderate, rolling hills that even beginner bikers can handle and enjoy, while experienced riders looking for a challenge can take to the winding back roads and mountains that hug the valley. Here’s everything you need to know about cycling in Napa Valley, including where to get bike rentals or book a bike tour.

Before you go

Whether you bring your own bike or rent one, you’ll want to make sure you pack the same essentials that you would to cycle anywhere: a spare tube in case of a flat tire, water, energy food, and your photo ID and a credit card, in case you want to stop somewhere along your journey.

In California, only those aged 18 and under are required by law to wear a bicycle helmet, but it’s still highly recommended. Napa Valley roads like Hwy 29 and the Silverado Trail are heavily trafficked by cars and on the Wine Country back roads, there are many sharp turns that can cause blindspots for drivers.

Napa Valley Bike Routes

If you want to keep things leisurely, downtown Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga are all easily cruiseable and a bike will help you bop around from shops to restaurants to wine tasting rooms at your own pace.

But if you do want to work up a bit of a sweat, one of the safest and easiest bike routes is The Napa Valley Vine Trail. Clocking in at 12.5 miles point-to-point, this bike route will take you from South Napa to Yountville along a nicely-paved, car-free road. Depending on which end you start cycling from, this is the perfect route for grabbing lunch at either the Oxbow Public Market or one of Yountville’s many restaurants, like Bouchon Bistro, RH Yountville, or R+D Kitchen.

Eventually, the vine trail will be extended all the way to Calistoga, stretching a total of 47 miles. Until then, you take the bike lane along the Silverado Trail from Napa to Calistoga (we don’t necessarily recommend Hwy 29, as it’s much more heavily trafficked), but most cyclists come to Napa Valley to get off-the-beaten-path and away from the wine tasting crowds. Either way, you’ll find vineyard views abound.

The bucolic rolling hills of the Carneros wine region in south Napa offer some of the best views—not just of vineyards, but of bright green pastures and cows, too—and can be tackled by beginning and moderate riders. Serious cyclists seeking a climb can make the trek up Mt. Veeder, a favorite of Napa locals. Located on the west side of Napa town, the highest point of this ride is 1,400 ft. The way down is fast and fun, but be aware of the occasional car coming around the corner.

Another advanced option is to pedal the switch-back back roads that lead to Pope Valley. Many cyclists refer to this area as “old Napa,” for it’s seemingly untouched by tourism. Here you can clock some real mileage, but it does require quite a bit of steep climbing. One of the most popular loops starts in St. Helena and winds back around Lake Hennessey for a total of roughly 35 miles.

Bike Rentals

Many Napa Valley hotels and resorts offer bike rentals (sometimes complimentary) for guests, like Carneros Resort, Solage, and The Setting Inn. You can also walk in or get bike rentals—everything from a road bike to a cruiser to electric (E-bike)—delivered right to your accommodations from shops like Napa Valley Bike Shop, Trek Bicycle St. Helena, and Calistoga Bike Shop.

Owned by the same people behind Clif Bar, Clif Family Winery is all about vino and velo and offers a few bike packages for varying levels and interests: the Tour de St. Helena and The White Road. So if you want to practice the art of balance on your Napa Valley visit, you can pick up a bike at the winery in the morning for a self-guided tour, return it in the afternoon, and then sit down for a delicious wine and food experience.

Bike Tours

If you prefer a bike tour to rentals—sometimes it’s nice not to have to plan and you’re guaranteed not to get lost—book with Getaway Adventures, which takes you on Napa Valley’s quiet, scenic, and low-traffic country lanes, with winery stops along the way. The Sip & Cycle Experience, for example, is a full-day Wine Country adventure (five-and-a-half hours long), and the tour includes stops at a few Calistoga wineries and a boxed picnic lunch. Overall, you’ll get in about 12 miles and plenty of wine. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, book a combo bike and kayak tour.

With near-perfect weather and sun almost year round, Napa Valley beckons wine lovers out from air-conditioned tasting rooms to spend some time exploring the great outdoors — and we don’t just mean frolicking in the vineyards. From hiking and biking to golfing, camping, and even soaking in the hot springs, here’s our guide to Napa Valley’s best outdoor experiences.

Hike

Easy

If wine, wine, and more wine is your priority and you’re looking for a quick and easy hike, consider Westwood Hills Park or Alston Park (the most pup friendly), both located in Napa. In just an hour or two, you’ll successfully get your heart rate up on some steep climbs, plus take in a spectacular view of the surrounding Napa Valley. You can also head north to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Just south of Calistoga, most of the trails here are under two miles. It’s also an opportunity to pay a visit to the historic mill at Bale Grist Mill State Park, which has a trail connecting to Bothe-Napa.

Moderate

The Ritchey Canyon Trail at Bothe-Napa, however, is an eight-mile round trip journey through thick redwoods and over babbling streams. Other longer and moderately challenging hikes can be found at Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa. A hike of the perimeter, which includes a lake and a 1,600-foot summit, stretches for nine miles. The scenic Skyline Trail is a more doable three miles, yet still climbs more than 1,000 feet and circles the lake.

A 15 – 20 minute drive from St. Helena, Moore Creek Park is a bit off-the-beaten-path, but worth it, and is your best chance at spotting wildlife (everything from bald eagles and cattle to mountain lions and bobcats). Combine the Chiles Creek Trail with the Shoreline Trail for a 6.4-mile loop that runs adjacent to the serene Lake Hennessey or push yourself on a heart-pumping three-mile climb up the Moore Creek Trail. At the top, a swimming hole awaits.

Advanced

Napa Valley’s most popular hikes are found north of Calistoga at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, where the revered author spent his honeymoon. The farthest-reaching views of the Bay Area are obtained from over 4,000 feet at the top of the five-mile trail up Mt. St. Helena (10 miles round trip). Most of that hike is on fire road, however, so some hikers prefer hiking the more natural Table Rock and Palisades Trail (eight miles round trip) or even continuing on to the Oak Hill Mine Trail, which extends for 19-miles round trip.

Bike

The eventual goal of the Napa Valley Vine Trail is to complete a 47-mile walking and biking trail system between Vallejo and Calistoga. For now, there is a 12.5-mile section between Napa and Yountville, allowing for 25 leisurely miles round trip. The trail is pretty flat and is a great way to feel less guilty about all of the wine and food you’ll be consuming.

You can rent bikes from Getaway Adventures, or opt for one of their guided bike tours — from Carneros to Calistoga — paired with wine or beer.

Mountain bikers can find trails in Skyline Wilderness Park and Moore Creek Park. Advanced riders can tackle 16 miles over 2,800 feet of elevation along the Oat Hill Mine Trail in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Camp

Camping opportunities in Napa Valley are limited — it’s all about living the life of luxury in Wine Country — but Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has 45 campsites for tents and RVs, or you can glamp in one of their 10 furnished Yurts or fully restored historic cabins. You’ll easily be able to access the park’s hiking trails and there’s even a swimming pool. Skyline Wilderness Park also offers tent camping, RV camping, and horse camping.

Farther out, Lake Berryessa (a 45-minute drive from Napa) has several lakeside camping opportunities. Check out campgrounds like Spanish Flat Resort, Putah Canyon, Steele Canyon Campground, and Pleasure Cove Campground and Marina.

Golf

Despite most of Napa Valley being covered in vineyards, there is a myriad of golf courses in the area. Book a tee time at the beautiful Silverado Resort, which boasts a pair of championship courses and hosts the annual Safeway Open. Note: To play at Silverado, you’ve also got to stay a night, or just know a member. Kennedy Park and the Mount St. Helena Golf courses are the most accessible and beginner friendly. At Skyline Wilderness Park there’s a disc golf course, for a different take on golfing.

At Your Leisure

If you don’t exactly want to work up a sweat on your vacation, there are plenty of more leisurely outdoor experiences in Napa Valley. Board a hot air balloon ride at sunrise — book with Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. or Napa Valley Aloft Balloons. Or, head out to see the Old Faithful Geyser — one of the most-visited attractions in California — erupt in Calistoga, then make your way north to take a stroll through fossilized sequoias in the Petrified Forest. To ease your worries (or sore muscles) away, soak in Calistoga’s natural hot springs at spots like the newly revamped Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs, known as Calistoga’s original wellness resort.

Many wineries get you outdoors too. Explore 1,682 acres of pristine mountainscape during a tour and tasting at Somerston Estate, or opt for the Vineyard Hike with a picnic at Cuvaison. You can play a game of bocce at Trinchero Napa Valley while sipping on their estate-grown Cabernet, and, for something a little more adventurous, the ATV Experience at Hess Persson Estates will have you riding through the vineyards to get an up-close view of the property and its vines.

It’s hard to go half-a-mile in Napa Valley without passing a vineyard or winery — not that we’re complaining — but there is one beautiful and uncharted destination that’s worth a day trip during your California Wine Country vacation. Lake Berryessa is 26 miles long, but just 3 miles wide, with a myriad of quiet coves and 165 miles of shoreline to explore by car, bike, boat, or foot. In the summer, the water temps reach up to 75 degrees, making it the ideal destination for camping and boating with friends.

It even has a glory hole; a spillway at the Monticello Dam. A decade-long dry spell ended in 2017 following heavy rains and turned this little-known glory hole into a tourist destination for a few wet weeks.

Getting There

Lake Berryessa is roughly a 45-minute drive from Napa along the rural, switchback CA 121-North. If you’re visiting Napa Valley and are staying Upvalley, you can also reach Lake Berryessa from Rutherford along CA-128 E. Any vehicle will do, but a scenic drive like this, with few cars and a warm California day, is best done with the wind in your hair, à la motorcycle or convertible.

Insider Tip: Type your final destination into your maps app ahead of time, for you’ll likely lose cell service along the way.

Play

Choose from three marinas — Pleasure Cove, Markley Cove, and Lake Berryessa Boat & Jet Ski Rentals— from which they can rent a plethora of water crafts, like kayaks, jet skis, fishing boats (there’s a variety of fish to catch, including catfish, brown and rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and kokanee salmon), pontoons, and party barges equipped with slides. You can even spend a whole week on a houseboat. Oak Shores Park is the most popular day use area among visitors; it’s a free place to hang, sunbathe, and swim, plus it has a boat launch.

There are also plenty of year-round hiking opportunities at the lake too, like Smittle Creek, an easy, 2.6-mile jaunt that leads to Oak Shores Park. The four-mile, strenuous Stebbins Cold Canyon Trail loop will have you climbing a total of 1500 ft., resulting in stunning views of the lake from above. The North End Trail is a moderate and especially scenic hike along the north shore of the lake with the chance to spot bald eagles, pelicans, and osprey. If you put together several sections of this trail, you can hike over eight miles round trip. The windy roads of Lake Berryessa are also a favorite of cyclists; they are safest in the offseason, when the summer crowds have dispersed.

Stay

No fancy Napa Valley hotels or resorts here. If you’re planning to stay the night, your going to have to pitch a tent. There are several options with lakeside campsites: check out Spanish Flat Resort, Putah Canyon, Steele Canyon Campground, and Pleasure Cove Campground and Marina, which is a convenient option if you’re going to be renting a boat. There are two exceptions to camping at Lake Berryessa; sleep on the water by renting a houseboat or reserve a cozy cabin at Markley Cove.

Sip

There aren’t too many wineries out by the lake, but there are a handful you can stop in at for a tasting along the drive. You’ll pass Nichelini Family Winery for instance; at 128 years old, it’s the oldest family owned and operated winery in Napa Valley. You can also make an appointment to visit Somerston Estate, which sits on more than 1,600 scenic acres at 1,600 ft. in elevation.

If you drive around the lake, past the dam, and head towards the town of Winters, pull over for a pint or two from Berryessa Brewing Company. This place may seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but it’s positively hopping (pun intended) at Happy Hour and on weekends. The vibe here is super casual, family and dog-friendly, and has ample outdoor space. They also have food trucks and live music almost daily.

Eat

Lake Berryessa is truly a rural area. There aren’t really any restaurants, so you’ll want to go prepared. One option, plan on stopping in at the Silverado Market and Bakery on your way out from Napa. But, your best bet at stocking up on drinks and snacks around Lake Berryessa is Turtle Rock — and truly, no trip to the area is complete without it. Turtle Rock is a local dive bar and small general store, a favorite stop of motorcyclists where dollar bills cloak the ceiling. Here you must complete the Turtle Rock right of passage: downing a few of their world famous egg rolls, made with a secret ingredient (it’s spam; don’t knock it ‘til you try it). It doesn’t get more local than this place.

The one Lake Berryessa restaurant is a hidden gem called Cucina Italiana, located at the Spanish Flat Village Center. It’s a casual, family-owned, and authentic Italian restaurant right off the lake. They serve up giant plates of pasta, the perfect medicine after an active day on the water. Note: Bring cash, and they’re closed Monday-Wednesday.