Make a Splash in Napa Valley

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Famous for its Mediterranean climate, where rolling hills funnel cool Pacific breezes across San Pablo Bay and into the valley, Napa Valley has the ideal weather for producing fabulous wine grapes, and creates a wonderful retreat for wine lovers and sun seekers. More than just a Wine Country destination, Napa Valley is a great place to get outdoors and beat the heat with an adventure in the water.

Wine and Water

napa-river-wine-tours
Image Source: Flickr

Napa River Wine Tours
3rd St
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 320-7554
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 1 Review
Reservations: Required

Explore Napa in style and comfort with a relaxing cruise down the river. Napa River Wine Tours offers guests a unique experience of the city as well as a taste of local wine and craft beer as they float past wineries and wetlands on the way to downtown. The tour is offered three times per day, so there is always plenty of time to enjoy a meal at one of Napa’s fine restaurants either before or after a tour.

Insider tip: Bring a small pair of binoculars for better bird watching and views of shore side wildlife.

Ride, Sip, Splash, Repeat

Getaway-Adventures
Image Source: Yelp

Getaway Adventures
2228 Northpoint Pkwy
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(707) 568-3040
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 370 reviews
Reservations: Required

Offering outdoor adventuring mixed with a taste of Napa wines, Getaway Adventures’ Peddle & Paddle Kayak and Bike Tour is a great way to slow down, cool down, and take in the best of the Napa Valley. The tour begins with a guided bicycle tour around the Carneros district where adventurers will pedal from tasting to tasting before stopping for a gourmet picnic lunch provided by Getaway Adventures. The tour then continues with a paddle up the peaceful Napa River in a kayak.

Insider tip: If you would rather explore Napa terra firma on foot, Getaway Adventures also offers guided hiking tours.

It’s All About Balance

napa-valley-paddle
Image Source: Yelp

Napa Valley Paddle
630 Main Street
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 666-1628
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 7 reviews
Reservations: Required

Looking for a great way to fit in your cardio workout during a Wine Country adventure? Paddle your way to fitness and fun with a stand up paddle board tour. Napa Valley Paddle offers several guided stand up paddle board tours along the Napa River, where adventurers of any fitness and skill level can enjoy exploring and learning about wildlife from a knowledgeable local guide.

Insider tip: Stand up paddle boarding is a workout, and you will likely have an appetite by the end of the tour. We recommend adding the optional riverside picnic where guests are treated to Andrew Lane Napa Cabernet and local charcuterie.

Get Hooked Up

napa-valley-fly-guides
Image Source: Facebook

Napa Valley Fly Guides
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 294-4738
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 13 reviews
Reservations: Required

While stream fishing for wild trout is somewhat limited within a hundred or so miles of Napa wine country, Napa Fly Guides can show you where the fish are hiding. Richard Loft specializes in guiding beginner and veteran trout anglers along a small and special stretch of water called Putah Creek. Whether you want to work on casting technique, learn about fly choice, or are simply looking to wet a line and let your cares drift downstream, Napa Valley Fly Guides has got you covered.

Insider tip: Don’t forget to purchase a California Freshwater Sport Fishing License before hitting the river.

Family Fun In The Sun

yountville-community-pool Yountville Community Center Pool
100 California Dr
Yountville, CA
(707) 944-9408
Reservations: Not required during pool hours

For some good old fashioned poolside relaxation, head north out of Napa a few miles to the tiny town of Yountville. There are plenty of public programs for seniors, kids, and families to participate in, including swimming lessons, a family night swim, and a teen pool party at the Yountville Community Pool. Groups as large as 20 can reserve a special pool party area with shaded picnic tables and are allowed to bring their own food and beverages.

Insider tip: If nothing makes you hungrier than a day at the pool, pop over to nearby Redd Wood and order a wood fired Prosciutto Crudo pizza.

Eco-Adventure

kayak-napa-valley
Image Source: Yelp

Kayak Napa Valley
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 501-8585
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 5 reviews
Reservations: Required

Offering much more than just kayak rentals and guided tours of the scenic Napa River, Kayak Napa Valley’s commitment to eco consciousness has put them at the forefront of a movement to keep the Napa River beautiful and maintain its habitat. Book a guided tour from several launch points along the river, or take it a step further and sign up for one of several “Clean-Up Day” events where guests pick up trash along the river by Kayak.

Insider tip: This is an adventure, and it’s on the water, so carry a dry bag to protect devices and electronic car keys.

A River Runs Through It

tributary-whitewater-tours
Image Source: Yelp

Tributary Whitewater Tours
6400 Hwy 49
Lotus, CA 95651
(800) 672-3846
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 40 reviews
Reservations: Required

Within easy reach from the American River, Napa Valley is the perfect place to stage a heart-pounding whitewater rafting adventure with Tributary Whitewater Tours. Adventurers can choose from a variety of experiences based on degree of difficulty, age, and water skills level, and whether or not they want to raft for multiple days. Tributary Whitewater Tours provides food and rafting equipment, and will rent camping gear to overnighters in need.

Insider tip: Bring the entire family. Rafting is an excellent way to bond and Tributary offers huge discounts on family trips.

Making Waves

lake-berryessa-boat-&-jet-ski-rentals
Image Source: Yelp

Lake Berryessa Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
7521 CA Hwy 128
Markley Cove Resort
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 966-4204
TripAdvisor: 3.5 stars, 22 reviews
Reservations: Recommended

If a day at the lake sounds like your brand of excitement, Lake Barryessa Boat and Jet Ski Rentals has what you need to enjoy fun in the sun on Napa County’s largest reservoir, Lake Berryessa. Whether you want to go big with a pontoon boat, try your hand at wake boarding, or simply paddle around on a kayak, Lake Berryessa Boat and Jet Ski will outfit your adventure with the latest power sports equipment available.

Insider tip: Experienced riders, adrenaline junkies, or daring couples will want to try the Honda turbo-charged jet skis for extreme horsepower and maximum fun.

With so many water adventures to choose from, Napa Valley stands out as a premier destination for summer fun and a great place to cool of during your Wine Country exploration. Just don’t forget the swimsuit.


Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.