Holidays to Napa

The largest town in its namesake valley, Napa sits in the heart of California’s premier wine country, home to rolling hills, lush vineyards and some of the world’s top tasting rooms. But not everything here swirls around wine. The best holidays in Napa uncork the region’s more rustic charms, from geothermal baths and river paddles to the markets and gardens that inspire a mini galaxy of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Napa holiday highlights

Napa
Carl Costas

Grape expectations

Napa Valley produces some of the best wines in the world, with more than 400 vineyards, cellars and tasting rooms offering the chance to sample them. Visit Domaine Carneros and Pine Ridge Vineyards just outside Napa’s city limits or explore nearby towns for tasting tours to favourites like Oakville’s Opus One Winery and Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena.

Hot-air balloon rides

What better way to take in Napa than from the skies? It’s worth setting your alarm for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the majestic valley. As you lift off at dawn, you’ll be treated to stunning views of rolling vineyards bathed in golden light. Tours typically set off from the cities of Napa or Yountville, with options for small-group and private flights.

Outdoor living

Beyond Napa’s tasting rooms, a world of outdoor adventure awaits. A good holiday to Napa should also get the heart rate going. Top activities include hikes around Westwood Hills Park, cycling the Napa Valley Vine Trail to Yountville, paddling the Napa River and horseback riding at Shadybrook Estate Winery. 

Napa: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)

High season

August – October

Low season

November – March

Find the best time to go to Napa

Weather in Napa

March – May: Enjoy spring temperatures ranging from chilly to mild, and be prepared for some showers. This is a great time to hit the wineries before the tourist rush.

June – August: The region’s most popular season brings crowds. But you’ll get plenty of warm, sunny days perfect for river paddles and vineyard tours.

September – November: Temps can stay warm well into October, while November sees cooler weather and more rain. The valley is breathtaking this time of year. Fit in a long drive to soak up the autumn foliage.

December – February: Napa winters are comfortably cool, with daytime highs in themid-10s°C.Cosy up in Calistoga’s hot springs and mud baths.

Events in Napa

BottleRock Napa Valley (May): This Memorial Day weekend festival blends live music, gourmet food and local wine. Past headliners include Tom Petty, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Cure. And top chefs take the spotlight on the culinary stage.

Music in the Vineyards (August): Make the most of long, balmy days at this popular summer festival. Catch classical music concerts at historic venues, from wineries to churches.

Calistoga Harvest Table (September): This unique event features a massive dining table snaking down Lincoln Avenue, with space for up to 1,000 guests. Expect multi-course tasting menus from top chefs, plus premium pours from local wineries. Book ahead because tickets go quickly.

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The best neighbourhoods in Napa

Downtown Napa

With boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants and over 45 tasting rooms, Downtown is where to stay in Napa for first-time visitors. Shop for local goods at the Oxbow Public Market, stroll through the food and herb gardens at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia, and explore the lively Riverfront Promenade. Don’t forget your walking shoes to experience the area on foot.

Good for: Dining, boutique shopping, wine tasting

Browns Valley

Divided into four neighbourhoods (Central, East, South, and West), Browns Valley is known for its parks and community feel. Stroll through Century Oaks Park and visit the Silverado Country Club for its golf course and spa. Quieter than bustling Downtown, this is one of the best areas to stay in Napa for families.

Good for: Parks, community spirit, families

Alta Heights

Backed by the Napa River, this trendy neighbourhood is near the wineries along the Silverado Trail and has plenty of nearby walking tracks, including the Napa River Trail. With sweeping hilly views and Downtown an easy walk away, it’s easy to see why Alta Heights is so popular.

Good for: Views, wineries, hiking trails

Things to do in Napa

Napa
Visit California/David H. Collier

Family friendly things to do

There are lots of things to do with family in Napa. Hit the trails at Westwood Hills Park and learn about the local wildlife at the Carolyn Parr Nature Center. Looking to ramp up the excitement a notch? Kayak or paddleboard along the Napa River, or hire bikes to explore the Napa Valley Vine Trail.

Shopping

With the city’s boutiques, wine shops and markets, shopping in Napa doesn’t disappoint. Buy local food and wine from the Oxbow Public Market, or check out the stores along Downtown’s First Street. Be sure to stop by the Napa General Store and the Maker’s Market to pick up unique trinkets for the people back home.

Take in the culture

Take a break from wine tastings to visit the art galleries and museums in Napa, including the Gordon Huether Studio & Gallery and the Art Gallery Napa Valley. Or walk through The Rail Arts District Napa, an outdoor contemporary art museum. Fancy yourself a foodie? Make a beeline for the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Napa runs the gamut from wine bars and live music venues to a small but sturdy performing arts scene. Catch touring bands at Uptown Theatre Napa, or sip on craft cocktails in Downtown. Come sunset, admire panoramic valley views over drinks at the Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar.

Places to eat

With everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to innovative food trucks, the restaurants in Napa are second only to the region’s wines. Enjoy seasonal dishes at The Grove at CIA Copia or indulge in fine dining at the iconic French Laundry in nearby Yountville. Looking for budget eats? Check out the eateries at the Oxbow Public Markets.

Beaches

You won’t find any beaches in Napa itself, but if you want to soak your toes, head an hour north to Lake Berryessa, a popular boating destination. Or take an easy drive to the Sonoma Coast for sandy stretches around Gualala Point, Cooks Beach and the beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park. Looking to surf? The waves of Bodega Bay deliver.

Plan your holiday to Napa

Budget

With a few smart moves, it’s possible to have a cheap holiday to Napa. You can usually find a casual meal for around 21 US dollars ($), but make room in your budget for a blowout meal. Napa’s fine dining is world famous. A local beer costs $9 and a cappuccino $5. You’ll save money by hiring a car or bike. A short taxi trip costs about $9.

Day trips from Napa

Some 30 minutes north, charming St Helena is full of indie boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants and some of the region’s best wineries. Book a tasting at Beringer Vineyards, the state’s longest continually operating winery. Further north, Calistoga is known for its thermal springs and mud baths. And nearby Yountville earns high marks for its world-class restaurants.

Getting around Napa

You’ll want to hire a car if you plan to visit the wider Napa Valley. But getting around the town of Napa itself is fairly easy to do on foot. The Vine Transit bus operates eight routes that serve nearby towns like Calistoga, Yountville and St Helena. Buy tickets or day passes onboard. Taxis and rideshare apps are also available.

FAQs about Napa holidays

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while on your trip to Napa. In addition to your credit and debit cards, consider carrying some cash for things like minor purchases and getting around.
English is used in most day-to-day situations. From everyday greetings to unique local expressions, you're sure to pick up some new phrases during your city break in Napa.
Organise your Napa trip for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 3ºC (37ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
With temperatures hitting highs of 30ºC (86ºF), August is the hottest month in Napa.
There’s no bad time for a holiday in Napa, but choosing when to visit depends on what you’re after. For fewer crowds, visit in the winter. May to August promise the best weather, but be prepared for more people. Or plan your stay between September and October to coincide with the grape harvest.
Plan to spend two to three days exploring the city’s wineries, shops and restaurants. Or extend your visit to include day trips around Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast.
Napa is generally considered a safe place, especially if you stick to the main tourist areas. As with any destination, be mindful of your surroundings and keep belongings secure. Check any travel notices or safety tips to ensure your holiday to Napa is enjoyable and worry-free.
From Art Gallery Napa Valley to Napa Valley Wine Train, this city never runs out of surprises. Get ready for your next adventure by making a list of the top things to do in Napa.
Travel during the off-season (November to February) for deals on flights and hotels to Napa, and explore the area by bus instead of car. Wine tastings can add up, so be prepared to factor these into the overall cost of your holiday if you want to visit the area’s famous wineries.
The rainiest month is January, which has an average rainfall of 12 cm. But don't let that take the shine off your Napa trip — there's still loads to do indoors like hitting the shops, discovering museums, or checking out cosy cafes.