2024 Napa Valley Visitors Guide
Napa Valley in California is well known for its production of wine. People come from all around the world to experience the beauty of the valley and indulge in the education of winemaking and don’t forget the tasting.
Make no mistake, Napa Valley has more to offer than just the wind tasting although that would be enough to fill up a vacation. Napa Valley is perfect for romance if you are planning a getaway for two yet still offers a relaxing vacation the whole family can enjoy.
When you come to Napa Valley you may find yourself wishing you had planned to spend more time here to enjoy all the great things to do. There is wine tasting, but the Valley also offers plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration. There are definitely lots of activities and attractions to see and do. Museums browsing, camping, shopping, golf, and outdoor concerts are just a few of the things you can choose to experience. There are also lots of things to fly and ride. Balloons, gliders, the Wine Plane, horses, bicycles, small cruise ships, and the Napa Valley Wine Train are all here for you to enjoy.
Whether you’re on a budget or not, you should be able to find affordable accommodations in Napa Valley at any time of the year. All About Napa Valley’s online reservations system offers hotels & resorts to choose from with discounted rates. You can view individual hotel web pages with pictures and information. Check rates, availability and make secure online reservations. All About Napa Valley also offers the guaranteed lowest rates on car rentals anywhere from major companies like Enterprise & Thrifty. Our online services are easy to use and very secure. We provide quality service to all of our customers.
While visiting Napa Valley you’ll never go hungry for quality food or shopping. Napa Valley offers lots of great restaurants that will please anyone’s appetite ranging from Seafood to Mexican to Oriental and they will surely have the perfect wine to accompany the meal. And shopping is unlimited. There are lots of great places to shop in. You’ll find, outlets, collector’s shops, specialty shops, antique shops, boutiques, high-end shops, low-end shops, and the list keeps going.
Destinations in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is made up of several beautiful destinations for you to visit. Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga, and Yountville are all waiting for you. As you begin exploring up the valley on Highway 29. You may find that the traffic slows and for a very good reason, that is the only way to take in the splendor and beauty of the Valley, nice and slow.
Destinations
Napa Visitors Guide
The city of Napa offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops for visitors to take advantage of while they explore the scenic surroundings. Napa boasts a number of parks and green spaces and has several biking trails that provide a unique way for visitors to experience the charm of this California city. Read more >>
Calistoga
Located at the quiet upper end of Napa Valley, this charming small-town oasis is noted for its world-renowned spas. This illustrious reputation is derived from it dozens of spas that offer the visitor spa treatments ranging from traditional mineral-rich hot springs and volcanic mud baths to herbal wraps, massages, and more. The main street of this hospitable town is studded with clothing boutiques, wine shops, restaurants, candy stores, art, jewelry, pottery, and ceramic galleries.
Mount Saint Helena towers 4500 ft (1372 m) above Calistoga, creating an impressive backdrop for this city in California’s Napa Valley. Known for its abundance of geothermal activity, Calistoga is home to California’s own Old Faithful geyser, as well as a popular hot spring that draws visitors from far and wide. In addition to the lure of the hot springs, Calistoga offers several spas that provide a variety of health and beauty treatments for visitors and locals. These attractions bolster the area’s appeal as a travel destination, which is also famous for wine production. Balloon trips provide visitors a bird’s-eye view of the town and area, with several different local companies offering to take guests above the vineyards for an incomparable view. Indoors, the Sharpsteen Museum lets visitors step inside Napa Valley’s past with extensive exhibits and dioramas depicting the valley’s history from pre-history to the present day.
St. Helena, CA
Situated in the heart of the Napa Valley, St. Helena is a hotbed of wine production, first-class restaurants, and a wide variety of accommodations that range from large-scale resorts to two-room bed and breakfasts. There are many ways to get out and see the area surrounding St. Helena, from bicycling the extensive trails to soaring through the skies in a hot air balloon. After a day of exploring the region, visitors can relax in the luxury of one of the local spas and experience what it is to be pampered with California style. Other recreational activities such as golf and hiking are also available in St. Helena, though of course wine tastings and vineyard tours are the most popular activities here. St. Helena is easily accessed from the San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento airports, and there are shuttles available to and from all of these hubs to Napa Valley.
The City of St. Helena is located in the center of the world-famous wine-growing Napa Valley, 65 miles north of San Francisco. The area was settled in 1834 as part of General Vallejo’s land grant. The City of St. Helena was incorporated as a City on March 24, 1876, and reincorporated on May 14, 1889. The city from its inception has served as a rural agricultural center. Over the years, with the growth and development of the wine industry, the City has become an important business and banking center for the wine industry. The city also receives many visitors as a result of the wine industry and the areas of scenic qualities. The main goal of the City is to maintain a small-town atmosphere and to provide quality services to its citizens. The City of St. Helena is a General Law City and operates under the Council-City Administrator form of government. The City Council is the governing body and has the power to make and enforce all laws and set policies related to municipal affairs. The City Administrator is responsible for carrying out the policies of the City Council and for the proper and efficient management of municipal activities. The City Administrator directs and manages the various departments and municipal services through appointed Department Heads who directly supervise and administer the various City programs, services, and activities.
Yountville, CA
Yountville is located south of St. Helena in California’s Napa Valley, giving visitors access to one of the most famous wine regions in the world. There are many tours related to the local wine industry, from balloon companies that take guests airborne to view the vineyards to limousine services that transport guests to the local wineries and estates. Arts and culture figure prominently in Yountville as well, with a number of art galleries such as the Gallery 1870 Napa Valley displaying local and regional artwork. Bed and breakfast accommodations are abundant here and add to the quaint, comfortable atmosphere that the town has cultivated. Fine dining has also found a home in Yountville and has earned the town the distinction of the culinary capital of the Napa Valley. Accordingly, visitors will find a range of restaurants, bistros, and clubs here serving a variety of international cuisines.
George Calvert Yount, the first white settler in the Napa Valley, came to the Yountville area in 1831. Yount was a rancher, miller, and trapper. He is credited with encouraging other American pioneers to establish ranches in the Napa Valley. Today the town boasts of beauty and unique attractions. Today there are three massive stone buildings that house a honeycomb of specialty shops and restaurants called Vintage 1870. It’s a great place to walk and shop, taste wine and dine. Yountville has many other fine shops and restaurants outside the Vintage 1870 Complex. Washington Square offers fine restaurants, art galleries, and specialty shops. Beard Plaza is another small, unique shopping area and Washington Street is laden with treasures waiting to be found. So come and enjoy what has been available for decades.
Things to do in Napa Valley
When you come to Napa Valley you may find yourself wishing you had planned to spend more time here to enjoy all the great things to do. There is wine tasting, but the Valley also offers plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration. There are definitely lots of activities and attractions to se and do. Museums browsing, camping, shopping, golf, and outdoor concerts are just a few of the things you can choose to experience. There are also lots of things to fly and ride. Balloons, gliders, the Wine Plane, horses, bicycles, small cruise ships, and the Napa Valley Wine Train are all here for you to enjoy.
Wine Country Film Festival
Napa celebrates cinematics and moving images with the annual Wine Country Film Festival, which takes place every summer. The first section of the festival is set in the Napa Valley, while the second section takes place in the Sonoma Valley.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Enjoy a three-hour train ride through the Napa Valley wine country, traveling a total of 36 miles. Brunch, lunch, and dinner trips are available with different restaurants, wine tasting, and seating options onboard the train. The Napa Valley Wine Train was voted one of the Top 20 Railroads in the World and the journey begins in downtown Napa. Featured at the Napa Station is the Wine Emporium where both wine and souvenir purchases can be made. (707) 253-2111
Safari West
Established by Peter Lang in 1978 as a private, one-of-a-kind wildlife preserve, Safari West is a 400-acre sanctuary located in Santa Rosa, California. In 1982, Safari West attained membership in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. It is one of only six private facilities in all of North America that has acquired this hard to attain membership. The primary purpose of Safari West is wildlife conservation through breeding, education, and research. One of the major goals of Safari West is the propagation of endangered species. Home to over 400 mammals and birds, Safari West’s inhabitants include zebras, giraffes, lemurs, several cats and much, much more. (707) 579-2551
Veterans Home of California
Established in 1884 by Mexican War veterans and members of the Grand Army of the Republic who recognized the need for a home for California’s aged and disabled veterans. In January 1897 the Veterans Home Association deeded the home and its 910 acres of land to the state
of California which has maintained it since that date.
Wineries in Napa Valley
Visit some of Napa Valley’s many Wineries, Cellars, and Vineyards while you are here. You have a few options for touring this beautiful place including the Napa Valley Wine Train where you will return to the gracious era of elegant rail travel and dining, a cruise from San Francisco Bay into the heart of California’s Wine Country where the finest wineries open their cellars and wines to welcome you, and Hot Air Balloons with an unforgettable aerial view.
Araujo Estate Wines
The Araujo Estate is a Chateau-style wine property located in the northeast Napa Valley. Its two primary components are the 40-acre Eisele Vineyard and the winery and cave complex which we designed and built specifically to vinify Eisele Vineyard grapes. The Eisele Vineyard is one of the most respected cabernet sauvignon vineyards in the Napa Valley, equivalent to a premier cru Bordeaux. Warm days, cool nights and well-drained cobbly soils produce remarkable wines. The vineyard was established more than 100 years ago and was first planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1964. When we acquired it in 1990 we began an extensive renovation, refining the varietal mix and upgrading clone-rootstock combinations to realize the property’s potential for joining the international elite of limited-production wine estates oriented exclusively to quality.
Atlas Peak Vineyards
Atlas Peak Vineyards is producing some of the most exciting wines on the market today. The winery and surrounding property are a collaborative effort between Allied Domecq Wines, USA, and Piero Antinori, whose family has a distinguished 600-year Italian winegrowing history. Atlas Peak Vineyards is America’s leading producer of Sangiovese — a grape made famous in the Northern Italian region of Tuscany.
Carneros Creek Winery
Carneros Creek Winery was founded in 1972 as the first winery to be built in the Carneros Region of California since Prohibition. The Carneros is an officially designated viticulture area located on the northern edge of the San Francisco Bay and is recognized as having a distinct microclimate: cool bay breezes, minimal rainfall, and a long growing season. These are conditions that prove to be ideal for growing outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties . . . the same grapes that made Burgundy famous. Owners Francis and Kathy Mahoney recognized the Carneros’ potential for producing wines similar to the great wines of Burgundy, and in conjunction with U.C. Davis, Francis implemented a critical research project on clonal selections best suited for the Carneros. Consequently, Francis Mahoney is considered one of the pioneers in bringing Pinot Noir to the forefront in California red wine production.
Jessup Cellars
Jessup Cellars produces its high-quality wines by using the finest Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley grapes. Grapes are handpicked and gently crushed. The winery has top-of-the-line equipment to make wine the age-old way — gentle punch down, pressing, barrel-to-barrel racking, and topping. The winery chooses barrels that specifically enhance the characteristics of the varietals that are produced in them. Jessup Cellars wines are all aged in American or French Oak Barrels. The wines are made without compromising to quality. Jessup Cellars has a reputation and family tradition of high-quality standards and a hard work ethic. Mark Jessup is the winemaker, with 20 years of experience.
Hagafen Cellars
Hagafen Cellars is located in the Napa Valley, in the heart of California’s premier wine grape region. Owned and operated by Irit and Ernie Weir, the winery was founded in 1979. The first vintage released commercially was harvested in 1980. In the ensuing 20 years, we have grown from a small partnership producing wine with grapes from Winery Lake Vineyard, then owned by Rene DiRosa, to a well-established wine company whose wines are distributed throughout North America and overseas. Our wines have been served on numerous occasions at the White House to visiting foreign dignitaries. In November 1999, we broke ground for our new winery on the Silverado Trail. Hagafen Cellars currently produces 7,000 cases of premium table wines each year. (707) 252-0781
Staglin Family Vineyard
Staglin Family Vineyard is a family-owned Napa Valley winery, devoted to producing extremely limited quantities of the highest quality wine from its own vineyard. Staglin has been rated as one of the top five vineyards in all of California. Wines of distinction have been made from this vineyard for more than 30 years.
Pepi Winery
Located in the Napa Valley, Pepi Winery is an innovator and pioneer in the quality production of Italian varietals in California. We are well-known for crafting the quintessential California Sangiovese, stellar Sauvignon Blanc, and limited quantities of rare varieties such as Arneis and Teroldego. (707) 945-1391
Robert Keenan Winery
Chardonnay was the first Keenan wine released and it immediately established the winery as a leading producer of Chardonnay. The Cabernet grapes came into leaf and the resulting Cabernet vintages were immediate successes. 1978 was voted the best California Cabernet of that vintage. The 1986 Cabernet was acclaimed as the 42nd best Cabernet in the world by Wine Spectator. In 1978, Keenan purchased a small volume of Merlot grapes as a way to acquire some desired Chardonnay grapes. The resulting Merlot proved extremely popular and Merlot became a permanent part of the winery’s selection. The reputation of the Keenan Merlots was solidified in 1988 when tasting of the Keenan Merlots against the world-famous Petrus wines (Merlots) resulted in a virtual draw.
Where to Eat in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is close to the Pacific Ocean so you will surely have the freshest seafood waiting at many restaurants. You will also find much more than seafood. There are restaurants serving the finest beef, oriental cuisines and yes the all-American favorites are here for you as well.
Where to Stay in Napa Valley
Napa Valley offers every accommodation imaginable. If you are looking for a modern sophisticated hotel or resort to entertain business clients or just comfortable accommodations for the family you will find them by the bay or downtown in Napa Valley. Accommodations are available in a variety of flavors. Resorts with all the comforts of home, comfortable inns, luxurious condos, and business class hotels are all here to fit any of your needs
Shopping in Napa Valley
Napa Valley offers a unique shopping experience for anyone. There are specialty shops that cater to your every desire revealing hidden treasures every time you embark on a shopping adventure. Keeping in step with the ambiance of the Napa Valley shops are located in historic settings such as Vintage 1870 and in picturesque town settings. Be sure to visit Washington Street in Yountville and shop at Moss-wood Collection…a creative display of treasures inspired by the garden.
Vintage 1870
An almost infinite variety of merchandise awaits! Accessories for the home, garden, and bath. Fine art, wines and wine tasting, gourmet foods, handmade chocolates, unique toys and books, jewelry and gems, romantic gifts, and unique collectibles from Napa Valley and around the world complement an exciting array of fine clothing and accessories for all ages. (707) 944-2451
Golf Courses in Napa Valley
There are several golf courses with different skill levels and price ranges in the Napa Valley area. If you are looking to get outside and enjoy the weather a game of golf is just what you are looking for. Below we have displayed the golf courses surrounding the Napa Valley area. We hope the information we provide will assist you in planning a great vacation.
| Name | City | Holes | Green Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Springs Golf Course (707) 965-1151 |
Pope Valley, CA | 9 | $15. – $25. |
| Las Positas Golf Course (510) 443-3122 |
Livermore, CA | 18 | $22. – $43. |
| Napa Municipal Golf Course (707) 255-4333 |
Napa, CA | 18 | $9. – $48. |
| Paradise Valley Golf Course (707) 426-1600 |
Fairfield, CA | 18 | $28. – $52. |
| Pasatiempo Golf Club (408) 459-9155 |
Santa Cruz,, CA | 18 | $63. – $228. |
| Silverado Country Club (707) 257-0200 |
Napa, CA | 18 | $115. – $135. |
| Sonoma Golf Club (707) 996-0300 |
Sonoma, CA | 18 | $45. – $70. |
Sightseeing & Guided Tours
Napa Valley offers some of the best scenery in the world. If you are looking for a romantic getaway you have found it. Take the Napa Valley Wine Train through the heart of Napa Valley’s picturesque vineyards past world-renowned wineries, visit Crazy Creek Soaring, and get a birds-eye view of this breathtaking scenery, or cruise the San Francisco Bay through the heart of Wine Country.
Crazy Creek Soaring
Come and enjoy the Soaring!! We had some exceptional wave and thermal soaring days this year. Come on out and enjoy the soaring…… We are open Monday – Sunday from 9 – Sunset preferably by appointment (707) 987-9112
The Wine Plane
Enjoy the wine country’s simple beauty from the intimate setting of your personal sightseeing airplane. We invite you to experience the valley’s premier flight-seeing adventure. (888) 779-6600
Beau Limousine Tours & Transportation
Wine-tasting tours by limousine! Discover the best the Napa Valley has to offer with our private custom tours of the Wine Country. (707) 257-0887
Wine & Dine Tours & Events
Wine & Dine Tours and Events will plan, customize, organize and conduct escorted personalized wine country tours, vacations and corporate events in Napa Valley and beyond. (707) 963-8930
Napa Valley Holidays
Winery Tours for individuals and groups. Customized and personal. Group activities and packages arranged. Bay area pickups are available for
groups. (707) 255-1050
Antique Tours Limousine Service
Experience the Wine Country in a fully restored 1947 Packard Convertible Limousine. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking vineyard views while riding in an open-air convertible. Visit exclusive boutique wineries hidden on quiet country lanes, and enjoy our delicious gourmet picnic lunches. We have four limousines accommodating groups up to 24. (707) 226-9227
Getaway Adventures
Explore Napa Valley’s quiet country lanes and “off-the-beaten-path” wineries. See such Classics as Sterling, Beringer, Mondavi, and Opus One. Our rental Cannondale bikes are strong and easy to handle. (707) 942-0332
Napa Valley Art Studio –
Discount package includes tour map, “Free” wine tastings, discounts on lodging, spas, car rentals, and more. Only $19.95. The website also offers wine country art. (707) 253-0204
Napa Valley Bike Tours & Rentals –
Our fully guided tour caters to the beginning and recreational rider as well as to the experienced cyclist. There are several planned winery stops along the tour. (707) 255-3377
Napa Valley Model A Rentals
Have a blast driving your very own version of an automobile classic through the beautiful Napa Valley. Cars may be rented by the hour or, take advantage of the special daily rates. Guaranteed fun! (707) 944-1106
Napa Valley Tours & Trail Hikes
Our knowledgeable guides will escort you on a personalized tour of the most interesting and intriguing Napa wineries and historical sites, narrating the fascinating history of the valley as we go.(707) 965-2000
Wilson West International Event Planning & Management
Wilson West is a deluxe Event and Conference Management firm, specializing in memorable experiences in The Wine Country.