Located in California wine country just north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is known for its beautiful rolling hills and local wines. With over 400 Napa Valley wineries, including the O’Brien Estate Winery, Hess Collection Winery, and Oakville Winery, it’s impossible to visit all of them in one trip.
The first commercial winery opened in Napa Valley in 1861; roughly 25 years later, there were more than 140 wineries in the area. Unfortunately, the growth halted in the early 20th Century with an infestation of grape phylloxera, destroying 80% of the area’s grape crops. To add insult to injury, Prohibition began in 1920, closing the wineries for 14 years.
Thankfully, vintners returned to Napa Valley after the repeal of Prohibition and established Beaulieu, Inglenook, Mondavi, and Louis Martini vineyards. And now, 90 years after the end of Prohibition, Napa Valley has become a premier destination for fine wine.
It’s almost impossible to think of Napa Valley without thinking about wine. And while there are plenty of wine tastings available, a Napa Valley trip can also include a visit to natural hot springs, a trip to the French Laundry for gourmet food, or a spa treatment at one of many Napa Valley hotels.
Napa Valley is for wine lovers and those who like to explore art, play golf, hike outdoors, listen to music, go shopping, and eat delicious food.
TLDR
If you find yourself in Napa Valley and you’re overwhelmed with so many fun things to do, this short list might get you started:
- Most significant landmark – Castello di Amorosa
- Best park – Skyline Wilderness Park
- Best trail – Napa Valley Vine Trail
- Best free activity – Napa Art Walk
- Best activity for kids – Connolly Ranch
- Best activity for adults – A Hot Air Balloon Ride from Yountville
- Best food – The French Laundry
- Best nightlife – The Napa Valley Wine Train Gourmet Express for Dinner
- Best all-around accommodation – Inn on Randolph
Best & Fun Things to Do in Napa Valley, California
1. Napa Valley Wine Train
Address: 1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559
While the Napa Valley Wine Train has been in operation since 1864, it didn’t begin as a gourmet dining service until 1989. Originally, the train was used to take tourists from San Francisco to the resort town of Calistoga.
The original Pullman railroad cars have been restored with luxury armchairs, brass accents, and mahogany paneling, evoking the spirit of early…
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