Coming to Napa Valley to visit the wineries and sample the wines is undoubtedly a primary motivation for many people’s weekend or long-term visits.
But, no matter where you are in Napa Valley, you will find an almost endless list of fun and entertaining activities for everyone.
The genuinely hospitable communities and businesses of Napa Valley offer loads of varied activities for couples, friends, families, and groups of coworkers to enjoy during their visit to Wine Country California.
The scenery, landscape, and excellent weather are conducive to many outdoor activities. In addition, Napa Valley communities offer many dining, cultural, entertainment, and shopping opportunities throughout the year.
Outdoor Fun
Bicycling the Vine Trail from Napa to Yountville
Fun for everyone, a bike ride along the beautiful 12.5 paved section of the Napa Valley Vine Trail from Napa to Yountville is a fantastic outdoor experience. You will cycle past the communities and vineyards that line the route, enjoying the fresh air and the magnificent scenery of Wine Country California. Bike rentals are available at each end of the Trail, and there are several interesting stops along the way for rest and refreshment.
Hiking
If hiking and climbing are your favorite activities, Napa Valley’s diverse topography provides a variety of natural trails, wildlife, and natural vegetation, all with differing degrees of difficulty. Popular and safe hiking areas are Bothe State Park, Skyline, Moore Creek, and Oak Hill Mine Road.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Safe, fun, and awe-inspiring hot air balloon rides in Napa Valley are a must-do experience. You will enjoy a sense of freedom as you and your group drift quietly above the tapestry of vineyards, communities, and wine estates while you admire the breathtaking panorama.
Spa Relaxation: Calistoga Mud Baths
A truly relaxing, detoxifying, and even romantic adventure is to schedule a session at one of Calistoga’s famous mud bath spas. These natural muds are well known for their curative properties, first discovered by the original inhabitants of the area, the Wappo Tribe, over 8,000 years ago. The mud is hydrated by the local, mineral-rich, local hot springs and mixed with an abundance of volcanic ash from eruption millions of years ago.
At several of the spas in the area, you can complete the mud bath experience with a massage, sauna, facial, chromotherapy mineral bath, and, should you choose, a refreshing glass of wine and a snack.
Boutique Shopping
Boutique shopping is first class in Wine Country California. Start your quest at First Street in Napa with its excellent boutique shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa and Napa Premium Outlets, a great place to catch some real bargains on high-quality merchandise.
Moving north, other outstanding Napa Valley shopping venues include Main Street in Helena and Lincoln Street in Calistoga.
Food and Dining
World-Class Restaurants
For such a relatively small geographic area, Napa Valley offers an extraordinary number of award-winning, world-class restaurants. The list is extensive, but Napa Valley’s Michelin-starred restaurants like The French Laundry, The Restaurant at Meadowood, Auberge Du Soliel, Bouchon Bistro, Kenzo, LaToque Napa Valley, Compline, and Grace’s Table offer unforgettable dining experiences. These are only eight of the scores of excellent dining establishments to consider for your next visit.
Cooking Classes
While visiting Napa Valley, sharpen your culinary skills and learn some new techniques along the way by participating in one of the excellent cooking classes. Two of the best are CIA by Copia and the Silverado Cooking School, offering single and multi-day hands-on cooking instruction.
Entertainment
Live Music and Theater are always on tap in Napa Valley. Plan to enjoy live performances at the Oxbow RiverStage Summer Concert Series or attend a live performance at Uptown or Blue Note in Napa. Remember to look for the free outdoor summer concert series held in many of the communities of Napa Valley.
The Grape Escape Room in Napa is truly an escape and an entertaining chance for you and your group to try your collective hand at solving a series of mysterious puzzles.
California Wine Country Tour with Platypus Wine Tours
Yes, Napa Valley is also about wines. While the region offers so much to do, a professional and enjoyable Wine Country Tour of select wineries with Platypus Wine Tours is a surefire way to learn about what happens in Napa Valley. You will enjoy expert commentary during your join-in or private tour of some of Napa valley’s finest boutique wineries.
Learn more about the premier wine tour company of Napa and Sonoma Valleys and the delightful and entertaining experiences by visiting the Platypus Wine Tours website. Couples or groups with questions about a future California Wine Country Tour should phone Platypus Wine Tours at (707)-253-2723.
