Things to Do in Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is America’s most famous wine region — 30 miles of vineyard-covered valley floor with 400+ wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and hot air balloons floating overhead at sunrise. It’s 75 minutes north of San Francisco.

Wineries — The big names (Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Domaine Chandon, Stag’s Leap) do tours and tastings, but the smaller family wineries off the Silverado Trail are where the real experiences happen. Tastings run $25-75 per person. Most require reservations.

Hot Air Balloons — Napa Valley Balloons and Napa Valley Aloft launch at sunrise and float over the vineyards. The morning light on the valley floor is extraordinary. $250-300 per person.

Napa Valley Wine Train — A restored 1915 Pullman dining car running 36 miles through the valley with a multi-course meal. The Gourmet Express and Murder Mystery trains are the most popular.

Oxbow Public Market — Downtown Napa’s artisan food market. Cheese, charcuterie, oysters, craft spirits, and gourmet kitchen shops.

Calistoga — The town at the north end of the valley with natural hot springs and mud baths. Indian Springs Resort and Dr. Wilkinson’s are the classics.

Thomas Keller — The French Laundry (one of the best restaurants in the world, reservations months out), Bouchon Bistro (more accessible), and Ad Hoc (fried chicken Mondays) are all in Yountville.

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