Napa Valley may be small in size—just 30 miles long and five miles wide—but don’t let its size fool you. This iconic Wine Country region is packed with more than 400 wineries and tasting rooms, along with a plethora of world-class restaurants, outdoor activities, a thriving arts scene, and landscapes so beautiful you’ll be reaching for your camera at every turn. Spend a week (or two) here and you’ll feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.

With so much to see and do, narrowing down your Napa Valley itinerary can feel a little overwhelming. While you could easily spend your days hopping from winery to winery to sample world-class wine—and we wouldn’t blame you if that’s all you want on your agenda—there’s actually much more to do in Napa Valley than go wine tasting. Whether looking for adventure, a bit of culture, or some leisurely fun, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Napa Valley. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Venture on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

There’s just something extra romantic and alluring about floating over vineyards in a hot air balloon. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime Napa experiences you’ll never forget. When you’re ready to make it a reality, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft or Napa Valley Balloons. As you soar 3,000 feet above the valley, taking in the stunning vistas from all directions, you’ll be reminded just how special this region truly is. If you book a private flight, you also enjoy a post-flight sparkling wine celebration—a nice way to commemorate the occasion. Just don’t forget to bring your camera and warm clothes, as the light during this early morning adventure is epic, but the weather can be quite chilly. Here’s a good rundown on what to expect before you go.

See Napa Valley By Rail

Looking for a one-of-a-kind way to experience Napa Valley’s stunning scenery that’s a bit closer to the ground? Then hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, an antique train with refurbished vintage cars designed to bring you back to the elegant days of rail travel. Whether you’re embarking on a quick scenic ride, a full-day excursion with winery visits, or a special event, the Napa Valley Wine Train gives you a great view of Napa’s most iconic vineyards. And, since the Napa Valley Wine Train is somewhat of a gourmet restaurant on wheels, expect to indulge in plenty of seasonal food and locally-made wine while enjoying the ride.

Visit a Spa / Soak in Healing Hot Springs

When in Napa Valley, you’ll definitely want to indulge in some pampering. The quaint town of Calistoga should be your R&R hub, where you’ll find numerous relaxing spas and soothing mineral pools. At Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, there are eight mineral baths and three mineral-rich pools to enjoy before or after a spa treatment. Calistoga is also home to one of the largest mineral pools in California, located at Indian Springs Resort and Spa. The Olympic-sized mineral water pool, fed by on-site geysers, is reserved for hotel guests, but a limited number of day passes are available to spa guests, as well. Nearby, in St. Helena, the Spa at Alila Resort is a real treat. This soothing space serves as the perfect setting for wellness treatments and rituals, inspired by East and West traditions.

Explore The Region On Two Wheels

Sure, driving can get you from point A to point B—but there’s something special about exploring Wine Country on two wheels. Biking gives you the chance to slow down, soak in the views, and build up an appetite for all that incredible wine and food you’ll be enjoying throughout Napa Valley. In Calistoga, Getaway Adventures’ Cycle, Sip ‘n’ Smile tour offers a relaxed, guided ride to local wineries—perfect for those who want a fun, scenic spin between sips. More seasoned cyclists may want to check out the full or half-day outing with Vine Trail Adventures. Or, you can opt to rent a bike (or bring your own) to ride along the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a 47-mile paved path that connects all of Napa Valley.

Spend Time in Downtown Napa

While each of Napa Valley’s main towns has its own unique appeal, downtown Napa offers the most diversity when it comes to things to do. Situated along the Napa River, this burgeoning area is home to boutique hotels, urban tasting rooms, hip wine bars, top restaurants, theaters, art, and beautiful river walks. The best part? It’s all within walking or biking distance (FYI – the aforementioned Napa Valley Vine Trail connects from here).

At First Street Napa, you’ll find a wide variety of shops and boutiques, as well as wine bars and tasting lounges, such as Cadet Wine + Beer Bar and Compline. Make time to peruse the urban exhibition of public artworks, known as the Napa Art Walk, then check out the historic Uptown Theatre, a renovated art-deco theater from 1937.

When hunger strikes, you’re in the right place. You mustn’t miss a visit to Oxbow Public Market, where over 20 merchants offer gourmet grub, wine, and picnic provisions under one roof. For something a little more intimate, head to the romantic Angèle, a renowned spot for upscale French country cuisine, or dine al fresco at The Grove at CIA, located at the food and beverage hub that is the CIA at Copia. Of course, if you’d prefer a wine-fueled lunch at a tasting room, book The Legend Lunch at Robert Mondavi Winery’s Arch & Tower. Arch & Tower is a great place to sip, but this multi-course wine pairing is a culinary delight, enhanced by views of the Napa River.

Admire Art Collections While You Sip

If wine is art in a bottle, it makes perfect sense that many Napa Valley wineries celebrate creativity in all its forms. From impressive garden sculptures to curated gallery spaces and rotating exhibits, you’ll find plenty of visual inspiration to complement what’s in your glass. Wineries like Hess Persson Estates, HALL Wines, and Cliff Lede Vineyards offer unique art collections and installations—making each visit a true feast for the senses. You may want to check out this more comprehensive list of wineries featuring art displays.

Savor Culinary Experiences at Wineries

Wine and food go hand-in-hand, which is why it’s not surprising Napa Valley is home to some of the best wine and food experiences in Northern California. Rutherford’s Round Pond Estate offers a range of culinary experiences. Their Artisan Tasting pairs estate wines with a seasonal plate crafted from garden-fresh ingredients, while those seeking something more elevated can opt for the four-course lunch. At Sequoia Grove Winery, Cabernet lovers won’t want to miss A Taste of Cabernet—a multi-course pairing designed to highlight their expressive Napa Valley Cabs. And over at Louis M. Martini, guests can enjoy Italian-inspired bites with their wines in a relaxed Cabana setting or go all in with the Underground Cellar Experience: a four-course, underground tasting that takes food and wine pairing to the next level.

For something entirely different, book the Asian Cuisine Meets Napa Wine tasting at RD Winery, featuring a lineup of Asian dishes served alongside a flight of the winery’s Fifth Moon wines. 

See Magnificent Sights

Want to step back in time—say, 3 million years? Head to Calistoga’s Petrified Forest, where a volcanic eruption toppled a grove of redwoods and turned them to stone. Today, you can hike one of two scenic trails and get a close-up look at this ancient natural wonder. Just a short drive away, California’s Old Faithful Geyser puts on a show of its own, erupting roughly every hour and often sending rainbows through the mist—perfect for a quick photo op.

Take a Hike

Wine isn’t the only thing worth exploring in Napa… the scenic trails are just as incredible. From the ten miles of rugged hiking trails in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park to the panoramic views atop Skyline Wilderness Park, hiking here offers a peaceful (and picturesque) break between tastings. Looking for a challenge? More advanced hikers like Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, which offers 19 miles of hiking trails amidst the natural scenery. So, lace up your boots, pack some water, and soak in Wine Country from a different perspective.

Dine in Napa’s Culinary Capital of Yountville

Yes, Yountville is known as the Culinary Capital of Napa Valley—home to an incredible dining scene. Start your day with a mouthwatering pastry at Bouchon Bakery, the popular French-style boulangerie from Chef Thomas Keller, who also owns Michelin-starred The French Laundry—widely known as a foodie’s bucket-list destination. If you’d like to continue your tour of Thomas Keller eateries, be sure to check out Ad Hoc, his casual, family-style restaurant featuring a menu of American comfort food that changes daily.

Also worthwhile in Yountville is the casual Kitchen at Priest Ranch, serving up seasonal American fare for breakfast and lunch; Bistro Jeanty, a classic French bistro with tasty fare and a cozy ambiance; and Bottega, the popular Italian restaurant from the late celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello, which lures with housemade pastas and hearty yet elevated poultry and beef dishes. 

Wine Taste Somewhere Unique

Okay, okay… we know this list is all about things to do besides tasting wine, but let’s be honest—Napa Valley is California’s most famous wine region for a reason, and why miss out on the good stuff? That said, Napa Valley is full of wineries offering more than just delectable wines, turning your sipping experience into something unforgettable.

At Sterling Vineyards, start with an aerial gondola ride and soak in the views before sipping wines from the Mediterranean-inspired hilltop terrace, or head to Pine Ridge Vineyards to taste wine inside their picturesque underground caves. Over at Castello di Amorosa, step inside a medieval-style castle complete with towers, dungeons, and guided tours that feel straight out of a storybook.

Prefer your tasting with an activity? Gather your crew for Beringer Vineyard’s Backyard Social, where you can sip wine, snack on a charcuterie board, and play on the bocce ball courts in one of Napa’s most historic winery settings. Or, head to the multigenerational family-owned Groth Vineyards & Winery, home to the first 100-point U.S. wine from critic Robert Parker. At their Oakville estate, you can venture into the vines during their fun and educational ATV tour.

Picnic at a Winery

When envisioning a visit to Wine Country, an idyllic picnic at a winery may come to mind, and we don’t blame you. When you’re ready to make that vision a reality, check out Black Stallion Winery’s Estate Picnic Experience, a curated picnic for two featuring delicacies prepared by their in-house chef. We also adore the Estate Picnic Style Lunch at Merryvale’s exclusive Profile Estate, which takes place on a picturesque ridge 800 feet above the valley floor. Or, plan to go more casual with the Wine Tasting & Picnic at Tamber Bey, which includes a tour and tasting at this Calistoga horse ranch and winery, plus a picnic lunch.