Discover the best of Napa Valley with our comprehensive Napa Valley Travel Guide featuring luxury stays, exceptional dining, and memorable experiences in California’s wine country.
About
Located in the heart of California’s famed wine country, Napa Valley beckons travelers with its beautiful vineyards, world-class wineries, and serene countryside. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking an escape from a busy life, Napa Valley promises an unforgettable trip to the heart of wine-making.
Where to Stay
Auberge du Soleil
Perched on a hillside in Rutherford, Auberge du Soleil offers stunning views of the valley. The resort is renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurant, spa, outdoor pool, and art-filled grounds that create a serene and romantic atmosphere.
Four Seasons Resort And Residences Napa Valley
The charming town of Calistoga is home to the Four Seasons with uniquely luxurious rooms and amenities. The resort offers seasonal California cuisine, a spa, and personalized service to their guests. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking a sophisticated and memorable stay in Napa. You can’t go wrong with a Four Seasons.
The Archer Hotel
Conveniently located in downtown Napa, guests have easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Furthermore, The Archer Hotel provides guests with one of the finest steakhouses in Napa, Charlie Palmer Steak, along with a stunning destination rooftop and bar overlooking the city. The Archer stands out for its central location, contemporary design, upscale accommodations, and thoughtful amenities, making it a popular choice for travelers looking to experience the best of Napa Valley in style and comfort.
Solage, an Auberge Resort
Also located in Calistoga, Solage is a contemporary resort known for its sleek design and relaxed atmosphere. It offers spacious suites, a renowned spa, and a pool. Solage is also home to Solbar, a new American restaurant that is considered one of the very best in Calistoga. Additionally, they offer complimentary bicycles for exploring the surrounding vineyards and landscape.
Napa Valley Lodge
The Napa Valley Lodge offers guests easy access to the exceptional wineries and restaurants of Yountville. The staff provides flawless hospitality, modern rooms, and several spots to relax on the property. Napa Valley Lodge is also known for its charming ambiance, attentive service, and proximity to some of the best attractions in Napa Valley.
Where to Eat
La Toque
This Michelin Star-winning restaurant offers innovative Californian cuisine. La Toque presents seasonal tasting menus and Chef Ken Frank’s inventive French cuisine. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list, curated to complement its culinary offerings. Many consider dining here to be the ultimate food and wine experience in Napa.
The French Laundry
The French Laundry is a world-renowned restaurant with three Michelin stars. The dining experience at The French Laundry is unparalleled, characterized by its fixed-price tasting menus that offer a progression of small, intricate courses. Chef Thomas Keller’s dishes showcase the finest seasonal ingredients, ensuring an unforgettable meal. If you are looking for a swanky night out, this will not disappoint.
Press
Situated in St. Helena, Press is a renowned steakhouse known for its high-quality cuts of meat, sourced from local ranches. The menu features their prime dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list, showcasing a variety of Napa Valley wines. The elegant yet comfortable ambiance makes it a favorite for steak enthusiasts.
Brasswood
At Brasswood in St. Helena, the staff dedicates itself to local ingredients by making elegant wines, cooking delicious food, and creating a welcoming space where guests can enjoy entrees with the area’s freshest ingredients. Brasswood showcases culinary excellence, a scenic setting, and a commitment to local flavors and hospitality.
Rutherford Grill
Yet another fantastic spot to enjoy terrific wines and comforting cuisine. This traditional American restaurant provides diners with attentive service and the typical food-wine pairings that Napa is famous for. Rutherford Grill is a great dining destination for those seeking a taste of American comfort cuisine with some local flair.
What to Do
Visit the Vineyards
You can’t visit Napa without a trip to its world-class wineries. Many wineries offer tours that explain the wine-making process, often followed by tastings. Napa is internationally recognized for its high-quality wines and picturesque vineyards. There are plenty of wineries worth visiting. We recommend Pine Ridge Vineyards, Jarvis Estate, and Hess Persson Estates.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
One of the most unique ways to experience the beauty of the Napa Valley. Take a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of the vineyards and rolling hills. We recommend early morning rides. Floating over the vineyards and hills as the sun rises is truly an unforgettable experience.
Art Galleries and Museums
Napa Valley has a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries showcasing a wide range of artistic styles and mediums. Conveniently, many of these galleries are located on the famous Napa vineyards, making it easy to plan a full afternoon without having to move around too much.
Attend Events and Festivals
There are a variety of annual events that take place in Napa, where guests are sure to have a memorable time listening to live performances, tasting local cuisine, or enjoying art showcases. The Napa Valley Festival, which typically takes place in July, is a must-see event for anyone who happens to be in the area.
Culinary Experiences
Napa Valley’s culinary scene is quite highly regarded. While visiting, there are opportunities to indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences, explore food markets, and go on gourmet food tours to savor the region’s fresh offerings. You can see our recommendations above.
For recommendations for another popular western destination, check out our Park City Travel Guide here.
