If the closest you’ve been to Napa Valley is a Friday night bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, you’re in for a treat. Northern California’s famous wine region delights even the most discerning of palates.
And it’s easy to understand why. It’s the Mediterranean climate. Those wonderfully ordered vineyards. And, yes, that world-renowned wine too.
For a quick taste of its offerings, a weekend getaway is ideal. It’s easily accessible from nearby San Francisco or Oakland and works perfectly as a calming spot to escape the madness of city life.
And don’t think Napa Valley is all drink, drink, drink. There are plenty of other (non-headache inducing) activities to keep you entertained.
So, to help you optimize your vacation, here are six incredible things to do in Napa Valley in a weekend.
#1 Take the Napa Valley Wine Train
Alright, the first activity is wine-related. But come on ? A WINE TRAIN! And this is no ordinary chugger. This is a stylishly refurbished locomotive offering a romantic way to see Napa Valley’s wineries in a short space of time.
The train itself is constructed from railcars built in 1915 by the Pullman Standard Company. After serving as first-class passenger coaches, they were bought in the late 1980s and underwent a huge restoration.
Now, they’re almost as beautiful as the countryside that rushes past the window. Think ?Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, and velveteen fabric armchairs.?
You can hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train at St. Helena, one of Napa Valley’s cities. Then sit back and relax as the train goes on a 36-mile loop, past 36 gorgeous vineyards and wineries. Along the way, you can enjoy a gourmet meal and a glass or two of the local vino.
#2 Chow Down in a Gourmet Market
When your belly is rumbling, Oxbow Public Market is the place to be. Nestled within the Oxbow district of Napa, the 40,000 square-foot marketplace is a bustling hive of artisanal merchants and proponents of organic and local produce.
Every diet is catered for, so take your time to explore the stands before making your decision. However, if you’re looking to continue the theme of high-end loveliness, eat oysters from the half shell at the Hog Island Oyster Co stand.
Alternatively, for a more rustic foodie hit, venture to Gott’s Roadside, where they sell elevated American roadside favorites. If you’ve had enough wine for the weekend, wash your food down with one of their locally sourced beers instead.
#3 Paddleboard the Napa River
Journey into the heart of the region with a relaxing afternoon paddleboarding along the river. Starting in downtown Napa, you can hire a paddleboard (or kayak) from one of the many local vendors. Depending on how energetic you’re feeling ? that wine does catch up with you ? rentals are available from one hour to a whole day.
If you don’t feel comfortable exploring the waters by yourself, there are plenty of guides to keep you company and show you the ropes. Alternatively, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can kayak the river after the sun has set. Napa Valley Paddle offers a guide-led tour during the full moon, which takes in lovely vineyard, forest, and marsh views.
#4 Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
There’s no denying it, Napa Valley is a beauty. Those undulating hills. Those impossibly well-ordered vineyards. That lush, verdant landscape. And seeing it from the ground is one thing. But for the ultimate vistas, you have to take to the skies.
Taking a hot air balloon flight is one of the most luxurious ways to see Napa Valley. It might put a dent in your traveling funds but, for many, it’s worth it.
No matter which balloon operator you opt for, your flight will take off in the morning when the winds are at their most tranquil. This timing offers the double benefit of a smoother ride and a chance to witness the sunrise over the fields. Most flights will last around an hour, but hot air balloons are dependent on good weather. So leave three or four to complete your trip.
#5 Relax with the Perfect Spa Day
If the wine hasn’t satisfied your appetite for indulgence, or the hot air balloon flight, or the oyster feast… head to Calistoga, where natural hot springs feed a wealth of luxury and boutique spas. An afternoon at the town in northern Napa Valley is best spent merely taking a soak in the mineral-rich waters, letting the restorative power of nature work its magic.
Be warned, however. There is a multitude of spas and hotels in Calistoga offering a range of treatments. So do some research before you go to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
While you’re in Calistoga ? and if you can squeeze in time with all that relaxing ? you may also want to see Old Faithful Geyser of California, a naturally erupting plume of hot water and steam.
#6 Indulge in the Arts
With your skin clean, belly full, and paddleboarding complete, it’s time to energize your soul. And for that, you should immerse yourself in the local arts scene. Perhaps unsurprisingly for a place known as Wine Country, Napa Valley’s offering is sophisticated and rich.
And there is, perhaps, no better example of this than at The Hess Collection museum. Situated on a winery on Mount Veeder, the gallery displays the wide-ranging portfolio of Swiss multimillionaire Donald Hess. Displayed in the museum are works by names you might recognize: Francis Bacon, John Connell, and Franz Gertsch. But there are plenty of up-and-comers to discover as well.
For a more in-depth understanding of the local art world, visit the di Rosa gallery, which exhibits a stunning collection of contemporary pieces from Northern Californian artists.
So there you have it. If you want to see Napa Valley in a weekend, remember that it’s all about taking it easy. Switch off that cell. Enjoy the country air. And sip some of the world-renowned local wines. Indulgence is the word of the weekend. Go on, you deserve it.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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