Things to Do in Napa Valley

Wine tasting is the main event, but Napa Valley offers a full calendar of experiences for visitors who want to explore beyond the tasting room. The valley's natural beauty, culinary culture, and creative community provide plenty of reasons to extend your stay.

Outdoor Adventures

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Float above the vineyards at sunrise, when the valley is quiet and the light is golden. Several operators launch from the valley floor, with flights lasting about an hour followed by a champagne brunch. Napa Valley Balloons and Balloons Above the Valley are the most established operators.

Cycling

The relatively flat valley floor is ideal for cycling between wineries, through vineyards, and along quiet back roads. The Silverado Trail offers a less-trafficked alternative to Highway 29. Rental companies provide road bikes, e-bikes, and guided tour options.

Hiking

The mountains flanking the valley offer trails with spectacular views. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park on Mt. St. Helena, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, and the Oat Hill Mine Trail near Calistoga provide options from easy walks to strenuous climbs.

Wellness & Spa

Calistoga Hot Springs

The geothermal springs of Calistoga have attracted wellness seekers since the 1860s. Volcanic ash mud baths, mineral soaking pools, and geothermal treatments are the signature experiences. Indian Springs Resort and Dr. Wilkinson's are the most historic properties.

Resort Spas

Full-service spas at Meadowood, Auberge du Soleil, and Solage offer extensive treatment menus incorporating local ingredients — grape seed oil, volcanic mud, and wine barrel-aged products.

Arts & Culture

The Hess Collection

A working winery and contemporary art museum on Mt. Veeder. The permanent collection includes major works by Francis Bacon, Robert Motherwell, and Anselm Kiefer displayed in a beautifully renovated stone building.

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

A 217-acre art preserve in the Carneros region with indoor galleries and outdoor sculpture installations set among vineyards and around a lake.

Seasonal Events

• Auction Napa Valley — The valley's premier charity wine auction, held each June
• Harvest Season (September–October) — The most exciting time to visit; watch the grapes come in and smell fermentation in the air
• Festival Napa Valley — Summer performing arts festival featuring concerts, dance, and theater across the valley
• Napa Lighted Art Festival — Winter event showcasing light-based art installations throughout downtown Napa

Fill your days in the valley — there's more to discover than wine alone.