The DL: Napa is one of the coolest places to me in the US. It just feels like you are stepping back in time, the fast pace of the world slows down, and the focus of all things is wine and good food. When we visited Napa we stayed for a few days to really get the full experience. We stayed really in two towns and drove to the other towns because they aren’t very far from each other (20-30 min) but all are worth seeing at least. We also came to Napa during end of May/Early June for reference.
Updated February 2021
4 main towns to visit:
- Calistoga
- St Helena
- Yountville
- Napa
Calistoga
Where to Eat
- Breakfast – Sams General Store, Cafe Sarafornia, Calistoga Roastery, Sams Social Club
- Lunch/Dinner – Evangeline French Cajun, Sams Social Club – local ingredients, Calistoga Inn – great outdoor set up, Sol bar – get the burger, Pickled pig – people love pastrami sandwich here
- Grab a drink – tank garage winery, CAMI art and wine, Phifer Pavitt – only two wines but cool tasting room
Where to Stay
- Bergson $- cute little b and b, they even served us breakfast in the main house
- Calistoga Inn $- also a brewery and fun vibe outdoors by the river, walkable to the downtown, rooms are nothing fancy
- Indian Springs $$
- Cottage Grove Inn $$
- Solage $$$$ – posh hotel, great pool
- The Francis House $$$ – posh rooms, pool, adults only
Things To Do:
- Known for Hot Springs – day pass to Indian Springs, on site mineral pools at Calistoga Hot Springs, Golden Haven Hot Springs, or Dr. Wilkinsons Backyard Resort
- Try doing one of the Mud Bath experiences – it stinks but is a unique experience
- See old faithful geyser
- Private Hot Air Balloons in Calistoga (public and cheaper options in Napa)
Yountville/St. Helena
Where to Eat
- Dinner at Bouchon for sure – really yummy also known for pastries
- Walk by the famous French laundry (same owners of bouchon)
- Ad Hoc – family style
- RH Yountville
- Boskos
- All Season
- Lucy – Bardesso
- Kollar Chocolate
- The Yountville Deli – we got sandwiches here for a picnic at a winery later
Where to Stay
We did not stay here but recommendations we heard below:
- Villagio Hotel
- Hotel Yountville
- Bardesso
- Meadowood
- Alila $$$$
Things to Do:
- Ma(i)sonary Gallery – do a Morning Flight which is eight wines paired with breakfast from Bouchon Bakery.
- Yountville Wine Walk
- Bike
- Visit one of the very small local wineries
- Cave Wine Tasting
NAPA
Where to Eat
Breakfast:
- Coffee: Napa Valley Coffee Roasters
- Model Bakery – in oxbow market
- Alexis Baking Company
Lunch/Dinner
- Zuzu
- Hog Island Oyster Company
- Burgers at Gotts – famous diner, cheap burger joint – it was pretty good
- Bounty Hunter BBQ
- Uncorked – free wine tastings
- Carpe Diem – good happy hour, charcuterie board and ostrich burger
- Anette’s Chocolates to get vanilla ice cream with chocolate cabernet sauce
- Morimoto Napa – grab a drink at the bar (iron chef)
Where to Stay
- Andaz
- Anywhere walkable in downtown is ideal
Things to Do
- Napa Art Walk
- Napa Riverfront – downtown area with lots to do
- Napa General Store
- Oxbow public market
- Walk down 1st
- Walk down Main St.
- Silverado Trail
- Hot Air-balloons
- Napa Valley Wine Train
Where to Drink Wine
Hire a tour guide to take you around and drive you to local wineries some of our favorites that are very small:
- Reverie – we love every wine from here, we became members!***
- V12 Vineyards – Napa
- Jack Winery
- Frisinger Winery – local family run, super good
- Aonair – another one of our favorites, became members – in Helena***
- V. Sattui Winery
More popular ones:
- Beringer
- Sterling
- Domain Carnerous
- Castello di Amorosa – Napa
- Chantaeu Montelena
- Caymus $$$$
- Opus One $$$$
Tips:
- Do you research and schedule your wineries in advance.
- Napa can be expensive and many of the smaller wineries want you to become a member so keep that in mind
- Try to find a driver for the day so you don’t have to worry about driving!
Deciding between Napa or Sonoma? Check out my Sonoma California Guide.
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