31 things everyone should do in Napa Valley, according to a local
Grab some burgers and garlic fries at the original Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena. The local joint first opened in 1949 as Taylor’s Refresher. Whatever you order, don’t forget to try their house-made ranch dressing.
Wander around Napa’s very own castle, Castello di Amorosa, a winery that was inspired by castles found in Tuscany in the 13th century, and features a moat, a drawbridge, secret passageways… and even a torture chamber.
Hop aboard the Wine Train for a chance to explore Napa Valley by rail. The on-board, full-service gourmet restaurant brings new meaning to food-on-the-go.
Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride through the picturesque Napa Valley.
Taste local and organic foods at Oxbow Market, an indoor public marketplace along the Napa River. Stop by the C Casa stall at breakfast for some out-of-this-world huevos rancheros.
Take a gondola up to Sterling Vineyards, a winery that sits high on a hill and has stunning views.
Hike to Devil's Well at Archer Taylor Preserve.
Rent bikes from Clif Family Winery and explore the valley on two wheels. The winery offers cycling packages that include a bike rental, a Clif bar, fresh espresso in the morning, and food and wine tasting upon your return.
Treat yourself to lunch at Auberge du Soleil. The hotel and spa resort boasts a Michelin-star restaurant, and the view isn’t bad either.
Hike around Napa's 850-acre Skyline Park. From some of the park’s trails you can see San Francisco Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, and Mt. Diablo if it’s a clear day.
Pamper yourself at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. Take a mud bath or just relax by the pool.
Don your crispest white threads and hit the lawn at Meadowood Napa Valley for a game of croquet.
Listen to awesome live bands while sipping on some of the valley’s best wines at Bottle Rock Napa Valley, the area’s annual summer music festival. Headliners this year included The Lumineers and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Visit the Movie Gallery at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Sonoma. You can view authentic memorabilia from Francis’ films, including "The Godfather" and "Tucker: The Man and HIs Dream."
Taste gourmet food at The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, which is opening a highly anticipated new facility in downtown Napa this September.
Take a peaceful walk through the French-style gardens of Newton Vineyard.
Take the Napa ARTwalk, which features unique pieces by 14 artists from six western states, scattered around downtown. This piece is "Guermo en Inverno" by James Burnes.
Visit El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma. If you order just one thing off the menu make sure it’s the parmesan and chive truffle fries.
Stroll along Washington Street in Yountville, a charming town in the Napa Valley known for its world-class restaurants.
While in Yountville, visit the original Bouchon Bakery for French pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Chef Thomas Keller first opened the bakery in 2003, and has since opened locations in New York City, Las Vegas, and Beverly Hills.
Explore historic Sonoma Plaza before heading to the Tuesday night farmers' market for dinner. Rush to Tips Tri-Tip Trolley before they sell out of their famous famous "Cubed" Tri-Tip Sando.
Sip wine on an outdoor picnic table at Scribe Winery, one of the coolest wineries in the area.
Pick up a personal cake (or two, or three) at Sweetie Pies Bakery in Downtown Napa.
Channel your inner Hallie Parker and visit the house where they filmed "The Parent Trap." The house is owned by Staglin Family Vineyards, which hosts a limited amount of private tastings each day, so book yours well in advance.
See a show at the historic Uptown Theater or Napa Valley Opera House.
Speed around Lake Berryessa by renting a boat for the day.
Check out the famous Napa Moose Head at Downtown Joe’s.
Long story short: There was a bulge on the side of a eucalyptus tree that looked strangely like a moose head. Residents of Napa turned it into art by decorating the local landmark with paint, debuting a different "themed moose" almost every week. But to everyone’s horror, someone chopped it down in 2015 and left it on the mayor’s front lawn, before Downtown Joe’s adopted the severed moose head.
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