Top 20 Must-Do Activities in Napa Valley: Wine Tastings & Mud Baths

Northern California’s Napa Valley has achieved near-mythical status, not only as the top wine region in North America but as one of the most outstanding wine destinations in the entire world. It’s hard to have a conversation about wine — and maybe even impossible if you’re talking cabernet sauvignon — without mentioning this famous wine country, which is located just 50 miles north of San Francisco.

While Napa Valley is rolling with flourishing vineyards and boasts world-class restaurants, the region also offers an Eden-like escape into nature in a multitude of ways. With input from Julie Johnson, winemaker and owner of organic winery Tres Sabores; Jay Jeffers, longtime St. Helena resident; and Vincent Morrow, wine director at Press Napa Valley, we’ve compiled a list of the most wonderful things to do when visiting Napa Valley.

Go wine tasting.

With more than 400 vineyards and almost 100 separate tasting rooms, Napa is like an adult Disneyland when it comes to wine tasting — it’s that magical. Note that many wineries require advance bookings, and that tastings can be quite expensive. A few treasured options to kick off your research include Faust Haus, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Duckhorn, and Darioush.

Experience Christopher Kostow’s cooking.

Illustrious and oft-awarded chef Christopher Kostow helmed the kitchen at three-Michelin-star restaurant Meadowood until it burned to the ground in 2020. You can still sample Kostow’s fare at The Charter Oak in St. Helena, where Jeffers recommends the “broccoli salad, the wings that change monthly, and the best burger ever.” An alternative local favorite is Ciccio, known for its pizzas and pasta.

Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train.

You don’t need a designated driver if you climb aboard the historic Pullman rail cars of the Napa Valley Wine Train. The cars have been fabulously restored, providing a luxurious way to savor renowned wines alongside fine multi-course lunches and dinners with vintage-inspired service to match.

Visit di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art.

Napa Valley’s di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art features galleries, gardens, and a 35-acre lake. “Works by modern Northern California artists are provocative and varied,” says Johnson, who loves the Wine Bottle House and the Chartres Bleu installation by Paul Kos.

Join a grape stomp.

If winemaking makes you think of that famous scene from I Love Lucy, it’s imperative to visit Napa during the fall harvest for a grape stomp. Grgich Hills Estate hosts several stomps throughout the season, while V. Sattui Winery practices this old-fashioned tradition during its October Crush Party.

Go kayaking.

The Napa River is a great spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. “Half and full-day kayak rentals are available off the dock downtown,” says Morrow. It’s a wonderful way to be active and enjoy a break from wine tasting.

Visit Oxbow Public Market.

Oxbow Public Market is filled with fantastic fresh food, wine, and a little bit of everything. Jeffers loves Kostow’s amazing Loveski Deli, known for its life-changing Ruben sandwich.

Take a hot air balloon ride.

Experience awe-inspiring views over Napa Valley with multiple operators offering hot air balloon rides. Morrow recommends it as a great way to start the day and get a better perspective of Napa Valley’s stunning landscape.

Experience regenerative agriculture and grape-growing.

Exceptional wines from Napa come from extraordinary farming practices. Many growers practice regenerative agriculture, yielding delectable products while promoting biodiversity. Celebrate these progressive operations at Tres Sabores and Matthiasson Winery.

Take a hike.

After indulging in cabernet sauvignon, it’s essential to balance by spending time outdoors. Jeffers recommends the five-mile Lake Hennessey Shoreline Trail. Johnson enjoys hiking at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, known for its towering coastal redwoods and scenic trails.

Listen to live music.

Napa also offers great music venues. Johnson loves listening to jazz at Blue Note and enjoys classical music at Chamber Music Napa Valley, which features world-class musicians.

Go shopping in St. Helena.

Explore the charming streets of St. Helena, where you’ll find many locally owned shops. Jeffers recommends checking out Erin Martin’s avant-garde atelier M, as well as Dione Carston’s shop Trick Pony, and Elyse Walker’s clothing boutique, emphasizing the local charm.

Take a mud bath in Calistoga.

Calistoga is famous for its mud bath treatments, with venues like Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs offering a range of spa options. Indian Springs Calistoga features a spa, volcanic mud baths, and rolling gardens.

Picnic at a waterfall.

Linda Falls only requires a 1.6-mile roundtrip hike, making it perfect for a summer picnic. Stock up on local foods at spots like Fatted Calf, Crisp, Cal Mart, and Contimo Provisions.

Splurge on a Michelin-starred meal.

Restaurants like Auberge du Soleil, Kenzo, La Toque, and The French Laundry all boast Michelin stars. Make reservations well in advance to enjoy a lasting multi-sensory memory of your Napa Valley trip.

Take a scenic drive or detour.

Johnson emphasizes the pleasure of taking scenic drives, especially from the north after a hike at Robert Lewis Stevenson Park. The views are stunning, especially on Howell Mountain road.

Strap in for a spin class.

When looking for a workout, Jeffers heads to FitNV in St. Helena for a great spin class, which provides a good sweat before indulging in wine and dining.

Dine where the locals do.

Acclaimed as it is, The French Laundry isn’t the go-to dinner spot for locals. Morrow highly recommends Il Posto Trattoria for Italian comfort food, as well as Kitchen Door and ZuZu for delicious tapas.

Plan a day on a lake.

Lake Berryessa is one of California’s largest freshwater lakes, located just half an hour from Napa. It offers a variety of water activities, including swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.