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Whether you are planning your next girls’ trip, solo trip, or romantic getaway, Napa Valley is an exquisite destination. Just 30 miles long, Napa Valley is filled with boutique wineries, 19th-century architecture, and amazing lodging accommodations. You can experience all the Napa essentials in just a three-day trip.

A Beginner’s Guide to Napa Valley

Things to Know Before You Travel to Napa Valley

There is a lot to know when planning your first trip to Napa Valley! To ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible, follow these tips:

1. Make Sure You Plan Ahead

There are a lot of logistics that go into planning your first trip to Napa. How are you going to get around? Which wineries are you going to visit? With over 400 wineries located in Napa Valley, it is important to plan in advance to ensure that you are able to visit the wineries that you want to visit. Check out the napa valley itinerary for first-time visitors for suggestions when planning your first trip to Napa.

 

2. Familiarize Yourself With Surrounded Towns in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is composed of multiple different towns. Each of these towns have distinct characteristics. Learn more about the culture and character of each town. Later in the blog, we will discuss some of the must-see spots in each of the primary Napa Valley towns.

 

3. Save Money by Booking Tastings and Tours in Advance

When you book your winery visit in advance, you can save money on wine tastings, bottles, and tours. Not only does booking in advance save money, but you can also access many Napa Valley winery coupons.

 

4. Napa Valley is More Than a Place That You Go to Drink Wine

Although divine wineries are what Napa Valley is known for, it has a lot of characteristics that will make your trip incredible, even if you are not a wine enthusiast. With unbelievable architecture, jaw-dropping landscapes, and brilliant cuisine, everyone can find something they love in Napa Valley.

 

5. Consider Visiting Napa Valley in the Winter Months

Although the fall months are perfect weather and the most popular time to travel to Napa, the winter months still have pleasant weather and allow you to experience the beauty of Napa without being surrounded by crowds of tourists.

 

How to Get Around Napa Valley

When visiting Napa Valley, traveling around in a rental car is not a wise decision, since a large portion of your trip will be spent drinking wine. But, who wants to ride in a car when you could take a more creative mode of transportation? There are many ways to travel around Napa safely and have fun while doing it.

1. Bike Around Napa

When you rent bikes in Napa, you can pedal at your own pace! Pick up your bike from the bike shop and begin journeying to the wineries you have planned to stop at along the way. Make sure to plan ahead by packing water and finding a way to transport any wine bottles you purchase.

There are many places to rent bikes in Napa Valley based on the wineries you hope to visit. You can choose whether you would like to take a self-guided tour or a group tour. See some of the most well-known bike rental shops here.

2. Take a Trip on the Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a luxurious train that will carry you around the valley. Stopping at elegant wineries along the way, and traveling on the wine train, is an incredible experience. The train serves fine cuisine that is filled with farm-fresh menu options.

3. Consider Horseback Riding in Napa Valley

There are quite a few wineries that offer equestrian experiences. You will have the opportunity to ride a horse through a trail to reach your destination. Many times, wineries with equestrian experiences are nestled in a beautiful location in the valley and have a divine terrace where you can sit and enjoy your wine.

4. Lyft and Uber are Bustling Around the Valley

If you do not feel comfortable driving around Napa, it is easy to order a Lyft or Uber to reach your next destination quickly.

5. Reserve a Private Chauffeur

Although this is a more expensive option, ordering a chauffeur in Napa Valley will enhance your experience. Many of the drivers have in-depth knowledge of the Valley and will know how to create a customized experience that you will surely love.

Towns in Napa Valley

The towns in Napa Valley all have distinct characteristics and quirks. It is important to know the characteristics of each town in order to create a trip that is customized to your preferences! The four towns below and the most popular towns in Napa and are likely to be where you are spending most of your time.

1. The City of Napa

Downtown Napa is in the heart of the valley. Many people begin their Napa vacation here; some visitors even decide to stay in Downtown Napa their entire trip! There are excellent tasting rooms, upscale restaurants, and shopping opportunities in Downtown Napa.

 

One of the most enjoyable parts of Downtown Napa is the riverfront. On the riverfront, there are beautiful places to bike, jog, walk, and kayak! See a full guide to downtown Napa here. Must-see wine and dining options in Downtown Napa include:

1. Oxbow Public Market
2. Zuzu
3. Le Petit Chef: 3D Dining Experience
4. Anette’s Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory
5. Carpe Diem Wine Bar
6. The Bounty Hunter Winery
7. JaM Winery

2. Yountville has a trendy vibe but a small-town charm

Yountville is known for the culinary and creative experiences that it offers! Whether you want to take an art tour, explore a large botanical garden, or play a round of golf at one of the greatest courses in the valley, Yountville is known for much more than its wine. You can see a full guide to visiting Yountville here. Some of the must-visit wineries and restaurants in Yountville include:

1. Ciccio
2. Bouchon Bakery
3. The French Laundry
4. JCB Tasting Salon
5. Jessup Cellars
6. Cliff Lede Vineyards

3. Helena

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and amazing Main Street, St. Helena is a must-see town on your Napa Valley trip. While this town is full of rich history, it also embodies the freedom and beauty of the Valley. If you are looking for a spa getaway, St. Helena may be the perfect town for you. See the full guide to St. Helena here. Some of the most popular dining and winery experiences include:

1. Cook St. Helena
2. PRESS
3. Gott’s Roadside
4. Sattui Winery
5. Fantesca Estate and Winery
6. Charles Krug Winery

4. With a spa culture and high-elevation vineyards, Calistoga is a town that can truly provide a time of rest

Whether you are coming away from a stressful season of work or looking to unplug and experience beautiful landscapes, Calistoga can help you accomplish these things. Calistoga offers its visitors hot springs pools, incredible massage experiences, spa fitness courses, and mud baths.

 

The high elevation of the town provides some of the most beautiful views in the Valley. Check out the full guide to Calistoga here. Dining experiences and wineries that offer some of the best views in town include:

1. Solbar
2. Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery
3. The Lakehouse Restaurant at Calistoga Ranch
4. Sterling Vineyards
5. Castello di Amorosa Winery
6. Chateau Montelena Winery

You might be interested in the 3-day San Francisco itinerary

 

Lodging Options in Each Town

There are so many options for where to stay within Napa Valley. Take a look at some of the most affordable and unique places to stay in each town:

1. Downtown Napa
   1. Affordable Lodging: Hotel Napa Valley
   2. Unique Lodging: Blackbird Napa
2. Yountville
   1. Affordable Lodging: The Setting Inn Napa Valley
   2. Unique Lodging: Bardessono
3. Helena
   1. Affordable Lodging: El Bonita Motel
   2. Unique Lodging: Wydown Hotel
4. Calistoga
   1. Affordable Lodging: The Bergson
   2. Unique Lodging: Solage Calistoga

Get 10% OFF for hotel accommodations if you are a student, a teacher, a US Military, Government Employee, or a first Responder.

 

Check out San Diego Travel Guide

Sample 3-Day Napa Itinerary

We have discussed things to know about Napa Valley, how to get around Napa Valley, lodging options, and the distinctions of each town. See a detailed guide to planning your Napa Valley itinerary here. Let’s take a look at a couple of three-day itinerary options that will allow you to have an amazing vacation in Napa Valley:

 

Napa Valley Sample Itinerary 1: A Little Bit of Everything

• Day 1. On the first day of your trip, take time to settle in and explore the heart and culture of Napa Valley. Ease into your Napa vacation by staying in Downtown Napa and exploring the town on foot. Try walking along the riverfront, visiting Oxbow Market for lunch, visiting tasting rooms in the afternoon, and trying one of the many upscale dining options in the evening.
• Day 2. Bike to the nearby town of Yountville on Day 2. You can ride your bike around Yountville and stop at multiple wineries (usually 3 per day is the perfect amount.) Most biking services include a boxed lunch from a local restaurant that you can bring along for your biking journey.
• Day 3. Indulge by traveling on the Napa Valley Wine Train. The wine train begins in Downtown Napa and journeys up to St. Helena. Taking the train will allow you to experience the St. Helena area and view the landscapes of a lifetime. By saving the wine train experience for the final day, you will have a greater appreciation for the history of the Valley.

 

Napa Valley Sample Itinerary 2: A Road Less Traveled

• Day 1. Begin your trip by spending the day in Calistoga. Ease into vacation mode by spending the morning at a hot spring or a luxurious spa. Starting your trip with self-care will allow you to relax and truly enjoy the rest of your trip. After your spa experience, spend the afternoon visiting the different wineries that are located in the Calistoga area.
• Day 2. Reserve a private chauffeur to take you to the vineyards of choice across the Valley. You could try visiting one winery in Yountville, one in Downtown Napa, and one in St. Helena. Hiring a private chauffeur will allow you to learn the rich history of Napa while getting a tour of the entire valley.
• Day 3. Experience the amazing Napa Valley landscape in a hot-air balloon. Taking a hot-air balloon ride in Napa Valley is one of the most unique and sought-after experiences you could have. Most hot-air balloon rides depart before sunrise so that you can see the valley come to life from a birds-eye view.

After your balloon experience, relax by having a nice riverfront picnic with fresh wine, meats, and cheese from Oxbow Market. Spend the afternoon wandering between tasting rooms. End the final day of the trip by dining at one of the many upscale restaurants that are located in Napa Valley.

 

Common FAQs About Napa Valley

• What are the cheapest months to visit Napa Valley? The cheapest time to visit Napa Valley is off-season from October to May.
• Do I need a car in Napa Valley? If you are going to stick to the Downtown area, the answer is No. But if you plan to explore outside of Napa Valley, yes.
• What should I wear to Napa Valley Winery? It is always nice to wear a classy outfit. Something like a  dress, skirt or pants with a top or shirt.
• Do I need to tip at Napa Vally Winery? Tips in the Winery are not required, but will be appreciated if you decide to leave them.
• Can I take public transport from LA  or SF to Napa Valley if I do not have a car? Yes. The public trains to Napa Valley are available daily and the whole trip will take from 9 to 13 hours.
• How much does the Napa Valley Winery tasting cost? The simple wine tasting will cost you from $10-50.
• How many wineries I can do per day?  1-3 wineries per day should be more than enough. Make sure to call them and make an appointment upfront if required.

 

Final thoughts

When beginning to plan your first trip to Napa, it may seem overwhelming at first. With more than 400 wineries and hundreds of superb dining options, it is hard to know where to begin.

 

Do research before you begin planning your trip so that you can schedule all the logistics of your lodging and transportation. Once you plan how you will get around, you will be able to focus on the enjoyable part of planning, which includes deciding where you will wine and dine.

 

Napa Valley is a perfect getaway for the outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or wine connoisseur. Next time you are looking to get away for a long weekend, put Napa Valley on the top of your list!

 

 |Written by Taylor, Bugh

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