If you’re planning a trip to Napa Valley, you’re in for a treat. Napa Valley is known for its world-famous wineries, scenic drives, high-end restaurants, and luxurious accommodations. The valley stretches north to south for about 30 miles (from around Deer Park to American Canyon) and from the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Range to the east. So there are a lot of cute towns in Napa Valley to visit.
From the historic town of Napa to the charming village of Yountville, each town on our list has its own unique charm and attractions. You’ll find everything from world-class restaurants and wine-tasting rooms to scenic hiking trails and hot air balloon rides.
» Looking for more wine regions in California to visit? We personally love the Paso Robles area, as well as Sonoma County with its various AVAs, and Napa Valley. But also check out Temecula Wine Country and San Luis Obispo, where you’ll find an altogether different experience.
The Charm of Napa Valley
One of the main attractions of Napa Valley is its vineyards. With over 400 wineries in the region, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass of vino.
As you explore Napa Valley, you’ll also come across the Napa River that runs through the valley and provides a serene backdrop. You can take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, go kayaking, or even enjoy a picnic by the water.
Many of the wineries in the region offer gourmet food and wine pairings, the town of Yountville has some of the best restaurants in the world, and there are luxurious hotels in each town. We’ll share all our top tips below.
Top Towns to Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Napa Valley, be sure to visit these top towns for a memorable experience.
1. Napa
Napa is a vibrant city that is often the starting point for many visitors to Napa Valley. From here you can take a stroll along the Napa River, visit the Oxbow Public Market, or explore the Napa Valley Wine Train. There are also many wineries in the area, including the famous Robert Mondavi Winery and lots of others within walking distance.
For dining, notable restaurants in Napa include The French Laundry, renowned for its fine dining experience, and Oenotri, offering delicious Italian cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
When it comes to accommodations, some of the best hotels in Napa include Napa River Inn, which is a lovely winery hotel on the river, and Archer Hotel Napa, which is walking distance to the Napa Valley Train.
2. Calistoga
Calistoga is a charming town known for its hot springs and mud baths. It is home to many spas and resorts where you can relax and rejuvenate. You can also visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California, which erupts every 30 minutes, or take a hike in the nearby Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The Petrified Forest is nearby, and you can also take a hot air balloon ride.
For dining, notable restaurants in Calistoga include Solbar, known for its contemporary Californian cuisine and extensive wine list, and Sam’s Social Club, offering a casual yet sophisticated dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Some of the best hotels in Calistoga include Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs, known for its mineral springs, and Solage, an Auberge Resort, offering a contemporary and upscale retreat with a focus on wellness and relaxation.
3. Yountville
Of all the towns in Napa, Yountville is my favorite. It’s a picturesque town that is often called the “culinary capital” of Napa Valley. It is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, including The French Laundry and Bouchon.
The thing to do here is visit the numerous world-class wineries and tasting rooms that are within walking distance of your hotel, explore the vibrant art galleries, and do some boutique shops along Washington Street.
You can also visit the V Marketplace, which is a collection of shops and galleries housed in a historic building.
When it comes to accommodations, some of the best hotels in Yountville include The Estate Yountville, known for its luxurious accommodations and beautiful grounds, and Bardessono Hotel and Spa, offering a serene and eco-friendly retreat with a focus on sustainability and wellness.
4. Rutherford
Rutherford is a small town known for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines. You’ll see on the map that it’s sandwiched in between St. Helena and Oakville, so you have the option of heading either direction when Rutherford proves to be a bit too small.
It is home to many famous wineries, including the Beaulieu Vineyard and Inglenook. We also love Peju and Cakebread Cellars. You can also take a stroll through the Rutherford Dust Society Demonstration Vineyard, which showcases different Cabernet Sauvignon clones, explore the scenic vineyards and estates, and taking leisurely walks or picnics.
The most notable restaurant in Rutherford proper is Rutherford Grill, known for its classic American cuisine and inviting ambiance. For other options, you can head down to Mustards Grill or Brix, in nearby Oakville (it’s just 2 miles).
Some of the best hotels near Rutherford include Auberge du Soleil (which is technically in St. Helena), known for its luxurious amenities and stunning views, and Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer, offering a charming and relaxing retreat in the heart of Napa Valley.
5. Oakville
Oakville is a historic town home to many of Napa Valley’s most famous wineries, including Opus One and Silver Oak. You can also visit the Napa Valley Welcome Center, which has information about the region’s wineries and attractions.
Brix is one of our favorite restaurants in Oakville. It’s been around for a long time and has some great food. Our friends even got married there a decade ago. You can’t beat it.
We also like to take a scenic drive along the Silverado Trail. In the summer especially, it’s just gorgeous!
There aren’t a lot of hotels in Oakville, so I’d suggest staying in St. Helena or Yountville.
6. St. Helena
St. Helena is a charming town that is often called the “heart” of Napa Valley. It is home to many art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. You can also visit the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, which offers cooking classes and wine tastings.
Besides wine tasting, you can explore the downtown area with its boutique shops and art galleries or take leisurely walks or bike rides along the scenic Vine Trail.
Restaurants in St. Helena include The Charter Oak, known for its inventive and seasonal cuisine with a focus on wood-fired cooking, and Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, offering farm-to-table dining in a rustic and inviting setting.
For hotels, we’ve already mentioned the Auberge du Soleil, which is truly one of the best places to stay in the whole of Napa Valley, but it’s also quite expensive. We’ve always like the Wine Country Inn & Cottages, which are very nice and half the price.
7. Angwin
Angwin is a small town located in the hills above Napa Valley. It is home to Pacific Union College, which has a beautiful campus and offers many cultural events throughout the year. You can also visit the Angwin Airport, which offers scenic flights over Napa Valley.
There are also hiking trails nearby, plus the Howell Mountain wineries for wine tasting and vineyard tours. Since Angwin is a small town, it has limited dining options and even fewer hotels, so you’ll want to head to one of the nearby towns we’ve already mentioned for that.
8. American Canyon
American Canyon is a city located at the southern end of Napa Valley. It is home to many parks and hiking trails, including the Newell Open Space Preserve and the Wetlands Edge Trail. You can also visit the American Canyon Arts Foundation, which hosts many cultural events throughout the year.
It’s also fun to explore the beautiful wetlands and trails at the Napa River Bay Trail or visit the nearby Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, depending on your adventure preference.
For dining, American Canyon offers a range of dining options, including popular chain restaurants and local eateries serving diverse cuisines such as American, Mexican, and Asian fare.
When it comes to accommodations, American Canyon offers a selection of well-known chain hotels and motels, providing convenient options for visitors exploring the Napa Valley region
9. Deer Park
Deer Park is a small unincorporated community located in the hills above St. Helena. It is home to the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, which has many hiking trails and beautiful views of Napa Valley. You can also visit the Deer Park Ranch, which offers horseback riding and other outdoor activities.
Much like Angwin, Deer Park is quite small and doesn’t have the restaurants or hotels that nearby areas have, so it’s best to stay and eat in other areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular things to do in Napa Valley?
Napa Valley is known for its wineries, but there are many other things to do as well. You can take a hot air balloon ride over the valley, go hiking or biking in the hills, or visit the many art galleries and museums in the area. The Napa Valley Wine Train is also a popular attraction, offering scenic tours of the valley while you enjoy a gourmet meal and wine.
Can you recommend any Napa Valley hotels?
There are many hotels and resorts in Napa Valley to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Some popular options include the Carneros Resort and Spa, the Meadowood Napa Valley, and the Auberge du Soleil. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, there are also many bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals available.
Which is better, Napa or Sonoma?
Both Napa and Sonoma are known for their wine, but they have different vibes. Napa is more upscale and luxurious, with many high-end wineries and restaurants. Sonoma is more laid-back and rustic, with a focus on family-owned wineries and farm-to-table dining. Ultimately, it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
How many wineries should I visit in a day in Napa?
It’s recommended to visit no more than three wineries in a day in Napa Valley, as each winery typically offers tastings that last about an hour. It’s important to pace yourself and enjoy the experience, rather than rushing from winery to winery.
What is the most popular winery to visit in Napa Valley?
There is no one “most popular” winery in Napa Valley, as it depends on personal taste and preferences. Some popular options include the Robert Mondavi Winery, the Beringer Vineyards, and the Castello di Amorosa, which is a castle-style winery. It’s recommended to do some research and choose wineries based on the types of wine you enjoy and the ambiance you’re looking for.
Like this article? Save it on Pinterest so you can find it again.
FOLLOW US on Pinterest and Facebook for more California travel inspiration and tips!
Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.
