How to Spend a Weekend in Napa Valley: Wineries, What To Do, and More
If you're dreaming of rolling vineyards, cozy wine tastings, and spa days that make you forget your inbox exists, Napa Valley is the place. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a girls’ weekend, here are the top best things to do in Napa that will totally upgrade your itinerary.
Don’t just wing it—grab my Complete Guide to Napa Valley that does all the work for you HERE.
It includes where to stay, a complete list of where to eat, a guide to all the wineries, things to do, a complete itinerary, outfit inspo, and more.
how to get there:
The closest major airports to Napa are. Your best option is to fly into SFO and rent a car and drive to Napa. However, you can also take BART (train) or the VINE Rt 29 Bus there. Coordinating a private transfer is also an option.
San Francisco International (SFO) – About 1.5–2 hours away
Oakland International (OAK) – Around 1.5 hours
Sacramento International (SMF) – About 1.5 hours as well
Napa County Airport (APC) – Best for private planes or charters
how to get around:
While you can drive yourself between wineries, it's not always the safest if you are partaking in drinking. So here are some other options:
Hire a wine tour driver – Local drivers or tour companies will chauffeur you around safely. Great for groups!
Join a group wine tour – Affordable and social!
Use Uber/Lyft – Available but may be limited in some areas. I’d recommend mapping your wineries out and ubering accordingly.
Bike – Great for winery-hopping in Yountville or on the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
The Napa Valley Wine Train – Scenic, stylish, and no GPS needed.
Pro tip: Plan your tastings by region (Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga) to cut down on drive time.
WINE TASTING (of course)
DUH! Isn’t that the entire reason you’re here? Sip your way through iconic wineries. Here are some recommendations:
Silver Oak Cellars (pictured here)
Domaine Carneros (main photo)
If you want a complete list of all the winery recommendations, check out my complete Napa Valley Guide here!
Tip: be sure to book your reservations in advance, especially for the more excusive vineyards.
NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN
Elevate your wine tasting experience with the Napa Valley Wine Train, a vintage rail experience through the heart of wine country. It’s part transportation, part gourmet restaurant, part Instagram moment. Choose from lunch, dinner, or even winery tour packages—complete with wine pairings, of course.
Check out their different experiences here!
VISIT OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET
If you want to take yourself on your own food tour or stock up on some treats for your stay, visit the Oxbow Public Market. They have local eats, wine bars, and artisanal goods - you can definitely find some goodies to take home with you here.
Bonus: the market is nearby Gott’s Roadside which is a MUST-try burger joint.
SPA DAY IN CALISTOGA
Napa isn't just about drinking wine (shocking, I know)—it's also about wellness. Home to some of the best spa’s, head over to Calistoga for mineral-rich hot springs and iconic mud baths. Indian Springs Resort is a classic spot or Bardessono for some real luxury spa experiences. Think: poolside lounging + total zen = a way to unwind (see what I did there?)
TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
If you need some adventure to spice up your wine drinking trip in Napa Valley, then this is for you. Watching the sun rise over the vineyards from a hot air balloon is pure magic. This is definitely a bucket list item!
You can use this link to book your experience!
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN
Don’t sleep on downtown Napa - it is absolutely gorgeous! There are a ton of boutiques, coffee shops, rooftop bars with cocktails, and even mini wine tasting rooms. Some of my favorite spots for cocktails are: Sky & Vine Rooftop, Jam Cellars, and Wilfred’s.
Final Sips 🍷
Whether you’re in it for the wine, the wellness, or just the vibes, Napa Valley delivers. It’s equal parts indulgent and relaxing, with something for every kind of traveler. Just don’t forget to pack comfy shoes—you’ll need them for all that wine tasting. And be sure to plan in advance by making reservations!
If you are craving more Napa info like outfit inspiration, where to stay, or a complete list of wineries —> be sure to download my Complete Travel Guide to Napa here.
