Things to Do in Napa Valley, CA

Hot Air Balloons. Experience the Napa Valley in a whole new way when you take a ride in a hot air balloon. Several ballonn companies in the area offer visitors the chance to float above the vineyards and enjoy a fun day in the skies or a romantic getaway to remember. Visit www.balloonrides.com for information.

Napa Valley Mustard Festival. Held from January 31 through the end of March every year, the Napa Valley Mustard Festival celebrates the unique agricultural bounty of the Napa Valley with a wide range of food, wine, art, entertainment, and activities throughout the Napa Valley during the spring, when the vineyards and hillsides are covered with fields of wild mustard in vibrant bloom. Www.mustardfestival.org

Napa Valley Wineries. Home to more than 340 wineries, Napa Valley is California’s most famous wine region, offering a wide range of wine varietals including Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot for beginning and experienced wine enthusiasts to enjoy. Napa Valley also offers a wide variety of tasting rooms and local wine shops for visitors to enjoy. Www.napavalley.com

Napa Valley Expo. Home to the popular Napa Town & Country Fair and a state-of-the-art Bingo Emporium, the Napa Valley Expo is a popular downtown Napa venue that hosts a wide range of exciting events, weddingd, rodeos, concerts, auctions, and more throughout the year. www.napavalleyexpo.com [Top]

Napa River. The Napa River runs a 55 mile course through the Napa Valley, from Mt. St. Helena to the San Pablo Bay, passing forested mountains, lush vineyards, cities, grasslands, and marshes. The river supports a diverse population of fish, including steelhead, Chinook salmon, and Pacific lamprey, as well as and wildlife like mallards, herons, egrets and kingfishers. The Napa River is also a popular area for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and boat cruises.

Napa Valley Opera House. Located in downtown Napa, the newly renovated Napa Valley Opera House offers a live music performances in a wide range of styles, from jazz and blues to Latin and chamber music. The theatre also offers comedy and family programming as well as national-quality theatrical performances and musical reviews. Www.napavalleyoperahouse.org

Napa Premium Outlets. Napa Premium Outlets offers a unique shopping experience at more than 50 retailers including names like Ann Taylor Factory Store, Barney's New York Outlet, Jones New York, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. Open Mon-Thu, 10am-8pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-6pm. Www.premiumoutlets.com [Top]

Old Faithful Geyser of California. One of only three geysers in the world with the designation “Old Faithful,” California 's Old Faithful Geyser is a popular attraction, attracting visitors from around the world to enjoy its showy performance - a 60-foot high spout of steaming hot water that erupts every 30 minutes. Www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com

St. Helena. The city of St. Helena offers world-class wineries, olive oil producers, spas, art galleries, fine dining, unique boutiques, and antique shops all in the heart of the Napa Valley. Www.sthelena.com/visitor/index.aspx

St. Helena Wineries. St. Helena is located in the heart of California’s Napa Valley, offering visitors an opportunity to taste some of the world’s best wines. From small family vineyards like Whitehall Lane to well-known winemakers like Beringer, St. Helena offers a wide range of wineries for wine lovers of every caliber to enjoy. Www.napavalley.com/regions/st_helena/wineries.html

Mount St. Helena. Located at the head of the Napa Valley, Mount St. Helena is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and sightseeing. Mount St. Helena is one of the few remaining mountains in the Maycamas Mountain chain, boasting volcanic rocks over 2.4 million years old and a peak height of 4,344 feet. On a clear day, the San Francisco skyline and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are visible from the summit.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Named for the famous author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park features rough terrain, evergreen forests, steep canyons, and hiking trails along the slopes of Mount St. Helena. The park is also where the author spent his honeymoon in 1880. [Top]