The City of Napa is located in the heart of Napa Valley, 30 miles north of San Francisco. Napa offers a variety of wonderful restaurants, shops, wineries, wine tasting rooms, and entertainment all complimented by friendly ambiance. The newly-renovated Napa Valley Opera House in downtown Napa presents popular, jazz, blues, Latin, world and chamber music, comedy and family programming, theatrical performances and musical reviews.
Located on the Napa River,
Napa boasts a number of parks, green spaces, golf courses, tennis facilities, and numerous biking trails that provide a unique way to experience the charm of this Northern California city. Agriculture is a major aspect of life in Napa, an area known for its quality grapes and wine production. The annual Farmer and Chefs Markets showcase local produce, wines, artists, and a variety of live entertainment. Ride the historic Napa Valley Wine Train, experience a Napa Valley hot air balloon ride, cruise the Napa River or tour the charming wineries throughout Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga.
Napa Valley Attractions
Napa Valley Wine Train - Enjoy a 3-hour culinary adventure on the Napa Valley Wine Train just a few miles away. Enjoy elegant rail travel with distinguished service, and savor an exquisite gourmet meal for brunch, lunch or dinner in lavishly-restored vintage 1915-1947 Pullman Dining, Lounge and Vista Dome Railcars representing three styles of restaurants. Enjoy a relaxing scenic journey through Napa Valley 's picturesque vineyards past world-renowned wineries. You can shop and wine taste prior to boarding in the McKinstry Street Station. The Wine Emporium features over 200 kinds of wine and related gifts. Train cars are lavishly restored and appointed with Honduran Mahogany, polished brass, and grape-motif etched glass while they serve hors d'oeuvres chosen to enhance the Wine Train's finest Napa Valley Wines. Visit the Wine Tasting Car to enjoy a relaxing and informal wine education. Take a trip back in time as you delight to the gourmet cuisine and fine wine on this fantastic 33 mile journey. Special trips that include winery tours or murder mysteries are also available. For reservations, call (707) 253-2111 or visit www.winetrain.com
COPIA, The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts - Located on the banks of the Napa River,
Napa Valley Hot Air Balloons - See the Napa Valley wine country as you float in the clouds in a hot air balloon - one of the most unique and exhilarating experiences you will ever have. Hear the roar of the burners as you rise into the sky, and enjoy the silence of floating with the winds, looking down on trees, vineyards, farms and fields. Balloons Above the Valley provides experienced captains who guide you over the Napa Valley wine country. You will drift gracefully at heights of 500 to 2,000 feet, where tranquility reigns as you float over the Napa countryside. As the balloon rises, your panoramic view of California 's wine country is put into a perspective. The sensation of flying over trees, lakes and streams, spotting deer and other wildlife is inspiring. Hot air balloon rides in the Napa Valley include an hour flight narrated by your pilot, replica balloon pin, and a certificate of ascension. U pon completion of the flight, celebrate your adventure with a festive champagne brunch in a serene Napa Valley wine country setting at the Vineyard Garden. Reminisce about your journey among lush vineyards, rose bushes and an organic vegetable garden utilized by the chef. Visit www.baloonrides.com.
Napa Valley Appellation - Napa Valley is America 's premier wine-growing appellation, known for its optimum climate and desirability. Bounded on both sides by mountains, Napa Valley stretches 30 miles in a northwesterly direction, its width ranging from five miles at the widest point near the city of Napa to just one mile where the valley narrows near Calistoga. Napa Valley encompasses the regions of Calistoga, St. Helena, Napa, Oakville/Rutherford, Yountville and the outer region - American Canyon/Angwin/Berryessa/Pope Valley. Internationally renowned as one of the world's great wine regions, Napa produces 4% of the wine grown in California annually. Napa Valley wines are highly regarded for their superior quality and diversity of style. The appellation encompasses about 297,000 acres, with more than 45,000 acres planted in grapes. The Napa Valley Vintners represents nearly 250 wineries - from small, family-owned enterprises to large companies that produce a million cases a year. Visit www.napavintners.com
Napa Wineries - Enjoy the Napa Region's award-winning wineries and tasting rooms, including: Conn Creek Winery, V. Sattui Winery, Goosecreek Winery, Seduction Wine, Steltzner Winery, Andretti Winery, Artesa Winery, Domaine Carneros Winery, Koves-Newlan Winery, Pine Ridge Winery, Trefethen Vineyards and Truchard Vineyards. Visit Wineries of Napa Valley, next to the Visitors Center in the Napa Town Center in downtown Napa, a wonderful tasting room where you can experience several hand-selected wines from Napa Valley wineries. Wine tasting, wines by the glass, retail sales, outdoor seating, wine education and free concierge services are offered at this cute tasting room. To find and purchase the hottest rare wines, visit the Bounty Hunter on First Street in downtown Napa. For complete information on Napa Valley wineries, visit www.napavalley.com.
Napa Valley Expo - Located in downtown Napa, Napa Valley Expo hosts the Napa Town & Country Fair, the Bingo Emporium and Napa Fermentation Supplies. This venue hosts a wide range of events each year from the Fair to weddings, receptions and auctions.
Napa River - The Napa River, one of the largest California Central Coast Range Rivers, runs through Napa Valley on a 55 mile journey from the high headwaters of Mt. St. Helena in the Mayacamas Mountain Range to the San Pablo Bay. The Napa River winds through forested mountain slopes, vineyards, urban areas, open pasture, industrial zones, grasslands, and marshes. The last 17 miles, from Trancas St. in Napa to Vallejo, are an estuary system. The summer salinity in Napa may be 10%, but in winter it is freshwater.
The Napa River supports a great diversity of fish and wildlife, including several rare or threatened species. Fish species include steelhead/rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, green sunfish, smallmouth bass, white catfish, brown bullhead, Sacramento pikeminnow, Sacramento splittail, threespine stickleback, mosquito fish, California roach, sculpin, Sacramento sucker, Pacific lamprey, and federally endangered California freshwater shrimp.
Bird species living on the river include mallard, green-winged teals, mergansers, wood ducks, herons, egrets, kingfishers, rails, and grebes. The federally listed Northern spotted owl can be found in forest canyons west of the river. The Napa River is one of the most significant fish streams within San Francisco Bay, and the largest protected wetlands on the West Coast. Napa River Adventures offers rental canoes, kayaks, and a 10-person luxury riverboat that provides exceptional tours of the river.
Napa Valley Opera House - The newly-renovated Napa Valley Opera House, located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Napa, opened its doors during the summer of 2002 with the first public performance since 1914. The Cafe Theatre, located on the first floor of the Opera House, offers a varied schedule of performances including popular, jazz, blues, Latin, world and chamber music in addition to comedy and family programming in a 200-seat cabaret-style setting. The historic upstairs theatre, the 500-seat Margrit Biever Mondavi Theatre presents national-quality theatrical performances and musical reviews. Visit www.napavalleyoperahouse.org.
Napa Premium Outlets - With more than 50 stores, Napa Premium Outlets offers top retailers and impressive savings at Ann Taylor Factory Store, Barney's New York Outlet, Coel Haan, Ellen Tracy, J. Crew, Jones New York, Kenneth Cole, Liz Claiborne, Timberland, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, TSE and more. The selection of stores at Napa Premium Outlets is always changing, but some are perennials including Barneys New York Outlet, Kenneth Cole, and J. Crew; you will also appreciate the walkability. Being close to San Francisco, you can always expect the better chain's to have outlets here.
Old Faithful Geyser of California - Welcome to an extravaganza - the show of California 's Old Faithful Geyser, a spectacular, nature-directed performance. The stage, walled by thick bamboo and plumed pampas grass, appears as an innocent pool of shallow water until time for the major attraction. Uprising steam and bubbling hot water announce the geyser. Then, while Mount Saint Helena and the craggy Palisades mountains stand silent as backdrops, Old Faithful Geyser of California throws a tower of thousands of gallons of water skyward.
Petrified Forest - Step back 3 million years and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants arrayed before you in a fascinating grove in the beautiful California wine country. The Petrified Forest dates back to the Pleistocene Epoch. Its trees were alive during the Eocene period and were 3,000 years old when they were felled and buried in tons of volcanic ash some 3.5 million years ago when Mount St. Helen erupted. Take a guided ½-mile walking tour of the Petrified Forest 's spectacular upper meadow and learn about the volcanic activity and petrifaction of the forest. A 100 foot-high Ash Fall contains deposits of volcanic material. You will see rare native wildflowers, live oaks, madrone and manzanita trees, and a scenic overview of Mt. St. Helena. Many types of minerals are found in the area - garnet, mica, quartz, obsidian, wood opal, moss agate, and smoky crystals.
Mt. St. Helena - At the head of Napa Valley stands Mount St. Helena, a premier hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, sightseeing, and hand gliding destination in the northern San Francisco Bay area. Rising behind the hills of eastern Healdsburg, Mt. St. Helena is one of the few remaining mountains in the Maycamas Mountain chain, a small range which runs parallel to the California coastline and indicates past volcanic activity in the eastern Sonoma County area. The volcanic rocks in Mt. St. Helena are 2.4 million years old. Mt. St. Helena is the noblest mountain in the San Francisco Bay area, a double-peaked rise with trees up its flanks. Preserved within Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, just north of Calistoga, the mountain overlooks the beautiful Napa Valley. At a peak height of 4,344 feet, Mt. St. Helena commands sweeping views of Northern California. On a clear day from the summit, you can see skyscrapers in San Francisco, Mt. Diablo and Mt. Tamalpais, and the snow-covered Sierra Nevada 150 miles to the east. You can even see the volcanoes of Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta, a stunning 192 miles to the north. The Mt. St. Helen Hiking Trail is a moderate and scenic 4-mile hike from the parking lot to the summit.
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park - Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is the place where the famous author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped spent his honeymoon in 1880, and the inspiration for"The Silverado Squatters,"the story of his stay in Calistoga. Although nothing remains of Stevenson's cabin, the site is identified on the trail to the summit. The area features rough terrain, with evergreen forests in the canyons on north-facing slopes and chaparral on the south-facing slopes. There is a five-mile hike to the top of Mt. St. Helena which provides unsurpassed views of the Napa Valley and the Bay Area. On good days the top of Mt. Shasta can be seen, 192 miles in the distance. To protect the park's wildlife and other natural resources, dogs are not permitted in this park. RLS State Park is located eight miles north off Highway 29 to Lake County. (707) 942-4575.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park - Forested 1,800 acres with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park features pine and redwood groves for hiking, picnics and swimming. The Park offers campsites with restrooms and hot showers. It is located 3 miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128. For information, call (800) 444-7275 or (707) 942-4575.
St. Helena – St. Helena is a vibrant town in the heart of charming Napa Valley. Experience world-famous wineries, and world-class restaurants and. Shops and stores offer a wonderful collection of clothes, gifts, antiques, or whatever treasure you might be seeking. Call the St. Helena Chamber at (800) 799-6456 or (707) 963-4456.
Napa Valley Mustard Festival - With vibrant fields, vineyards, and hillsides ablaze with wild mustard in bloom as its backdrop, the Napa Valley Mustard Festival celebrates the rich, unique agricultural and cultural bounty of Napa Valley. The festival is held from January 31 through the end of March every year. Call (707) 938-1133 for more information. [Top]
St. Helena Wineries
Conn Creek Winery - Since 1973, Conn Creek Winery has created California 's finest Bordeaux-style wines. Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley 's St. Helena, Conn Creek has earned top scores by crafting select Napa Valley red wines with rich, intense and elegant flavor. Conn Creek's award-winning wine is a product of focus and passion. They limit production to small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and a special blend"Anthology."Drawing from the valley's finest Bordeaux grapes, Anthology has scored 90+ on every vintage since its 1991 launch. Built in traditional M edi terranean style, Conn Creek Winery evokes the flavor of Napa Valley 's old-world architecture. Explore the property, a picturesque garden and newly expanded barrel room, and taste incr edi ble Bordeaux-style wines. Wine Tastings are from 10:00-4:00 daily. Visit www.conncreekwinery.com.
V. Sattui Winery - V. Sattui is a family-owned winery established in 1885 in St. Helena, the heart of California 's Napa Valley. Situated in"red wine country,"V. Sattui produces excellent Cabernets, Merlots, and Zinfandels. V. Sattui also produces up to four distinct vintage
Chardonnays, estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc, a Gewürztraminer, a dry Semillon, a Rhone style blend of Marsanne & Viognier, and Johannisberg Riesling. Both Rieslings were winners at the 2004 California State Fair. The V. Sattui winery includes the stone winery building and a large gourmet Cheese Shop and Deli surrounded by two and a half acres of beautiful, tree-shaded picnic grounds. Their award-winning wines are sold exclusively at the St. Helena winery, by mail order, and from their website. You can join their Wine Club for complimentary wine tastings and discounts by purchasing a case of wine at the winery or online at www.vsattui.com. [Top]
Napa Golf Courses
Napa Golf Course - Napa Golf Course, located within John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is adjacent to the scenic Napa River which meanders through Napa Valley to San Francisco Bay. Napa Golf Course is a public, 18-hole championship course in Napa. The course is strategic and beautiful, with water playing on 16 holes over the 6,704 yard, par 72 layout. On rolling terrain, the early and finishing holes are shrouded with mature stands of pine and specimen Sequoia and oak, while the mid-round holes give onto the plain along the river. Built in 1968 by noted architects, Napa Golf Course has hosted qualifying rounds for the Kaiser Invitational and the US Open. The course is challenging, but manageable for players of all skill levels. Green fees are very affordable and the course is easily accessible from the East/North Bay Areas. This is one of the great golfing venues in Napa Valley, and tee times are readily available. Visit www.playnapa.com.
Eagle Vines Golf Club - Founded on the belief that nature and golf were meant to co-exist in harmony, Eagle Vines Golf Club has made a profound commitment to protecting the extraordinary natural environment of Napa Valley. Growing cherry trees and a vast array of celebrated specimen oaks stand undisturbed as 18 holes weave amongst them, bringing majestic character to the course designed by Johnny Miller. After tranquil hours experiencing the rolling hills, babbling creeks, shimmering waterfalls, working vineyards, glorious trees, countless birds, and an occasional birdie, you will fully understand the essence of Eagle Vines. A first-rate Napa facility, Eagle Vines is highlighted by a challenging golf course perfectly blended with the beautiful landscape of Napa Valley. Call the Pro Shop for tee times at (707) 257-4470 or visit www.eaglevinesgolfclub.com.
Silverado Resorts - Silverado's two 18-hole Napa Valley Wine Country golf courses have the distinctive style of architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The resort courses cover 360 acres and feature lush vegetation, ponds, lakes, three sweet-water creeks, trees arching over the fairways and artfully placed traps and greens. The 6,500-yard South Course challenges golfers with side-hill lies and more than a dozen water crossings, while the North Course stretches 6,700 yards but is occasionally more forgiving. The Silverado Club House features a complete golf pro shop replete with wine country gift items, and a staff of top professionals to assist you in improving your golf game. For reservations visit www.silveradoresort.com or send and email to: resv@silveradoresort.com. [Top]
Visit TripAdvisor
