Planning a trip to Napa Valley? I'll help you find the top wineries, where to stay, when to visit, and the best restaurants in Napa Valley!
Napa Valley lures travelers from around the world with its beautiful vineyards, mild weather, quaint bed and breakfasts, farm-to-table restaurant scene, and gorgeous scenery. It’s a sure hit for a romantic getaway, a girls' trip, or a fun weekend with friends.
With its laid-back vibe, this is one of my go-to spots when I want a weekend to slow down, unplug, and enjoy my surroundings.
This guide includes everything you need for planning a trip to Napa Valley. From the best wineries in Napa to the top restaurants and places to stay, I've got you covered!
This map shows all the hotels, restaurants, wineries, cafes, and towns listed in this Napa Valley travel guide. Click the icon at the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
- Blue - Napa Valley towns
- Black - Napa Valley bed and breakfasts/hotels
- Purple - top luxury 5-star hotels in Napa Valley
- Red - my favorite wineries in Napa Valley
- Teal - Napa Valley restaurants and cafes
Domaine Carneros, Napa Valley
Best time to go to Napa Valley
First thing in planning a trip to Napa Valley is when to go. Napa Valley has fairly mild weather year-round and makes for a great trip anytime.
The best time to go to Napa Valley is September through November and March through May.
Harvest season is August through October and great to experience at least once. Expect to pay more during this time as this is peak season.
March through May is less crowded and easier to find a deal with fewer crowds.
I personally think the best time for a Napa trip is November and April. The weather is mild, it's not too crowded, and hotel deals are easier to come by during these months.
Napa Valley airports
You have several Napa Valley airports to choose from. I look at all three airports when planning my Napa trip and book whichever option is cheapest.
I typically find the most success with Oakland (OAK) and San Francisco (SFO). These two Napa Valley airports seem to have more flight options and times.
Oakland (OAK): 50 miles and 1 to 1.5 hours from downtown Napa.
San Francisco (SFO): 60 miles and 1 to 1.5 hours from downtown Napa. Flying into SFO means you have to drive through San Francisco on your way to Napa, so be sure to check traffic and be mindful of rush hour.
Sacramento (SMF): 65 miles and 1.5 hours from downtown Napa.
Chateau Montelena, Calistoga
Napa Valley towns
Napa Valley consists of four small towns. From the southernmost town and heading north we have:
Downtown Napa: set along the Napa River, this town has the most urban feel and hosts an array of bed and breakfasts, upscale dining, boutique shops, and is home to the Oxbow Public Market.
Downtown Napa is where I have the most success in scoring a fairly decent hotel or bed and breakfast rate.
Yountville: just north of Napa is the chic town of Yountville. This is the most picturesque of the four and has a distinctly European feel.
Holding the unofficial title “culinary capital of Napa Valley” you'll find many of the big-name restaurants here:
- The French Laundry
- Bouchon
- Bottega
This is one of the best areas to stay for a romantic Napa Valley getaway.
St. Helena: this town has a more rustic and authentic feel and offers some great boutique shopping opportunities on Main Street. Many well-known restaurants and cafés can be found in St. Helena, including The Model Bakery, Gott’s Roadside, Goose and Gander, and Farmstead.
Calistoga: Napa Valley's northernmost town is known for its laid-back reputation, hot springs, and mud baths.
Best places to stay in Napa Valley
I usually book my Napa hotel or bed and breakfast in downtown Napa or Calistoga. Both areas offer plenty of restaurants and cafes, are walkable, and all around good locations.
I love Yountville but find this is usually the most expensive area to stay.
Downtown Napa hotels and bed and breakfasts
Inn on Randolph: one of the best Napa Valley bed and breakfasts and our favorite place to stay! The Inn on Randolph is ideally located within walking distance of downtown Napa (about 10 minutes).
A huge plus is that it's completely gluten-free, though you'd never guess it, and the breakfast chef is incredible.
The rooms have a homey Pottery Barn vibe. The staff are very knowledgeable and can assist in planning your day.
Archer Hotel Napa: the modern and simple Archer Hotel is another great option in the very center of downtown Napa. You're steps away from all the wonderful restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique shopping downtown Napa offers.
The George Luxury Boutique Inn: Jake and I stayed here on our most recent trip to Napa Valley. We adored it! This adults-only bed and breakfast is beyond cozy, and the rooms feel very high-end (the beds and sheets are amazing).
Like Inn on Randolph (it's just around the corner), the location is perfect if you're looking for a quiet stay. It's a quiet, residential neighborhood that's a 10-minute walk from downtown Napa.
Calistoga hotels and bed and breakfasts
Embrace Calistoga: out of all the Calistoga bed and breakfasts, there are quite a few, I would say this is the top option when you want a personal touch. The owners of this bed and breakfast have gone out of their way to think out every detail.
From chocolates waiting in your room at bedtime, evening wine and cheese on the porch, and a truly memorable breakfast, this place is sure to leave a positive impression.
Brannan Cottage Inn: many Calistoga bed and breakfasts go with the Victorian theme. Brannan Cottage Inn is no exception. I appreciate that they focus on a modern Victorian look as traditional Victorian tends to feel outdated and stuffy.
The tasteful decor gives that "home away from home" feel. The heated floors and rain showers are a nice touch.
The breakfast is an upscale continental breakfast with smoothies made to order and an assortment of fresh pastries. Go for one of the Deluxe King rooms with a fireplace and private porch.
Top Luxury 5-star hotels in Napa Valley
These are my top four picks for the best luxury hotels in Napa Valley.
Auberge Du Soleil (Rutherford): I would be remiss not to include one of the most iconic and long-standing top luxury hotels in Napa Valley! Auberge Du Soleil is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or looking for a romantic luxury stay. The hotel is adults-only and has 50 rooms with balconies overlooking Napa Valley.
The property is surrounded by 33 acres of olive and oak trees with hiking trails throughout. Located in Rutherford (just south of St. Helena), you're close to some of the best wineries in Napa Valley.
One thing I appreciate about this property is that they don't nickel and dime you. Yes, the price tag is high, but it includes a long list of amenities: a glass of wine at check-in, a bottle of wine in your room, access to the spa soaking pools and hammam, fitness classes, use of the tennis court, full breakfast, valet parking...the list goes on and on.
My European lovers will appreciate the design and feel of Auberge Du Soleil as it was inspired by Southern France. The onsite restaurants are also exceptional. Be careful; you might not want to leave once you check in!
Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection (Calistoga): a luxury 5-star resort complete with a full-service spa and Michelin Star restaurant (Solbar). The 89 studio and suite accommodations include cruiser bikes and private/semi-private patios. Be sure to book one of the mud treatments at the spa.
Meadowood Napa Valley (just outside St. Helena): 36 lodge-style rooms are tucked into the surrounding hills of St. Helena. Meadowood is a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel with an award-winning spa and Michelin-rated dining. If you're looking for a secluded luxury retreat with beautiful views, Meadowood makes for a wonderful stay.
Bardessono Hotel and Spa (Yountville): rated the #1 resort in Northern California and #14 in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, Bardessono leaves an impression. This 62-room property offers a rooftop pool, incredible staff, an onsite spa, complimentary bicycles, and is within walking distance of Yountville.
The only negative to note is the TINY workout room. But why waste your time in a gym anyway when you're in gorgeous Napa Valley?
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Best Napa wineries
With endless wineries to choose from you really need to decide first what experience you're looking for. While some wineries offer a casual tasting at the wine bar, others will offer full tours only (advanced reservations required).
This is one area you must research before your Napa trip as popular spots will book up fast. I’ve listed a few of the best Napa wineries that have quickly become my favorite, but it really comes down to personal taste, how much you are willing to spend, and what experience you want.
- Schramsberg
- Joseph Phelps Vineyards
- Amizetta Vineyards
- Far Niente
- Pride Mountain Vineyards
- Domaine Carneros
- Caymus Vineyards
- Cliff Lede Vineyards
- Chateau Montelena
Best restaurants in Napa Valley
When planning a trip to Napa Valley I first research which wineries to visit and then focus on restaurants. Napa has become quite the place to spoil yourself with amazing food and memorable bistros.
I've listed the best restaurants in Napa Valley for every taste, from fine dining to quick cafes.
Photos: The Model Bakery
quick bites and cafes
The Model Bakery: a great option for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and everything in between. The selection of sandwiches, pastries, croissants, coffees, and muffins will satisfy any craving. Model is famous for their English muffins.
Oxbow Public Market: a must-visit when in Napa Valley, Oxbow Market merchants include Kara’s Cupcakes, Gott’s Roadside, Three Twins Ice Cream, Ritual Coffee Roasters, Live Fire Pizza, Hog Island Oyster Bar, and more. There are also shops selling take-home goods like olive oil and chocolates.
Gott’s Roadside: a Napa trip is not complete without stopping at the St. Helena location of Gott’s Roadside. Take a seat at one of the many outdoor picnic tables after you order your homestyle burger (with the secret sauce), some garlic fries, and a handspun milkshake. The ahi burger, fish tacos, and hearty salads are delicious for those not feeling a heavy burger.
Oakville Grocery Co.: this deli and sandwich shop sits right on Highway 29, which makes it the perfect stop between wineries.
Southside Century: you’ll find cafe staples like avocado toast and pastries alongside Latin-inspired plates like chilaquiles, the popular Cuban sandwich, and barbacoa bowl. I will also note this was one of the best flat whites I had during my last trip.
Bouchon Bakery: this tiny bakery is attached to Bouchon in downtown Yountville and is well worth the wait when the line goes out the door. My personal favorite is the salted caramel macaroon. This is a must for every Napa trip.
SEE ALSO: TOP 5 COFFEE SHOPS IN NAPA VALLEY
Best restaurants in Napa Valley
Bistro Don Giovanni: a casual and family-friendly restaurant. It's a favorite with locals and serves Italian fare focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
Bistro Jeanty: French cuisine in a charming setting. I highly recommend the Boeuf Bourguignon.
Farmstead at Long Meadows Ranch: American farmhouse cuisine featuring grass-fed beef and organic produce served in a renovated barn. Check out the happy hour on the patio Monday - Friday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Zuzu: enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in the heart of downtown Napa. The vibe is casual European and the place is always packed. Try the Tunisian brik pastry stuffed with crab, flounder ceviche, and one of the several paella options.
Bouchon Bistro: a popular Thomas Keller restaurant in Yountville that some claim is better than his flagship, French Laundry...and for a fraction of the price. Dine in the Parisienne patio and order the mussels with pommes frites, croque madame, escargot, and the salmon or beef tartar.
French Laundry: I'm sure you've come across this restaurant while planning your trip to Napa Valley (or at least heard of it on the news in recent events).
I can't list the best restaurants in Napa Valley and not include the French Laundry. Probably one of the most sought-after reservations in the country, I've never met someone who dined here and didn't rave about the entire experience. Get ready though, it will cost a pretty penny at around $350 a person for the tasting menu. That doesn't include drinks. A glass of wine will cost around $35 to $50.
Solbar: one of my favorite outdoor dining spots in Napa Valley. Solbar is located at the Solage Hotel and has the most atmospheric tree-shaded courtyard, complete with a large fire pit and views of the pool and Napa hills. This is a wonderful spot for breakfast or lunch when the weather is nice.
Goose and Gander: elevated Gastropub with craft cocktails that's popular with locals. The burger is a must.
Far Niente wine tasting
In Summary
I hope this Napa Valley travel guide points you in the right direction for your upcoming trip. These are my absolute favorite wineries, restaurants, and places to stay.
If you're like me, I'm sure you'll be booking a return visit soon. There's just something about those views paired with the perfect glass of wine.
My biggest piece of advice for planning a trip to Napa Valley is to make reservations for wineries and restaurants before you leave. Napa is an extremely popular destination. Last-minute reservations, especially during high season, are hard to come by.
Leave a Reply