An hour north of San Francisco, the Napa Valley is America’s most famous wine region: more than 400 wineries along a narrow valley, from château-style estates to family barns, and restaurants that draw food lovers from around the world.
Things to do in Napa
Tastings along Highway 29 & the Silverado Trail
The valley’s two parallel roads: Highway 29 has the famous names, the Silverado Trail the quieter estates. Mix one big name with smaller family wineries.
2Napa Valley Wine Train
Restored Pullman cars running 36 miles through the vineyards with lunch or dinner on board, some packages with winery stops.
See tours and tickets partner linkYountville
A walkable village with more top restaurants per square mile than anywhere in America, including Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry.
4Calistoga
Hot springs and mud baths at the northern end of the valley, and Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-style castle winery.
5Wine tours
Small-group tours with a driver solve the drinking-and-driving problem and often include lunch.
See tours and tickets partner link
Napa or Sonoma?
| Napa Valley | Sonoma County | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Polished, prestigious | Rustic, laid-back |
| Tastings | More expensive, by appointment | Cheaper, more walk-ins |
| Grapes | Cabernet Sauvignon | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel |
| Beyond wine | Restaurants, spas | Redwoods, the coast, Healdsburg |
Where to stay in Napa
Napa is expensive, especially on weekends during harvest. Weekdays are calmer and cheaper.
Our 2 hotel picks in Napa
Photos, facilities and tips →
Luxury$$$$Bardessono Hotel & Spa
Yountville, in the village center
A Two Michelin Key, LEED Platinum hotel in Yountville, with a heated rooftop pool, a spa and fireplace suites.
Mid-range$$$$Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Calistoga, on the main street
Calistoga's 1952 hot springs resort, with three mineral pools, mud baths, retro rooms and free bikes.
Downtown Napa
$$$$Best for: value, nightlife
Tasting rooms on foot along the river and the Oxbow Public Market.
Hotels in Downtown Napa partner linkYountville
$$$$Best for: food lovers
Luxury inns in the restaurant village.
Hotels in Yountville partner linkSt. Helena
$$$$Best for: the heart of the valley
A Main Street of boutiques among the great estates.
Hotels in St. Helena partner linkCalistoga
$$$$Best for: spas
Hot spring resorts at the quieter northern end.
Hotels in Calistoga partner linkWeather in Napa by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Napa: your questions
Do you need reservations for Napa wineries?
Most wineries require or strongly recommend reservations. Book a week or more ahead for weekends.
How much does a wine tasting cost in Napa?
Usually $40 to $100 per person, more for reserve tastings. Some wineries waive the fee if you buy bottles.
Can you visit Napa as a day trip from San Francisco?
Yes, with a tour or driver. Staying a night makes it far more relaxed.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.