Napa Valley isn’t just a weekend getaway—it’s a destination best savored over time. With its world-renowned wineries, farm-to-table cuisine, and scenic landscapes, an extended stay allows you to slow down and truly embrace the wine country lifestyle. Whether you’re indulging in Michelin-starred dining, enjoying a casual picnic with a vineyard view, or exploring Napa’s rich cultural and outdoor offerings, there’s something for every traveler.

vehicle drives through a napa valley vineyard

Where to eat in Napa

It’s a bit ironic to think that a city known for its top-tier, Michelin-rated restaurants could also be a hub for some of the best street food in the state, but it’s true! Here, we’ll explore must-visit spots from taco carts to The French Laundry.

Causal Eats

  • Oxbow Public Market (Downtown Napa) – A lively hub with diverse food vendors offering everything from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas. This indoor market is perfect for grabbing a quick bite, picking up fresh local produce, or enjoying a glass of wine at the market bar.
  • Tacos el Muchacho Alegre (Napa) – This hidden gem food truck serves some of the best authentic street-style tacos in the region. Try their al pastor or carne asada tacos with a side of homemade salsa.
  • Napa Farmers’ Market (Downtown Napa) – Open seasonally, this vibrant market is ideal for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious food stands. Grab a pastry and a coffee while browsing the stalls.

people gather around a food cart in napa valley

Cozy Breakfast Spots

  • Model Bakery (Napa & St. Helena) – Famous for its legendary English muffins, this bakery is a must-visit for breakfast. Pair them with homemade jam or grab a breakfast sandwich.
  • Southside Café (South Napa & Yountville) – A Latin-inspired café offering excellent espresso drinks and flavorful dishes like chorizo breakfast burritos and avocado toast.
  • Boon Fly Café (Carneros) – Located at the Carneros Resort, this cozy spot serves comfort food with a twist. Their famous Boon Fly donuts and green eggs & ham are a must-try.

tourists in napa enjoy a casual breakfast restaurant

Quick Lunch Bites

  • Gott’s Roadside (St. Helena & Downtown Napa) – A Napa institution, Gott’s serves up classic roadside burgers, shakes, and Ahi tacos. Their outdoor picnic tables make for a great casual lunch setting.
  • Bounty Hunter (Downtown Napa) – Known for its BBQ and extensive whiskey selection, this laid-back spot is perfect for a hearty meal. Their beer can chicken is a crowd favorite.
  • Oakville Grocery (Oakville) – This historic grocery store offers gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie, and picnic essentials. It’s the perfect stop before heading to a winery.

visitors eat at a casual burger restaurant in napa

Date Night & Celebratory Dinners

  • Bistro Don Giovanni (Napa) – A romantic Italian eatery with rustic décor and a warm ambiance. Their house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas are highlights.
  • Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch (St. Helena) – A farm-to-table dining experience featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their grass-fed beef burger and cheddar biscuits are a must.
  • TORC (Downtown Napa) – Modern American cuisine with global influences. Their seasonal menu and extensive wine list make it a great choice for a special night out.

fine dining food featured on a plate in a high end restaurant

Fancy Wine Country Lunches

  • RH Yountville (Yountville) – This stunning outdoor dining space features chandeliers and beautifully plated meals. The truffle grilled cheese is a must-try.
  • Brix (Yountville) – A vineyard-view setting with fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. Their lush garden provides many of the ingredients used in their dishes.
  • Auberge du Soleil Bistro (Rutherford) – A casual yet elevated dining experience with stunning views of the valley. Their Mediterranean-inspired menu is perfect for a leisurely lunch.

two tourists enjoy a fancy wine lunch in napa valley

Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Experiences

  • The French Laundry (Yountville) – A three-star Michelin experience and a bucket list meal for food lovers. Expect a meticulously curated tasting menu highlighting the best ingredients of the season.
  • La Toque (Downtown Napa) – French-inspired tasting menus paired with exceptional wines. Their wine program is one of the best in the valley.
  • Kenzo Napa (Downtown Napa) – High-end Japanese omakase and sushi in an intimate setting. Their fish is flown in directly from Japan for an authentic experience.

restaurant server pours sauce over a fancy plate of food

Where to go wine tasting in Napa

Are you seeking a bucket list-worthy wine tasting experience in Napa? Perhaps you’d like to find a spot that’s easy to visit sans reservation. Here, we’ll explore tasting rooms across Napa Valley, from casual and cozy to exclusive and exquisite.

Casual & Walk-In Friendly Tastings (Budget-Friendly!)

  • V. Sattui Winery (St. Helena) – A lively winery with a bustling deli and picnic area. Great for families and casual wine lovers looking for a relaxed tasting experience.
  • Napa Cellars (Oakville) – A welcoming, no-frills winery offering classic Napa varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
  • Louis M. Martini Winery (St. Helena) – A historic winery with approachable tastings and an excellent selection of reds.

famous "welcome to napa valley" sign at the entrance to napa

Downtown Napa Wine Tasting

  • JaM Cellars – A fun, music-filled atmosphere with easy-drinking wines like their popular Butter Chardonnay.
  • St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery – An urban winery with a charming garden where guests can sip wine or try house-brewed beer.
  • Alpha Omega Collective – A convenient tasting room offering high-quality wines from their prestigious portfolio.

group of friends gather in a napa valley vineyard to wine taste

By Appointment & Elevated Tastings

  • Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Stags Leap District) – Famous for its role in the 1976 Judgement of Paris, this winery offers incredible Cabernet Sauvignons.
  • Darioush (Napa) – Persian-inspired architecture meets bold, expressive wines in a luxurious setting.
  • Inglenook (Rutherford) – A historic estate owned by Francis Ford Coppola, offering refined tastings in a picturesque setting.

Private & Boutique Experiences

  • Fantesca Estate & Winery (St. Helena) – Exclusive, small-production wines in a breathtaking setting.
  • Quintessa (Rutherford) – A biodynamic vineyard with private tastings and intimate tours.
  • Promontory (Oakville) – Ultra-exclusive tastings by appointment only, known for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ultra-Luxury & VIP Experiences

  • Opus One (Oakville) – A legendary Bordeaux-style winery offering elegant, structured wines.
  • Harlan Estate (Oakville) – Invitation-only tastings for serious collectors.
  • Schramsberg (Calistoga) – Sparkling wine cave tours with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.

Activities in Napa

Regardless of the season, there’s so much adventure and culture to find throughout Napa. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling yet tranquil hot air balloon ride over the valley or prefer to unwind at the hands of a masseuse, you’ll want to add these activities to your Napa itinerary!

Outdoor Adventures

  • Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (Calistoga) – Hike through redwoods and enjoy the serene beauty of nature. The park offers camping, picnic spots, and seasonal swimming.
  • Napa Valley Vine Trail (Napa to Yountville) – A beautiful walking and biking trail connecting Napa to Yountville. It’s perfect for a leisurely ride or a scenic walk.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides (Yountville) – Experience Napa from above with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, offering breathtaking views of vineyards and rolling hills.

hot air balloon takes visitors for a ride over napa valley

Arts & Culture

  • BottleRock — Napa’s premier music and food event of the year. BottleRock combines top-rated artists, Michelin cuisine, and plenty of VIP experiences including wine tasting and private cabanas.
  • di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art (Carneros) – Explore local art in a beautiful natural setting. The center features indoor galleries, a sculpture garden, and rotating exhibits.
  • Uptown Theatre (Downtown Napa) – A historic art deco theater offering live music, comedy shows, and performances.
  • Copia (Downtown Napa) – A food and wine center with exhibitions, classes, and events by the Culinary Institute of America.

two concert-goers make heart gestures with their hands at bottlerock in napa

Relaxation & Wellness

  • Calistoga Hot Springs (Calistoga) – Unwind in natural hot springs and indulge in spa treatments like mud baths and massages.
  • Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort (Napa) – Experience treatments in an underground cave for a unique and tranquil spa day.
  • Meadowood Napa Valley (St. Helena) – Enjoy wellness programs, fitness classes, and luxurious spa services.

Aerial view of napa vacation rental Vineyard Farmhouse

Plan your extended Napa vacation

An extended stay in Napa Valley means you can truly explore every corner of this vibrant region, enjoying a balance of indulgence, adventure, and relaxation. Whether it’s savoring world-class cuisine, discovering hidden wineries, or simply soaking in the valley’s natural beauty, your month-long getaway will feel both immersive and rejuvenating. Find the perfect Napa Valley vacation home for your bucket list trip!