Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Napa County, CA

  • Published 2022/12/20

Above the beautiful San Pablo Bay is Napa County, California, a region famous for its wine products.

Napa County is one of the original counties established in California in 1850.

Before it gained its reputation, Napa County was a well-known tourist destination since its establishment.

Hundreds of visitors visit the region regularly, which is why they built more than 600 hotels and resorts within the county.

Napa County is a popular destination for all types of people today.

Its warm climate is almost the same as Mediterranean summers, which allowed the county to build a thriving wine-manufacturing industry.

Wine enthusiasts love to visit the area regularly.

Napa County also boasts stunning outdoor destinations and cultural attractions that attract anyone looking for an adventure.

Here are the best things to do in Napa County, California.

Explore a Castle at Castello di Amorosa

Exterior of Castello di Amorosa

Lynn Watson / Shutterstock.com

Feel like royalty as you taste exquisite wine and roam around a medieval-style castle at Castello di Amorosa!

Nestled along Helena Highway in Calistoga, Castello di Amorosa is a winery in a Tuscan castle that looks like it was brought back from the 13th century.

Here, you can enjoy a wine tour that will take you around the castle grounds as you sample a wide range of red and white wines.

You’ll also see the beautiful landscape around the castle premises.

Wine barrels in Castello di Amorosa

yhelfman / Shutterstock.com

Although you’ll walk a lot here, you’ll still enjoy the stunning architecture of the castle and learn more about the different types of wine they produce.

They also have a gift shop where you can purchase wine and many other trinkets you can bring home to your loved ones.

Reserve a spot for their tour before visiting the Castello di Amorosa, so you don’t have to sit through a line.

People at Castello di Amorosa

Nature’s Charm / Shutterstock.com

Check Out Extraordinary Artwork at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

Stroll around a peaceful site filled with luscious greenery and blooming flowers while appreciating different artworks at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art.

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is a nature preserve and art park located along Sonoma Highway in Napa.

This gallery features several galleries as well as scenic views of Napa Valley.

There’s also a tranquil lake spanning 35 acres where you can stroll.

Check out contemporary artworks and see how they connect themselves with the beauty of nature.

Visiting this gallery will surely deepen your appreciation for the power of nature and art.

Learn about a Famous Author at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

Delve into the extraordinary life and legendary works of a celebrated Scottish author at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum!

This museum is on Library Lane in St. Helena and features artifacts that will tell you all about the personal life of Robert Louis Stevenson.

Robert Louis Stevenson was a novelist, poet, and essayist.

He is most known for his iconic works, Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Even after he died in 1894, Robert Louis Stevenson influenced entertainment and literature significantly, even today.

Explore this museum and check out some of Robert’s items, including his toy soldiers, kitchenware, and other home decor.

You can also find photographs and artworks, as well as pages from the original manuscript of his famous writings.

Whether a history buff or a book lover, you must visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum!

Hit a Hole-In-One at Chardonnay Golf Club

Practice your swings and hone your golfing skills at Chardonnay Golf Club.

Located on Jameson Canyon Road in American Canyon, Chardonnay Golf Club features a course perfect for golfers of all skill levels.

Aside from its 18-hole golf course, this destination also features beautiful sights due to its location near the gateway of the world-famous Napa Valley.

Whether a beginner or a pro, you’ll enjoy playing on a course that goes through stunning wine vineyards and scenic lakes.

Enjoy the breathtaking landscape view as you whack the golf ball for a hole-in-one!

Bring your friends or colleagues and spend a day unwinding as you play golf in one of the most scenic destinations in the county!

Try the Farm Life at Connolly Ranch Education Center

Let your kids have some fun and experience farming life with your whole family at Connolly Ranch Education Center.

Located along Browns Valley Road in Napa, Connolly Ranch Education Center connects visitors with nature through different fun and educational programs.

Here, you and your kids will develop a more profound respect and appreciation for your natural surroundings through the activities you can join.

Since this destination is a ranch, you’ll try different farming activities to teach you about sustainable agricultural practices.

You’ll also learn about healthy foods, the crucial role of adorable animals in farm life, and how nature sustains humans.

Become better stewards of the environment by bringing your loved ones to this ranch!

See a Historic Structure at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Daytime view of Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Take a peek into the region’s rural history when you visit Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.

You can reach Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park through St. Helena Highway in St. Helena.

This park features a historic grist mill that was built back in 1846.

Here, you can also find the first-ever church established in the Napa Valley Area.

Structure at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Explore the historic mill, which is still operating today, and learn more about its significant role in the region’s industrial development.

If you want to get active, you can roam the History Trail, which will take you around the Pioneer Cemetery and White Church.

You can also spot unique birds and beautiful plants as you explore the trail!

This is the perfect destination if you love history and exploring the outdoors.

Nature scene at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

chuck b., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discuss Art over Good Wine at Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery

If you are a wine enthusiast who loves to take in stunning artwork, you must visit Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery.

Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery is a beloved establishment on Washington Street in Yountville that puts art and wine together.

Relax and unwind over good wine as you check out the curated art exhibit with your loved ones!

You’ll enjoy talking about the different wines and artworks at this establishment.

If you want to kick your wine-tasting experience up a notch, you can sign up for their Chocolate Lovers package.

You will receive guidance through different delectable wines paired with chocolates!

Whether you want to change your date night or experience a unique night out, visit the Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery!

Cross a Tunnel of Wine at O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery

Your trip to the county will not be complete if you don’t visit the O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery!

In Angwin, along the slopes of the stunning Howell Mountain, this unique winery features exceptional views that are as exquisite as the Cabernet they offer.

Tour their fantastic property and set your sights on the beautiful scenery of their vineyard.

You can also roam around their manufacturing plant and walk through a tunnel filled with hundreds of barrels of wine.

Aside from seeing the sights, you’ll also learn more about the different types of wine and how they’re made from knowledgeable guides.

Remember to try their Cabernet, one of the best red wines on the market!

Go Fishing at Napa County Regional Park & Open Space District

When you head to Napa County Regional Park & Open Space District, engage in different recreational activities, like fishing and hiking.

Napa County Regional Park & Open Space District is a massive green space in St. Helena.

With its location along the region’s largest reservoir, this destination has become the go-to spot for fishing enthusiasts.

This green space also features trails perfect for hiking or mountain biking, where you will see the breathtaking scenery of the nearby hills.

You can even bring binoculars on your visit because this is also a great place to spot majestic birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

If you’ve been feeling cooped up at home, explore the great outdoors in this district!

Feast Your Eyes on City Views at Skyline Wilderness Park

Daytime view of Skyline Wilderness Park

AlessandraRC / Shutterstock.com

Get front-row seats for the city’s most picturesque views at Skyline Wilderness Park.

Skyline Wilderness Park is on Imola Avenue in Napa, along the foothills of the stunning Napa Valley.

Here, you can walk through the numerous nature trails, which will take you to a higher elevation where you can set your sights on unbeatable views of Napa.

You don’t need to worry about whether you are a beginner or an advanced hiker because this park features trails for all skill levels.

You can also explore the Martha Walker Garden and check out different flowers from different regions in the state.

If you want to take in the beautiful scenery, you can sit by the benches in the park and enjoy the sight of the city below.

Rest Your Tired Body at Indian Springs Calistoga

Experience some calm and tranquility via a relaxing retreat at Indian Springs Calistoga.

Indian Springs Calistoga is a historic resort on Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga that features picturesque views and luxurious cabins.

Many people frequent this destination for its spa treatments, but the definite must-try service they offer is its hot spring mineral pools.

Take a dip in their mineral pool, which has operated since 1910, and feel your muscles loosen and relax.

You can also try out some unique treatments, like their mud baths, for the ultimate relaxation experience.

This is the perfect destination to visit after spending the day exploring all the other great destinations in the county.

Unwind through this resort’s authentic and outstanding spa experience!

Roam the Stunning Gardens at Peju Winery

Feast your eyes on the extraordinary flora and picturesque landscape views around Peju Winery.

Nestled along St. Helena Highway in Rutherford, Peju Winery offers tours of its winery, where you can explore its scenic grounds.

Sample delectable reds or whites as you delight in the gorgeous scenery of their gardens.

You’ll also learn more about how they craft their wines and get more information about their building’s stunning architecture.

Whether you are a nature, wine, or architecture lover, you must visit Peju Winery!

Learn the History and Culture of Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Museum

Check out the informative exhibits on the region’s past at the Napa Valley Museum.

The Napa Valley Museum is located on Presidents Circle in Yountville and features exhibits focusing on the region’s history and people.

Here, you can check out images, artifacts, and even artworks that show essential aspects of Napa Valley’s heritage.

Explore this museum and widen your knowledge of the region’s history, art, and natural features.

If you visit at the right time, you’ll also participate in some fun events at this museum!

Discover more about the past of this world-famous wine-manufacturing region at the Napa Valley Museum.

Behold the Majestic Linda Falls

Marvel at the natural areas surrounding the scenic Linda Falls.

Linda Falls is in a beautiful nature preserve in Angwin.

At this preserve, you can set your sights on local plant species and majestic wildlife.

Linda Falls is the cornerstone of this preserve, a stunning attraction you would have to find on your hike.

You’ll surely enjoy seeing all the gorgeous natural sights as you try to get to Linda Falls.

When you finally reach the waterfall, any weariness from the hike will disappear as you behold its beauty.

Bring your cameras since you should take photos of the gorgeous waterfalls.

Visit the Home of a Prophet at Elmshaven

Exterior of Elmshaven

Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

See where Ellen G. White once lived at Elmshaven.

Elmshaven is a gorgeous Victorian home where Ellen G. White, one of the pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, lived until her death.

Ellen G. White is known for her spiritual gifts; she is also the most translated female writer in all literature.

This home on Glass Mountain Lane in St. Helena is a historic site where people can explore and see Ellen G. White’s personal life.

Facade of Elmshaven

Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can explore her bedroom and see some of her belongings.

Some photographs and furnishings reflect how she lived her simple life.

You’ll also have a fun and engaging time listening to the guides as they tell you more about the exciting life and works of Ellen G. White.

Entrance arch of Elmshaven

Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

Napa County has so much to offer, from great wineries to breathtaking outdoor areas to its visitors.

Whether you love the outdoors, wine, or history, you’ll have a fun and exciting time exploring the county.

Add these best things to do in Napa County, California, to your itinerary to make your visit even more memorable!

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