12 Things to do Besides Wine

1. Enjoy a mud bath

You can find bliss when you head North in Napa Valley to the quint town of Calistoga. This town has a rich history and the most rejuvenating mud baths you will find. The hot spring located in Calistoga is a mix of mineral-rich water and volcanic ash from Mount Helena, and they combined to create famous mud baths that you will want to visit over and over again.

2. Explore the downtown of Napa

Downtown Napa is brimming with art galleries, cafes, and small boutiques ready for you to discover. You can go on a Napa Art Walk through a collection of public art displays, you can go on a self-guided tour of the landmarks found in Napa, or you can partake in an exciting scavenger hunt that will help you find some hidden gems Napa has to offer as well as other must-see landmarks.

3. Take a hot air balloon ride

Waking up early and hopping into a hot air balloon to check out the best views Napa Valley has to offer is a great way to start the day. You will get a birds eye view of Mount Saint Helena, the Mayacamas, tolling hills, and of course, the vineyards.

4. Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train

Don’t let the name fool you; while wine is served, you can also enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner, no wine necessary. The train is a popular tourist attraction, and it’s about 36 miles long and will take 3 hours to complete. You can enjoy the sights from the Town of Napa to the town of Saint Helena while also enjoying a gourmet meal. If you are honeymooning or looking for a romantic excursion, then the Napa Valley Wine Train is perfect.

5. Explore the state park

If you enjoy exploring nature, you can check out Bothe-Napa Valley state park. It is found in the heart of the Napa Valley and full of trails that will weave through a forest full of Douglas firs, Madrones, and Redwoods. There is lots of wildlife to be discovered, and a great place to spend the day bird watching. With six different types of woodpeckers, you are sure to find something. The park also has a pool you can enjoy.

6. Hike Mount Saint Helena

You can find plenty of trails to hike in Napa Valley, but if you like a challenge, you can take the extraordinary hike up Mount Saint Helena. It is the highest peak in Napa Valley, and the views are breathtaking.

7. Visit the Bale Grist Mill

If you are a history buff, then a visit to the historic Bale Grist Mill is a must for you. This water-powered grist mill was built in the mid 19^th century and was in operation until the early 20^th century. There is also a Pioneer cemetery nearby that dates back to the late 19^th century.

8. Check out a museum

There are several excellent museums to check out while visiting Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Museum in Yountville showcases the history, environment, and culture of the Napa Valley, and it also includes exhibits from local artists. You can find another great museum in Saint Helena called the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, and it is the most extensive collection of Stevenson memorabilia in the world. If you want to learn about the rich history of Calistoga and the Napa Valley, the Sharpsteen museum would be worth checking out.

9. Go shopping

All the towns in Napa offer a variety of shops. If shopping is something you enjoy, you are in for a treat. You will find everything from jewelry, fine art, gifts, souvenirs, locally made food items, and of course, wine. A little retail therapy is always good on vacation.

10. Take in the Napa River

The Napa River is beautiful and should be checked out while you’re in Napa. It runs through the town of Napa from Mount Saint Helena, heading to the San Pablo Bay. It offers many trails and wildlife to see. If you enjoy bird watching, check out the Wetlands Edge Trail in the American Canyon. There are plenty of birds to see, including swans, egrets, herons, and many land birds. You can even rent a paddleboard or kayak for the day to enjoy the river or check out a boat tour.

11. Watch a live performance

Napa has an exciting live entertainment scene. You can see live performances in the Art Deco building. This building was built in 1937 and restored in the early 2000s and now hosts live entertainment. If jazz is more your scene, you can check out the Blue Note Napa for a live jazz band.

12. Take a stroll downtown Yountville

With a lively vibe and a beautiful main street made for pictures and memories, Yountville is the most upscale town in Napa Valley. If you are in Yountville in the fall, the main street, Washington Street, is lined with trees that will be changing colours, and it is breathtaking and a must-see.