You will never run out of fun things to do in Napa Valley. The region offers everything from the usual wine tours to doing several types of sports to sunrise hot air balloon flights over the gorgeous vineyards and valleys.
Visiting a premiere enotourism region in the United States, of course one of the must-do things there is to visit the wineries and do some wine-tasting. Although there are “only” 400 wineries in the Napa area, they otherwise put quality over quantity in their wines. So you can be sure you will enjoy only the top-notch quality of their wines!
If you are also interested in the beautiful wineries that offer unique architecture and splendid vistas of the vineyards, you’re in luck! The Castelo di Amorosa is a modern-day winery but faithfully constructed in an authentic 13th-century Tuscan architecture. It is complete with moats, towers, a chapel, a courtyard, and an extensive wine cellar. You will have serious fun while exploring this castle-like winery as well as its wines.
The Sterling Vineyards will take wine tours into a higher level, literally. It is the only winery with an aerial tram which will take you to breathtaking views of the fields and valleys as go on your way to the winery.
Domaine Carneros is another winery to check out. Its sprawling and stunning gardens will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe, specifically in a grand French villa.
Calistoga, one of Napa County’s cities, also has some points of interests to offer by way of natural parks. The Old Faithful Geyser or the “Old Faithful of California” was created through a man-made mistake — well, it turns out to be a beautiful mistake indeed! This artificial geothermal geyser attracts a lot of tourists each year, and it is fun and fascinating to watch the hot water spewing out from the ground.
The Petrified Forest, also located in Calistoga, is the three-million-year-old forest called the Petrified Forest. It boasts the world’s biggest petrified tree aptly named “The Giant.” This ancient forest was caused by a volcanic eruption in Mount St. Helena and is now considered as one of California’s natural treasures. Have fun trekking and exploring the forest and be amazed by what you will find there!
Planning for a more adventurous exploration of the vineyards? Try the Napa Valley Wine Train for some kind of a historic ride! These magnificently-restored 19th-century railcars also serve as a moving restaurant featuring haute cuisine, which you can enjoy while the train passes among the vineyards from Napa to St. Helena. The fabulously-decorated interiors, including the dining area, are all Instagram-worthy!
A hot air balloon ride is also one of the fun things to do in Napa Valley. Soaring gently thousands of feet above the ground, you will be able to see the gorgeous expanse of the Napa Valley from a bird’s-eye view. You will be greeted by neat rows of grapevines, rolling hills and valleys, and an occasional fog as you greet the sun rising from the horizon. To complete the fun, take pictures of the gorgeous Napa landscape, do some souvenir selfies, or just have your breath taken away by the immense natural beauty of the scenery and savor the serenity that comes along with the ride.
Following the hot air balloon ride is the traditional champagne brunch. You and the other guests can toast each other for the successful and wonderful flight. Enjoy the buffet-style brunch consisting of fresh, yummy culinary creations, and fresh fruits. Of course, not to be forgotten is the champagne or more correctly, sparkling wine.
The flight has been exciting, the views have been breathtaking and enchanting, and the delicious brunch shared with new-found friends has been unforgettable! Everything has been perfect and fun that you may want to do it again!
Whether you do wine tours, visit fun and educational natural parks, ride an antique train, or have a blast during a sunrise hot air balloon flight, you will find plenty of fun things to do in Napa Valley.