Napa Valley is the type of destination that has a hold on travelers - even those who have never actually visited. Of course, the 400+ wineries are a draw, as well as the many world-class restaurants. But as the sun rises and sets on picturesque vineyards, there is so much more to discover. From hiking trails and hot air balloon rides to festivals and even fishing, a trip to wine country allows you to experience the best of California. You’re bound to be amazed and inspired no matter how many times you visit. Begin by choosing the best bed and breakfast in Napa to serve as your home base, and then use our recommendations to create the trip of a lifetime.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
Let’s start with a few things you may not expect from Napa. If you love hiking, Napa is a surprisingly great spot for this activity. Lace up your boots and hike the Stevenson Memorial Trail for a 360-degree view of the area. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains! Napa Valley is also very bike-friendly, which makes tooling around on two wheels a fun way to see the countryside. Hop on a bike and hit the Napa Valley Vine Trail for a self-guided ride, or sign up for a bike tour.
If you’re looking for something unique to do, visit one of the geothermal mineral springs and mud baths for some deep relaxation. Or hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train for a tour and tasting in an authentic vintage railcar.
There are also a plethora of annual events to experience. A few include Napa Valley Restaurant Week in January, Bottlerock Music Festival in May, Festival Napa Valley in July, and Napa Valley Film Festival in November.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
The climate and soil in Napa Valley are ideal for producing Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. And with hundreds of wineries from which to choose, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for tours and tastings at small, family-owned operations like Crosby Roamann, Nichelini Winery, and Judd’s Hill Winery, as well as those that are household names like Robert Mondavi, Beringer, and Sterling. Dining is another popular pastime in Napa. Whether you want a delicious breakfast, a juicy burger from a roadside grill or inspired cuisine at a Michelin-star restaurant, a culinary adventure awaits.
Choosing a Select Registry Napa B&B can put you in the heart of it all, with centrally located bed and breakfast inns that are a short trip to the areas finest restaurants in downtown Napa, or the nearby vineyards and wine tasting rooms.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Being in the heart of California wine country, grape harvest season is, by far, the most popular time of year to visit Napa Valley. From August to October, you’ll not only experience the beautiful autumn weather and changing leaves, but you’ll also be able to see vineyard crews hard at work harvesting grapes destined to become sparkling, white and red wines. It’s interesting to note that the grapes are picked in that order! Be on the lookout for harvest festivals and grape stomps to get in on the fun.
WHERE TO STAY
When you stay at a Napa Valley Inn from Select Registry, you have the option of spending the night in a classic Victorian-styled inn, or you could go modern, hip, and urban. Browse our properties below and book your favorite for an exceptional wine country experience.
