Napa reveals itself through contrasts: in Napa County, the regional trail network ranges from paved paths along the river to hiking trails on ridgelines. Discoveries in the region include redwood forests, wetlands along the Napa River, an outdoor gallery, and wine experiences in Napa Valley. Landscape, art, history, and cuisine sit side by side, so your trip need not focus on just one theme.
Wine and Cuisine
Wineries in Napa Valley offer tastings, spacious outdoor areas, and behind-the-scenes tours of wine cellars and caves. The offerings at each winery and whether a reservation is required vary from one establishment to another. Hot-air balloon rides are also among the visitor activities promoted in Napa Valley; operators and flight conditions vary.
Cooking is also part of the culinary offering: at CIA at Copia, one-day hands-on cooking classes last two to five hours. There are also special classes for parents, teens, and children. These classes offer a different focus from tastings or tours of cellars and caves: here, the emphasis is on hands-on cooking.
Forests, Water, and Trails
At Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, creekside paths wind through shady redwood forests and ferns. For travel by public transit, The Vine’s Route 10 stops right in front of the park; the Calistoga shuttle stops at the visitor center. Check the schedule before you travel, as transit details can change.
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park covers 5,272 acres. Trails lead to viewpoints at the summit of Mount St. Helena, with views over Napa, Sonoma, and Lake counties. Moore Creek Park encompasses more than 2,100 acres of oak woodlands, Douglas fir and madrone forests, grassland, and chaparral. The approximately three-mile Yip Trip Trail forms a loop there and passes through several ecological zones. Check trail conditions before setting out.
The Napa River Ecological Reserve combines valley oak forest and riparian habitats across 73 acres. Hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing are among the activities offered there; water conditions affect swimming and access to the river. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing are possible at Suscol Headwaters Park. Its elevated terrain offers far-reaching views from Mount St. Helena in the north to San Francisco in the south.
Several day-use areas lie along the western shore of Lake Berryessa, including Eticuera, Pope Creek, Smittle Creek, Oak Shores, Capell Cove, and Olive Orchard. They are open during daylight hours; seasonal operations may change. Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park has a special access requirement: it can only be reached by a hand-launched boat from Capell Cove. The park offers hiking and rustic camping.
Near Angwin, more than 35 miles of trails wind through coastal redwood forests in PUC Forest. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are possible there. At Wetlands Edge Park, trails run along the shore of the Napa-Sonoma Marsh and provide access to the wetlands and Napa River. The park is also suitable for birdwatching and visits at sunrise or sunset.
Art and History Along the Way
RAD Napa is a two-mile outdoor gallery of contemporary art along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. It can be explored on foot or by bike. The Vine Trail is currently complete in three sections totaling 33 miles, connecting the community with workplaces, schools, errands, and recreation. The section between St. Helena and Calistoga opened to the public in August 2024.
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is home to a water-powered grist mill dating from 1846. The mill and its 36-foot waterwheel are protected as a state historic landmark. Milling demonstrations and historical tours are offered on weekends; check the weekend schedule before your visit.
The Oat Hill Mine Trail follows an old stagecoach route for 8.3 miles between Calistoga and the western end of Aetna Springs Road in Pope Valley. The route’s history goes back further: construction of the Oat Hill Mine Road began in 1873, and it officially opened in 1893. It connected Calistoga with the cinnabar and mercury mines. For an experience that combines art and nature, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art also offers art and nature walks every second Sunday; advance registration is recommended.
Discover More Places
Discover more destinations: American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, Yountville, Saint Helena, Pope Valley, Oakville, Angwin.
For the main travel overview: California.
