By: DoNapa
Spring is a rejuvenating time of year — especially in Downtown Napa. It’s a time when wildflowers and vineyards awaken, the days are longer and the list of activities to enjoy is even taller. With average highs in the mid-60s in April and mid-70s in May, it’s a great time to explore by bike, boat or balloon.
Downtown Napa is open and welcoming visitors with activities that put safety first. Here are a few of our favorite ideas on how you can enjoy the outdoors of Downtown Napa like a local this spring.
GET ABOVE IT ALL
Spring is the absolute perfect time to take to the skies to fill your adventuresome spirit while taking in views of the beautiful countryside and vineyards of Napa Valley. With an array of options, planning an unforgettable experience in the sky couldn’t be easier.
Balloons Above the Valley, the first hot air balloon company in the area, offers private packages with your safety in mind. Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. offers rides every day of the week to view what they call “California’s Happiest County.” If you’re looking for a romantic excursion, both companies offer rides for two.
TAKE A HIKE
If you’d like to enjoy wildflowers in bloom while getting in some serious steps, Napa has a trail for every skill level and scenery preference.
You may have heard not to chase waterfalls from pop music, but clearly someone never set out to view a waterfall from the top. Take in that unforgettable sight on the Mt. George Waterfall Hike, a strenuous, five-mile hike that includes some steep trails along a creek to the Silver Mine.
Skyline Wilderness Park has 25 miles of multi-use fire road and single-track trails of various skill levels. During the spring, you can catch some of the unique wildflower hikes offered. California Native Plant Society is hosting three wildflower hikes at Skyline on April 10, 2021. Make sure to pick a time and reserve your spot.
TAKE A STROLL
Downtown Napa is the perfect destination to explore on foot. Visitors will find tasting rooms, craft breweries, boutiques and restaurants spanning several activity-filled blocks
The Napa ARTwalk is a fun way to see beautiful art pieces without stepping foot in a museum, as well as to learn your way around downtown. The ARTwalk is an outdoor exhibit of juried sculptures that you can explore before or after you hit the stores and boutiques of Downtown Napa.
Whatever cuisine you crave, you’ll find it in Downtown Napa and the Oxbow Public Market is a great place to put together a perfect picnic basket. With treats from Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant, The Whole Spice and The Olive Press to Fieldwork Brewing Company and Napa Valley Distillery, you may have to plan more than one springtime picnic adventure.
In May of 2021, you can visit the preeminent Chardonnay-focused wine event of the year. The Chardonnay Classic gathers together winemakers, industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to more fully learn and appreciate the vast intricacies and expressions of a simple and humble grape. Set in beautiful Napa Valley at sister properties Meritage Resort & Spa and Vista Collina Resort, guests can enjoy educational sessions, grand tastings and expertly crafted experiential dinners.
TAKE A PICTURE
Families can get a picture with the Easter Bunny himself and enjoy an egg hunt at the scenic Meritage and Vista Collina Resorts on April 4, 2021. Adults can also enjoy an exquisite Easter Brunch featuring a glass of sparkling wine paired with family-style brunch favorites.
If you’re looking for that super unique selfie, visit the outdoor culinary gardens at CIA at Copa. Not only is the location beautiful, but you can get a too-dine-for photo next to the larger-than-life “Fork” sculpture. Using over 8,500 recycled forks, the towering art piece represents Napa Valley’s forward-thinking attitude.
GET ON A BOAT
Spring is a bit chilly for swimming, but it’s the perfect time to explore by boat, kayak and gondola. Napa Valley Paddle offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals that include a complimentary paddle lesson. Napa Gondola Tours offers private tours from two to six people with a musical and memorable taste of Venice. Bring your own wine and indulge your senses with a musical and memorable taste of Napa’s scenery.
If you want to go bigger, cruise over to Tideline Marine Group to explore all commercial activities at the Main Street Boat Dock in Napa.
PUT YOUR SPIN ON SPRING
Last but not least, biking is another great way to explore the picture-perfect scenery of Napa’s great outdoors. Many lodging properties offer rentals and you can also get one at a self-serve kiosk by Spinway NorCal, a full service cycling center. They can point you to the Vine Trail, a car-free bike path along the scenic Napa Riverfront through Kennedy Park.
Come “DoNapa Like A Local” and see how we’re keeping safety a top priority. We’ve prepared a collection of informative videos at this link to show how our community is taking safety seriously so you can have a casual good time.
With an abundance of outdoor activities, spring is a sun soaked, fun-filled time to visit Downtown Napa. Explore the current hotel specials and plan a springtime stay in Downtown Napa.
