Did you know that there are five towns that make up the 35-mile long valley of Napa? Whether you’re looking for a five-star meal, leisure afternoon wine tasting, or a dip in the mud, these five towns provide endless destinations and experiences.
American Canyon
American Canyon, at the southern tip of Napa Valley, is an ideal home base for exploring the area. You'll find a variety of affordable, branded hotel options, plus easy access to San Francisco, as American Canyon is the closest town to the San Francisco Bay Ferry in Vallejo. If you’re traveling with the whole family, the town is conveniently located near some of the region’s top kid-friendly attractions, including Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield.
Napa
As the largest town in Napa Valley, Napa is a destination in its own right. Home to locally-driven restaurants, hip wine tasting rooms, stylish boutiques and whimsical works of public art. For a change of scenery, rent kayaks and paddle the Napa River. Shopping is sport here, too, whether you're looking for art or something new to wear for dinner.
Yountville
In the heart of Napa Valley, Yountville is a luxurious getaway with small-town charm. If you're on a quest for Michelin stars, Yountville shines bright — but you'll need to reserve well in advance if The French Laundry is on your bucket list. (Tip: Across the street from the famed restaurant, you can wander the culinary gardens.) In between sublime meals, explore Yountville's artsy side. See a show at the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, enjoy the Yountville Art Walk, and explore several tasting rooms.
St. Helena
It only takes a few steps along Main Street to be charmed by St. Helena, where shops, galleries, and restaurants make it easy to while away an afternoon. Off Main Street, Beringer and Charles Krug, two landmark wineries, call St. Helena home. The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greyston offers cooking demonstrations and tours; built in the late 19th century, this building was home to the Christian Brothers Winery in the early 1900s. A few minutes away, Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park holds milling demonstrations, using its mighty 36-foot water wheel and grist mill from the 1800s.
Calistoga
Located at the northernmost tip of the Napa Valley, Calistoga offers an easygoing, relaxed vibe. The town’s mineral-rich waters and natural geothermal hot spring pools make it home to a number of spas, where visitors can soak it all in. Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga’s main drag, is lined with shops, tasting rooms, and eateries.
For more info on the five towns of Napa Valley, visit Visit Napa Valley.
