You could easily spend a week in the Napa Valley. Think: shopping, eating, and drinking! Between the 4 main towns that make up Napa Valley (Yountville, Napa, St. Helena, and Calistoga) there is a lot to do. I recently spent a weekend in Sonoma County, but did do a day trip to Napa. It reminded me that visiting Napa is such an easy day trip option from the Bay Area. So today we’re going to talk about Napa Valley: Bay Area Day Trip.
Napa Valley: Bay Area Day Trip
About Napa:
Napa Valley is made up of 4 main towns. Today’s guide will cover stops in 3 of the 4 towns. Click the links below to visit their tourism sites for more in-depth information.
Getting to Napa From:
Reminder: don’t drink and drive! If you’re looking for a pre-planned day with no driving, I’d highly recommend the Napa Wine Train. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve had friends go and say they love it.
- Sacramento – 1 hr
- San Francisco – 1 hr
- San Jose – 1.5 hours
Breakfast in Napa, CA: Boonfly Cafe
Start your day at Boonfly Cafe , located inside the Carneros Resort & Spa. I would describe their food as modern rustic. You get hearty dishes with a modern spin!
- Location: 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559 (inside Carneros Resort & Spa)
- Hours: Daily 7 AM – 9 PM
- Pro Tip: Go early as they don’t take reservations unless it’s for dinner.
- What to order: they’re known for their signature donuts, and fried chicken.
Walk around downtown Napa
Walk off breakfast in downtown Napa. There are some unique shops but I’d recommend a visit to Oxbow Public Market and a stroll along the Riverwalk.
- Location: 610 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
- Hours: Daily 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Pro Tip: Pick up some local goods to bring home, or snacks for the rest of the day.
Downtown Napa Honorable Mentions
Depending on your schedule, if you have extra time, here are some recommendations from locals:
- Stone Brewing – their brewery has views of Napa River, as well as food. It is located inside a historic building from the late 1800s.
- Napa General Store – known for their chocolate-filled beignets
Coffee & snacks in Yountville: Mini Model Bakery
Mini Model Bakery‘s claim to fame was when Oprah announced that she has their English muffins flown to her from Napa (yes they’re that good!)
- Location: 6523 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599 (Note: Other locations in St. Helena & Napa)
- Hours:
- Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 6:30 AM – 12 PM
- Tues CLOSED
- Sat – Sun 6:30 AM – 1PM
- What to order: English muffin
Pastries in Yountville: Bouchon Bakery
Bouchon Bakery is one of the most famous spots in Yountville. How can you tell? The line that trails down the street throughout the day (even early in the AM). You can also visit their bistro next door for a sit down option.
- Location: 6528 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
- Hours:
- Mon- Fri 7 AM – 7 PM
- Sat – Sun 6:30 AM- 7 PM
- What to order: Pastries, & a loaf of bread to go to snack on later.
- Pro Tip: Try to go earlier to avoid lines. We waited about 45 minutes, which did cut into the day.
Yountville Honorable Mentions:
When it comes to Yountville Restaurants, everyone talks about French Laundry and Restoration Hardware (which yes are good options). Below are a few other less known ones that are just as yummy!
- Bistro Jeanty – This cute French bistro has adorable decor and some of the best tomato soup with puff pastry that you’ll ever taste.
- Addendum – If you’re interested in trying Thomas Keller’s cuisine, but want something a little more casual and reasonably priced than French Laundry, this option is for you! They’re known for their fried chicken. Get it to go and enjoy at the picnic tables down the street.
Wine tasting in Oakville: Robert Mondavi Vineyard
Oakville is located between Yountville and St. Helena, and is home to the Robert Mondavi Winery. I loved the architecture, and the fact that you can opt for a complete tour + tasting, just a tasting, or even just a glass. We enjoyed a glass of wine on their patio with a view of the vineyards.
- Location: 7801 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
- Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
- Experiences: Variety of tours & tastings. Read more about it here.
- Pro Tip: Cheese & charcuterie boards available. Not all wineries offer food in the area, so stock up on some food with a cheese board before visiting your next destination.
Wine Tasting in St. Helena: Halls Winery
Hall Winery‘s claim to fame happened in 2008 when their Cabernet was voted second best wine in the world. Since then, their winery in St. Helena has become quite the destination. They only offer tours + tastings, and require reservations in advance.
- Location: 401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574
- Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5:30 PM
- Pro Tip: Eat before you go or have a snack on hand for before. They don’t serve food, and unless you’re a member, you can’t bring any food in.
Lunch in St. Helena: Gotts Roadside
Gott’s Roadside is a must if you’re looking for a casual and all-American meal. It might be just what you need after a few tastings! They’re another one of those spots that has a line no matter when you go (we went for lunch at 3 PM and it was a huge line), so just be prepared to wait a bit.
- Location: 933 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574
- Hours: Daily 10 AM – 10 PM
- Pro Tip: Head to the back picnic tables for a good afternoon hang out spot.
Walk around downtown St. Helena
Downtown St. Helena is located on Main Street (walking distance from Gotts). There are some shops and restaurants to visit as well as some unique architecture. Walk around before you head home.
