Fun Things to do in the Napa Valley

Wineries
With nearly 200 wineries scattered across the legendary Napa Valley, there are far too many to detail here. In case you’re thinking “seen one, seen them all”, think again. There are large and small, opulent and eclectic. Some have wine bar tasting, others seat you, and several pair their wine with food. Most wineries allow you to simply walk in during business hours, but some require an appointment due to their size or permit restrictions. It can be a little overwhelming for first time visitors, but we’re happy to guide you through the process, whether you venture out on your own or hire transportation.

Transportation
If you choose to drive, we'll be happy to help with maps, itinerary suggestions and reservations. But if you prefer to let someone else do the driving, may we offer several outstanding choices.

For a full day tour in the company of a small group of other wine explorers, consider Napa Wine Shuttle or Platypus Tours. With either, you'll be picked up at the inn in the morning, treated to an informative day of tours and tasting at a variety of wineries, and returned late afternoon in time to relax before dinner.

For those of you who choose to let someone else do the driving, but prefer private transportation, we have two more options. For cruising in the privacy of your own limo or town car, we suggest Beau Tours. If a restored 1947 Packard convertible in cherry condition is more to your liking, try Classic Convertible Wine Tours. Both are available on an hourly rate (with minimums) and tours can be customized to your specifications.

Bicycling
A good way to enjoy the captivating beauty of Wine Country and get a little exercise, is to rent bicycles. In addition to cycling on your own, daily half-day and full-day tours with local guides are another option for visiting wineries. If interested in this mode of transportation, check Napa Valley Bike Tours, who will be happy to deliver and pick up your bikes at the inn.

Hot Air Ballooning
A dramatic and romantic way to enjoy the beauty of Wine Country is by air. Nothing can quite compare to floating over the Valley at sunrise. Check out our "Floating on Air" Special for details.

Golf
How does golf among the vineyards sound? With three 9-hole courses that will challenge players of all skill levels and 150 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot vines, Chardonnay Golf Club is a beautiful championship course. As a guest of the inn, you’ll receive preferred greens fees if play is reserved through us. Let us know if you’re interested and we can describe your options.

Horseback Riding
If you’re planning to visit from April through October and would enjoy a ride through the hills and mountains on horseback, we recommend Triple Creek Horse Outfit. Guided rides are offered at Bothe State Park in the Napa Valley, along with Jack London State Park and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma Valley. All three locations are accessed easily from the inn.

Outdoor Recreation
If you're looking for a spot to hike, try one our beautiful parks. There's Alston Park, a 157 open space park in the northwest hills of Napa with three miles of trails available to hikers and mountain bicyclists. A little farther north, between St. Helena and Calistoga, are two state parks. The Bale Grist Mill Historic Park offers a look at a flour mill operation dating back to before California was a state. The old 1846 mill has been restored to operation, complete with water wheel and millstones. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (just north of the Grist Mill) offers picnicking, swimming and hiking trails which go through stands of coast redwoods and forests of fir and madrone. Most of this park is rugged, with elevation from 300 to 2,000 ft.

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