The Yountville Art Walk is a fun and colorful scattering of 29 sculptures from one end of town to the other. Most of the pieces on display are for sale, and a portion of each sale goes toward arts related activities and events in the community. You can look at the map on your smartphone, or print a copy ahead of time, but the Yountville Art Walk is an easy activity to simply squeeze in when the mood strikes or time allows. The sculptures don't take much work to find. A large number are located along Washington Street, the main road through town.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: The Yountville Art Walk offers a fun way to explore a destination known by many for it famous restaurants.
Dana's expert tip: Grab a pastry from Bouchon Bakery to enjoy while you make your way from piece to piece.
The Napa ArtWalk offers a fun way to see art without ever stepping a foot in a museum. Learning your way around downtown Napa is an added perk. Pieces are strategically scattered throughout downtown Napa so you can go at your own pace, sneaking in some shopping, snacking or even sipping along the way. If you like to be organized, download Otocast for a free walking tour complete with descriptions recorded by the artists themselves, or simply do some wandering. You'll come across sculptures either way. The program began in 2009 and changes every couple of years, so there's always new pieces to find and appreciate.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: Along with seeing art, the walk takes you through some of the best sections of downtown Napa. You discover shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and parks.
Dana's expert tip: The Napa ArtWalk is a great activity to start the day and easy to do with a cup of coffee in hand. Just be sure to have a camera in your pocket.
Loved by locals and a favorite of visitors in the know, Skyline Wilderness Park boasts 850 acres for folks to hike, barbecue, picnic and camp. Even though the park is a popular spot, it isn't uncommon to go for stretches without seeing another person, but chances are good you'll see critters like deer, geese and wild turkeys. The park has 25 miles of trails, so you can opt a leisurely stroll or get a good workout. $5 covers parking, admission, and a map of the park. Bring plenty of water and have a camera handy - on a clear day you can see San Francisco Bay.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: Less than 10 minutes from downtown Napa, you'll feel like you've left the city for the country.
Dana's expert tip: Pack wisely for your time on the trail. Snacks, water and a camera are all good things to carry.
All aboard for a unique tour of wine country on the Napa Valley Wine Train. A majority of the trains are restored Pullman rail cars built in 1915. Advanced for their day, the cars served as first class coaches for the Northern Pacific Railway and included modern amenities like electric lights, steam heat, and arched windows. Today, they offer the one and only view of Napa Valley from the rails, paired with a gourmet meal. The rail line was built in 1864 to carry visitors to the resort town of Calistoga. Today the train's route covers 36 miles from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back and lasts about three hours.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: The Wine Train offers a unique way to see a scenic stretch of Napa Valley.
Dana's expert tip: Dinner and lunch trains, both have their perks, but if you're riding the rails to see Napa Valley's scenery, lunch time is your best bet.
In the 1960s Rene di Rosa introduced grapes to the Carneros region, but ultimately it was contemporary art that became his passion. Set on 217 acres, di Rosa is home to the foremost collection of Bay Area art in the world. With nearly 2,000 pieces created by 800 artists, di Rosa has three galleries, a sculpture park, 35-acre lake and a wildlife preserve. The Gatehouse Gallery is open for drop-in visitors, but the rest of the property is accessible by guided tour only. Reservations are recommended and plan accordingly because di Rosa is closed Monday and Tuesday and a handful of holidays.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: Bordered by Napa Valley Carneros region vineyards, di Rosa houses more than 2,000 contemporary works by more than 800 San Francisco Bay Area artists.
Dana's expert tip: Set among vineyards in the Carneros Appellation of the Napa Valley, you'll spend a fair amount of time outside, so dress comfortably. Good shoes are a must.
Built in 1846, Bale Grist Mill is home to one of the largest waterwheels in the country. The fully restored water-powered mill still grinds grain the old-fashioned way using its original set of French Buhr millstones. Tours and milling demonstrations are given on weekends and offer visitors a tasty look back in time. It's a good idea to have some extra cash on hand. After the milling demonstration, bags of fresh milled products like polenta, cornmeal, spelt, buckwheat, rye, and whole-wheat flours are available to take home for a small donation. Bale Grist Mill is located between St Helena and Calistoga on Highway 29/128, and is easily seen from the road. The on-site parking lot is easy and convenient, but it's fun to stretch your legs a bit on the History Trail from Bothe-Napa Valley State Park to the mill. It's about two miles round trip.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: Have you ever seen a water-powered mill in action? It's a fun and rare glimpse back in time.
Dana's expert tip: Grab goodies from Oxbow Public Market or Dean & DeLuca in St. Helena and have lunch under a shady tree or at one of the many picnic tables.
When the Cameo Cinema opened its doors in 1913, it was called the G&G Theater and tickets cost a whopping five cents. In its 100-plus year history the theater has hosted movies, theatrical events and vaudeville productions. Over the decades the theater's changed names and owners many times, but its charm remains. With just 140 seats, it's small as theaters go, but the live introduction before every showing makes a night out at the movies feel a little glamorous. And though the theater may be old, the video and sound systems are state of the art, so movie goers won't miss a beat.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: Believed to be the oldest single screen movie theater in the country still operating, you'll have fun at the Cameo before the movie even starts.
Dana's expert tip: Come hungry. The concession stand sells caramel corn and other goodies made at the nearby Culinary Institute of America.
Whether you're a pro or first time kayaker, the Napa River doesn't disappoint. It doesn't matter how many times you've looked at the river, being on it, paddling, gives you a new perspective of wine country. Floating through the busy heart of downtown Napa is fun, but the quiet, secluded stretches of water is what often strikes folks the most and wherever you glide along, there always seems to be friendly wildlife to provide entertainment. Paddlers can venture out on their own or take a three hour guided tour. The Napa River is tidal-influenced, so launch locations and times vary from day to day.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: You'll get a whole new view of wine country floating along the Napa River.
Dana's expert tip: Wear clothes that are ok to get wet, and if you've got a waterproof camera, bring it along.
When the Uptown Theatre opened its doors in 1937, it was a grand art deco style movie house that attracted guests like Clark Gable and Carol Lombard. Today, it still attracts big names, but instead of movies, live performances take center stage at the Uptown. Entertainers the likes of David Crosby, Peter Frampton and Keb' Mo' have all graced the Napa Stage. The Uptown Theatre has just 863 seats and the distance from the last row to the stage is less than 100 feet. Tickets prices vary depending on who is performing. Plan ahead if you can, shows often sell out.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: The Uptown Theatre is a small venue that attracts big names and there isn't a bad seat in the house.
Dana's expert tip: Purchase tickets at the box office to avoid all those extra Ticketmaster fees. Sometimes theatre employees will even take you inside to see where your seats are.
If you're craving it, chances are good you'll find it at Oxbow's Public Market. Located in downtown Napa, along the Napa River, Oxbow Public Market is stocked with food almost too pretty to eat. Come hungry, because huevos rancheros at C Casa, authentic Italian wood-fired pizza at Ca' Momi Enoteca Italian and some of the freshest oysters you can find at Hog Island Oyster Co. are just the beginning. If you've got a sweet tooth, there's Three Twins Ice Cream, artisan chocolates at Anette's and an assortment of gluten free baked goods at Cate & Co. Pace yourself - you'll want to give everything a try. Sprinkled in between the many restaurants are specialty shops and even a distillery.
Recommended for Best Attractions & Activities because: Whether you're hungry or just in the mood to shop, Oxbow Public Market offers something for everyone.
Dana's expert tip: Oxbow Public Market is the perfect spot to pick up picnic supplies or simply stay put and enjoy the lively scene.