Where to stay

Napa lives and breathes wine. Most hotels and other accommodations here are connected in some way to the wine industry or can help to arrange vineyard visits. However, some locations are better than others for sampling the region's wines. Book a stylish and upscale hotel in Downtown Napa to be close the town's tasting rooms. From here, it's also possible to get a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a scenic 3-hour round-trip journey to St. Helena and back. Vineyards with acre after acre of flourishing grapevines start just north of the city. Find great places to stay near the main road around the communities of Salvador and Oak Knoll.

The best hotels and restaurants are located side by side in Downtown Napa and near the riverfront. Expect classy French cuisine, farm-to-table dishes, and extensive wine lists showcasing varietals from across the region. Rooms near Oxbow Public Market are also of particular interest for foodies. Hungry diners should come in search of locally made ice cream, craft beer, and fresh oysters. For a different vibe, consider booking a cottage or resort-style accommodations outside of the city center in neighborhoods such as Vichy Springs, where less-crowded tasting rooms and destination restaurants compensate for the lack of sights to explore on foot.

For a more active vacation, book a hotel south of Napa near Skyline Wilderness Park. Crisscrossed by hiking and biking trails, it's the perfect alternative to an additional day touring wineries. Horseback riding, archery, and fishing are among the activities available. Affordable accommodations in the neighborhood of Imola are a good halfway point between the park and downtown and are very convenient for playing a round at Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park. In Downtown Napa, day spas and luxury hotel facilities provide restorative treatments.