Napa Valley
The Ultimate Napa Travel Guide: From a Gals trip to a romantic weekend for two
Living in San Francisco, it’s easy to forget that the world-renowned Napa Valley is just an hour’s drive away. Lately, my husband and I have made a conscious effort to explore more of the valley, from weekend stays at two gorgeous hotels to a recent day trip that landed us at a new favorite winery—cue the champagne! Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a fun girls' trip, this guide is for you.
Welcome to Napa Valley
Arrival: SFO is the best hub for longer travel (about 1.5-3 hours), but OAK (Oakland) is also a great option for more affordable flights and proximity (1-2 hours). If you are local, flying into Sonoma County Airport (1 hour) is also an option.
The Layout: Napa Valley is roughly 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, making it surprisingly easy to navigate. For the best experience, I recommend renting a car and taking the Silverado Trail on your way to your hotel as it offers the most iconic, unobstructed vineyard views. The valley is comprised of several core towns, including Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, each with its own distinct personality. My personal favorites are Yountville, for its walkable and upscale feel, and St. Helena, for its charming, boutique-filled downtown.
Where to Stay
The Estate Yountville: Located in Yountville, this lush resort blends contemporary chic with wine country ease. Stay here if you want a romantic escape that is steps away from Michelin-starred dining like The French Laundry, while enjoying a resort vibe complete with a high-end spa and a vibrant pool scene.
Le Petit Pali: Located in St. Helena, this charming, design-forward boutique hotel is the ultimate stay for a girls' weekend. It is the quintessential choice for the traveler who prefers a curated, intimate experience over the sprawling feel of a large resort. Plan to be greeted with chilled rosé in a coupe upon arrival, and don’t miss the breakfast room in the morning—they serve the famous Model Bakery English muffins that are not to be missed.
Stanley Ranch: Located in the heart of Napa, this is the premier choice for the wellness-focused traveler who wants to experience the epitome of luxurious California wine country. The feel is modern, yet inviting, and their spa is world class.
Solage: Located in Calistoga, this is one of the top luxury resorts in Napa. The feel is very Nancy Meyers meets California chic. Perfect for travelers who want an elevated stay with a social and buzzy energy.
Wineries Not to miss (Reservations Encouraged)
Domaine Carneros: If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to a French château, this is the place for you. As a champagne gal, this is my absolute favorite winery in Napa Valley. Book the Art of Sabrage experience for a generous flight of bubbles paired with a delicious array of canapés—it’s the ultimate way to spend a Napa afternoon.
Mumm: A relaxed winery on the Silverado Trail that’s all about approachable bubbles. Request to sit on the lower terrace for a sun-drenched afternoon and more privacy, as the upper terrace gets very busy during peak season.
Hall: This state-of-the-art estate is a must for those who love striking architecture and bold, robust reds.
Del Dotto: If you want the ultimate wine cave experience, Del Dotto is a must. Known for their generous barrel tastings and opulent, Venetian-inspired architecture, this is the place for the serious Cabernet lover.
V Sattui: This is the perfect, low-key contrast to the more formal tastings in the valley. A premier choice for larger groups that want to enjoy a chic picnic under the giant oak trees with a selection of artisan cheeses and house-made charcuterie from their renowned on-site deli.
Dinner Favorites
Gatehouse at the Culinary Institute: This is the premier choice for the diner who wants a high-end, three-course meal served by the industry’s rising stars. The experience is truly unique, as your waitstaff are actually chefs-in-training at the CIA. The food is to die for, and because it’s a student-led kitchen, it offers excellent value for a sophisticated meal.
Charter Oak: Centered around a massive open hearth, the vibe here is moody, communal, and elegant. Go for the iconic 30-year-old levain sourdough with house-made cultured butter, and stay for the cheeseburger—widely considered one of the best in the entire valley.
Bottega: The quintessential romantic date night spot, serving fresh and elevated Italian classics in a lively, upscale setting. We loved the pasta fritti with prosciutto and the ricotta gnocchi, which quite literally melted in our mouths.
The French Laundry: Thomas Keller’s crown jewel. With three Michelin stars and a legendary reputation, this is a "bucket list" destination for the ultimate foodie. Reservations are tough to secure, so plan early.
Lunch
Clementine: Chic in every way, this Yountville gem feels like a step into St. Tropez. Every detail is curated to perfection—from the pale pink cushions to the bespoke embroidery on the napkins—making it an absolute must for any girls' trip. To share, order the squash blossom and truffle pizza, the chicken Caesar, and the butternut squash.
Farmstead: The ultimate "farm-to-table" experience housed in a stylish, soaring barn in St. Helena. This is the premier choice for a lively, quintessentially Napa lunch featuring elevated California cuisine
Oxbow Market: Located in downtown Napa, this upscale food hall is a culinary dream. It’s the perfect stop for a group that can’t decide on one thing—you can grab oysters at Hog Island, tacos at C Casa, or artisanal cupcakes all in one go.
Breakfast & Caffeine
Bouchon Bakery: Expect a line, but it’s worth the wait for a taste of Thomas Keller’s French pastries in the heart of Yountville. This is the ultimate stop for a flaky croissant or the infamous homemade nutter butter
Station St Helena: A chic, converted gas station that is now the go-to "insider" spot for a quick, high-quality refuel. It’s the perfect pitstop for a breakfast burrito or avocado toast before perusing the shops on Mainstreet
Model Bakery: This is a MUST. Model Bakery is known for their famous English muffins (Oprah-approved and for good reason) and is one of the best things I have ever eaten. They are fluffy, buttery, and utterly divine.
Tip: If you stay at Le Petit Pali, they serve complimentary Model Bakery English muffins for breakfast each morning
Top Local Experiences
Wine Tasting: Because you are in Napa.. of course. Three wineries, iconic vineyard views, and a leisurely lunch make for the perfect day. Book your tastings at least 3 weeks ahead to secure a reservation.
Bike along the silverado trail: For the active traveler, there is no better way to take in the valley than by bike. Both the Estate Yountville and Le Petit Pali have bikes for rent - Take a stroll along the Silverado Trail or into down for a warm coffee and pastry before starting your day.
Antiquing: Spend a slow morning browsing the curated boutiques and hidden antique shops of Main Street St. Helena. One of our favorites, down the way from Main Street, is Caractere - a french antique shop filled with beautiful treasures.
Spa Day: In my eyes, there is no better way to finish a weekend in Napa than with a spa day. My favorite spa of all time is at Stanly Ranch and is the ultimate reset
When to Visit
Best Time: September & October. This is peak harvest season - the vineyards are full and lush and the weather is warm; however with this comes higher prices and more difficulty with reservations
My favorite time: March - May. Vineyards are bright green, the weather is mild with sunny days becoming mor eregular, yet it’s not too busy and prices are fair
How long to visit: For a first visit, I would recommend 3-4 nights in Napa Valley so you have time for multiple days of wine tasting and can cover all the small towns that encompass the region.
Local Pro-Tips
Plan by region: As mentioned, Napa is a collection of distinct areas. To maximize your time and minimize driving, I recommend spending each day in a specific town. Grouping your St. Helena stops together one day and your Yountville picks the next ensures a more seamless and relaxed experience vacation
Book tastings and dining reservations in advance: The more popular restaurants and wineries in Napa book out weeks and sometimes months in advance. To secure your first-choice locations and peak timings, aim to have your core reservations locked in at least 3–4 weeks before your trip
Transportation: If you’re planning a full day of tastings, book a driver in advance, especially for groups. While Uber and Lyft are available in the main towns, they can be sparse near more remote estates, often leading to long wait times
Visit San Francisco: If you’re flying into SFO or Oakland, you’ll be right on the doorstep of my favorite city, San Francisco. I highly recommend adding 1–2 days to your itinerary to explore San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods and food scene before heading north to wine country (check out my SF guide for the best places to visit!)
