An Outdoorsy Guide to Downtown Napa

Because Downtown Napa enjoys temperate weather and sunny skies most of the year, mornings are a truly magical time. A simple stroll along the Napa River is enough to get your blood flowing and to feel the sunshine on your face. Before you head out on a casual walk, pop by a bakery for a coffee and a bite to eat. You can’t go wrong with Model Bakery, a favorite of locals and travelers (such as Oprah Winfrey) alike. Or, if you have a bit of a sweet tooth, head to Sweetie Pies Bakery for a delectable breakfast pastry.

There are also a few hiking trails in and around Downtown Napa that are perfect for starting the day. Set out on the St. George Waterfall Hike and marvel at the wildflowers lining the trail as you hike to the top, where you will be rewarded with stunning waterfall views. Just outside of Downtown is Skyline Wilderness Park, which features 25 miles of multi-use fireroad and singletrack trails, with difficulties ranging from beginner to advanced.

If you’re cut from a slightly more adventurous cloth, Downtown Napa offers an experience you are unlikely to forget. What better way to experience Napa Valley for the first time than flying high above it, the scenery unfolding beneath you as you look out from a hot air balloon basket? Book a hot air balloon ride with one of Downtown Napa’s balloon companies for a one-of-a-kind Napa Valley morning excursion. Because the sun won’t have yet had time to heat the earth — which can cause unfavorably erratic wind patterns — just before sunrise is the ideal time to soar. The early wake-up call is well worth it: Trust us, it’s the best way to watch a Napa sunrise.

There are a few different options for your sunrise flight. Napa Valley Drifters, Napa Valley Balloons and Balloons Above the Valley all offer hot air balloon packages, with varying upgrades and prices to best suit your trip needs — and of course, wine! Napa Valley Balloons, in partnership with Chandon, features a wine and breakfast package to follow your flight above the valley. Once you land, you’ll be treated to a tasting of some of Chandon’s best wines and breakfast fare.

Downtown Napa boasts some absolutely breathtaking sunsets, and a great way to watch one is aboard a private gondola cruise right on the Napa River. While a gondola ride is the perfect choice for couples, the boats accommodate up to six people, so you can take a whole host of friends with you. A tour guide and boat captain will steer you along the water, so no worries about paddling yourself. You can also add a wine tasting to your cruise, allowing you to sip, relax and enjoy the beautiful early evening views of Downtown Napa.

For dinner, there are innumerable fantastic options that feature an outdoor patio, so you can enjoy the evening weather as you dine. Try Oenotri, a traditional Italian restaurant serving up fresh pasta, housemade salumi, Napa-sourced olive oil and more, all within a rustic, intimate setting, and offering an extensive wine list. Or, relax on Angèle’s terrace, which overlooks the Napa River, and enjoy classic French cooking with a California twist.

Before the night is over, enjoy a nightcap at Sky & Vine, a rooftop bar situated atop the Archer Hotel. From there, the whole of Downtown Napa can be seen below you — a stunning view any time of the day. The Haven Cocktail Lounge at the CIA at Copia is another fantastic stop for a late-night drink. Located on the garden terrace, you can enjoy cocktails that feature ingredients sourced directly from their gardens, which are spread out directly below the terrace.