Savor the Summer in Napa
Spectacular tastes, sweeping views and inspiring experiences bloom in Napa every summer, and Downtown Napa is at the center of it all. It’s the vibrant heart of Napa’s food, music and art scene, with opportunities for wine tasting, fine dining, shopping and more. There are also several outdoor adventures to be had, including hot air balloon rides, gondola rides, hiking and, of course, several excellent music festivals. We’ve crafted the ultimate Napa summer bucket list, so you won’t miss a satisfying sip or unforgettable experience all season long.
Summer Dining in Napa
Angéle
Napa Yard
Bear at Stanly Ranch
Sky and Vine Rooftop Bar
Meritage Resort Tasting Rooms
Eat Your Way Through Napa
From curated multi-course meals to perfectly paired sips and bites, Napa has much for locals and visitors alike to indulge in. With such fine weather at the ready, we highly recommend these spots for their menus and excellent patio dining.
With a beautiful terrace and full bar overlooking the Napa River, this Napa restaurant serves lunch and dinner in a comfortable family-style setting. Their menu is relaxed with a French-country vibe and a focus on refined bistro fare, wine and cocktails.
A local favorite, this spot offers a culinary collective dining experience with a beer garden, a distillery, several eateries and wine tastings all in one space. Every Friday and Sunday, this event space also welcomes several craft and artisan vendors.
With a beautiful outdoor terrace complete with a fire pit for cool summer evenings, Bear is open for a laid-back breakfast, buzzy lunches and indulgent dinners. Their chefs like to experiment with grilling and fermenting alongside more traditional offerings for an interesting take on Napa cuisine.
A picture perfect view of Napa’s panorama awaits at Napa Valley’s favorite rooftop bar. From sun up to sunset, they’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also offer a Sunday brunch that begins at 11:30 am with bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas.
If you’d prefer a tasting room away from downtown, then consider the four tasting rooms at one of Napa’s most luxurious resorts, the Meritage. They each offer a distinct focus, including chardonnay and cabernet at Trinitas Cellars, sparkling wines from around the world at Sora Napa, uncommon and creative varietals at Anarchist Wine Co. and selections from Gen 7 Wines in the Gen 7 Tasting Room. You can also enjoy tastings with a picnic lunch or charcuterie on the adjoining Village Lawn.
Outdoor Adventures in Napa
Napa Valley Balloons
Balloons Above the Valley
Napa Gondola Rides
Mt George Waterfall Hike
Skyline Wilderness Park
White House
The Westin Verasa Napa
The Meritage Resort and Spa
Archer Hotel
Water Deck
Stanly Ranch
Experience Napa In New Ways
Napa’s welcoming temperatures and gentle breezes give life to a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Take an adventurous sunrise flight to indulge in some of the best views in Napa – and of course, wine! Napa Valley Balloons and Balloons Above the Valley both offer hot air balloon packages, with varying upgrades and prices to best suit your trip needs. 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.
Not to be outdone, the sunsets in Napa are also a truly stunning sight. While a gondola ride is certainly a romantic choice for couples, the boats can also 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, drift and take in the beautiful early evening views along the river.
Summer Hikes
A refreshing hike can be an inspiring start to your day in Napa, especially in the summer. As temperatures can rise, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, pack plenty of water and always stick to the trails. Here are a few of our favorite spots.
Mt George Waterfall Hike – Stroll among the wildflowers on this scenic trail and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfall views. Then you can hike further along a creek to a silver mine where the creek cascades over the top of a cave. The full hike is 5 miles and rated strenuous as it’s fairly steep in places, but the views are incredible.
Skyline Wilderness Park – For those who love to branch out and explore, head to this wilderness park just outside of Downtown Napa. You can wind among 25 miles of multi-use fire road and singletrack trails, with difficulties ranging from beginner to advanced. It can get cool in the mornings and evenings, so be sure to pack a light jacket if you’re heading out at that time. Walk-ins and mountain bikers are just $3, and vehicles are $6.
Lounging by the pool is a refreshing activity we wholly support. Here are a few of our favorites to consider among your many options. While most properties keep their pool reserved for guests, some will allow you to purchase a pass for the day.
White House – This 17-room boutique hotel has a small private pool and hot tub with a touch of contemporary glamour.
The Westin Verasa Napa – This expansive resort has a relaxing resort feel in an urban oasis with stunning riverfront views and a perfect pool and hot tub for lounging.
The Meritage Resort and Spa – This 4-diamond luxury resort represents the best of Napa, set amid hillside vineyards. Its Estate Cave features steam grottos, whirlpools, and tranquil water walls. There’s also an outdoor pool with cabanas you can reserve for more privacy.
Archer Hotel – The Water Deck at this hotel has a shallow rooftop pool with comfy loungers and semiprivate cabanas available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests only. There’s also a spa on the roof and the Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar with menu service.
Stanly Ranch – This luxury resort is a historic working ranch on the southern edge of Napa Valley near the banks of the Napa River. It has two heated pools, jacuzzis, and towel service for hotel guests. You can also purchase a resort pass, which gives you access to the pools, and reserve either a chaise lounge and umbrella for one or a cabana for four people with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and other amenities.
Summer Entertainment in Napa
First Thursdays
Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway
Blue Note Summer Sessions at the Meritage
Festival Napa Valley
CIA at Copia
Taste of Napa at Meritage
Blue Note Black Radio Experience at the Meritage
Summer Sounds Good In Napa
World-class cuisine and Michelin-star food make for steady inspiration in Napa’s summer months. The area is alive with music festivals and events, drawing on some of the region’s best acts.
First Thursdays – May-October 2025, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
This new event will occur every first Thursday in Napa, bringing together live music, food trucks, farmers, specialty food vendors, nonprofits, kids activities and lawn games for the whole family at the Oxbow Commons.
Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway – June 4-7
In its 12th year, this three-day event draws some of the best jazz artists of the entire year to the Meritage Resort & Spa.
Blue Note Summer Sessions at the Meritage – June 13-August 24
In partnership with Blue Note Napa, the Blue Note Summer Sessions feature 10 incredible acts, including The Violent Femmes, Kehlani and more. You can buy tickets or enjoy the show from a private balcony with Meritage’s Concert View Room Package.
Festival Napa Valley – July 5-20
CIA at Copia is set to host this free event where you can enjoy live music, film screenings, art demonstrations and more. Several dinners and brunches are also available for purchase during the festival.
Taste of Napa at Meritage – July 12
This event pairs live music with wine pairing and menu samplings from several Napa restaurants, breweries, cocktail bars and more.
Blue Note Black Radio Experience at the Meritage – August 29-31
Food, wine, comedy, and, of course, music will come together to celebrate Black culture at this event. Grammy-winning artist Robert Glasper will lead the festivities that will include more than 30 talented artists across a wide variety of genres.
Where to Stay
Whether you prefer a resort, hotel, inn or bed and breakfast, there is a wide variety of places to stay in Napa. Many offer specials in the summer, including a third night free when you purchase two nights, 15% off your stay, and other packages.
Start Your Napa Summer Bucket List
There is far too much to do in Napa this summer to even consider missing out. Stay for a long weekend or more and customize your experience to be a completely original Napa adventure. Need some inspiration? Check out one of our other trip itineraries to plan the rest of your trip.