The Ultimate Itinerary of Napa Valley,California
Are you planning to visit Napa, California, soon? This unique place has a lot to offer and is worth visiting. Just last weekend, we were there, so today, we are giving you the Ultimate Itinerary of Downtown Napa, Valley. From where to stay, dine, what to visit, and of course, the top wineries list. Let’s begin!
Where to stay?
Carneros Resort and Spa
This beautiful place is situated approximately 10 mins drive from Downtown Napa Valley. From the moment you enter, you will be fascinated by the gates leading to the main lobby and reception. After check-in, you head out to your bungalow, a private yard, through a charming flower pathway.
During our stay, we chose a suite and got to enjoy everything it has to offer. We had a spacious bedroom, living room, a beautiful bathroom, and a gated backyard(that gave us complete privacy). The yard also had a private bathtub, shower, barbecue stand, dining and leisure area, and a fireplace. We never wanted to leave 🙂
Visitors Info: Carneros Resort and Spa is a dog-friendly Hotel.
This resort also features a superb pool overlooking the vineyards, with around-the-clock food and cocktails. Just right there, they also have a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, excellent service, and delicious food.
Another great feature is the spa, located just next to the pool. It offers various massages and facials, and it has a steam room and a spacious relaxation room with a fireplace. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a glass of champagne and enjoyed a relaxing 90 min Swedish massage, which was one of the best I’ve ever had.
Just a short walk away from the spa and restaurant is a breathtaking collective courtyard with a beautiful patio, a coffee shop, and a small vineyard representing the true nature of Napa.
Overall, this hotel offers true relaxation and makes you feel like you are in a tropical place, yet it’s very near downtown Napa Valley and various top-notch wineries.
Senza Hotel
Have you ever dreamed of staying in the middle of a vineyard?
Well, Senza Hotel will give you just that! Here, your room or suite states in the heart of a spacious vineyard and courtyard, and breathtaking views are guaranteed.
I got to celebrate my birthday here, and it was terrific. We booked a suite with a spacious yard and leisure area, steps away from a gorgeous fireplace perfect for sunsets. This hotel also offers a restaurant and a beautiful pool area. The breakfast was my favorite part, as we enjoyed it in our private yard, in the middle of the vineyard.
Visitors Info: This hotel is pet friendly.
Senza is about 10 minutes from Downtown Napa Valley and various top-notch wineries.
Where to dine ?
La Toque (Michelin Star Restaurant)
It is not a surprise that this fantastic place is a home of a Michelin Star Restaurant, La Toque. Located at the Westin Hotel, this place is genuinely superb.
At La Toque, we went for a Chef’s Tasting menu consisting of 4 savory dishes and two desserts. All the courses were paired with a glass of local wine and presented by their top high sommelier.
Please allow about two and a half hours for this experience. La Toque is famous for its New French Cusine, over-the-top service, and great atmosphere.
La Toque Awards:
Michelin Star
Wine spectator highest honor
Don’t miss dining at a Michelin Star Restaurant, and visit La Toque in Napa.
Celadon Restaurant
This place, located in the heart of Napa Town, offers delicious food and a great atmosphere. The entrance is super cool and picture worthy. The arrival “tunnel” leads to a beautiful courtyard filled with flowers.
For our dinner, we decided to go for the spicy ribs, salad, and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon (the wine Napa is famous for). The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating and a beautiful fireplace. The service is also excellent, and overall we had a wonderful time.
Celadon is a must-visit when in Napa.
Allegria Restaurant
Allegria restaurant, also located in Napa Town, is perfect for lunch. There is indoor and outdoor seating, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.
Visitors Info: Allegria is a pet-friendly restaurant.
For our lunch, we decided to go for a delicious burrata, crabcakes, and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Everything was so delicious, including their homemade bread, that I tried hard to stay away from it 🙂
Overall a 10 out of 10!
We certainly recommend this place when visiting Downtown Napa Valley.
Where to visit?
Napa Town
Downtown Napa is very charming. Visitors can stop by tasting rooms, breweries, small shops, and restaurants. It’s perfect for exploring on foot, and you can find yourself spending a whole day there.
The evenings are busier, so most of the restaurants and tasting rooms require a reservation.
The waterfront is the key point of this town, and it is truly breathtaking.
Visitors Info: Free parking garages are available at various side alleys.
We recommend you do not skip Downton Napa Valley when there.
Napa Valley Welcome Sign
When in Napa, you must visit the Welcome to Napa Valley Monument.
Be aware that it is not so easy to spot, so we suggest you use your GPS. Situated on St.Helena and Calistoga on Rt.29, the monument is a great spot, surrounded by vineyards and fields, giving you a true Napa Welcoming.
Perfect for a photo prop, as a reminder of your wonderful Napa trip.
Oakville Grocery, Wine tasting and Museum
Lastly, we suggest you visit the historical Oakville Grocery, wine tasting, and museum.
Oakville Grocery dates back to 1881, and today it represents the oldest continually functional grocery store in California. It offers delicious sandwiches and salads, charcuterie, excellent wine, and home supplies and souvenirs.
The wheat farmer John Garner originally owned this landmark historical home. He was one of the first Victorians in Napa Valley.
Today, this historical house represents a museum, with photos, artifacts, vineyards, and winery equipment open to the public.
The property also has a wood-fired pizza, barbecue stand, courtyard, and picnic area.
The location of the Grocery is near the Welcome Monument.
Perfect for a lunch opportunity, wine tasting, and breath in a centuries-long history.
You must visit Oakville grocery when in Napa!
What would be a visit to Napa without exploring its wineries? For the top three Napa Wineries, visit our Napa Wineries List Blog.
Have you ever been to Napa, California? Let us know in the comments below.
