Do you know some of the best scenic drives in Napa Valley or Napa Valley scenic spots? Then read this Napa Valley itinerary and plan your Napa Valley road trip.
Napa Valley spans 30 Miles and comprises six towns. Several scenic drives in Napa Valley, California, offer stunning views of the vineyards, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside. Go for a scenic drive in Napa Valley to unwind at romantic vineyards and rolling green hills just a few miles north of San Francisco.
Select best-tasting wine tours from local 425 wineries, hike among towering redwoods, marvel at the stunning Pacific Coast, and indulge in peaceful small towns’ laidback lifestyle.
Best Scenic Drives In Napa Valley
Silverado Trail:
Distance – 35 Miles
This scenic route runs through the heart of Napa Valley, parallel to State Route 29.
Silverado Trail is famous for its well-known wine estates. This trail offers breathtaking views of the vineyards with rolling hills. There are several wineries with tasting rooms open to the public.
Wineries and Tasting Rooms to check on Silverado Trail: Chimney Rock, Silverado Vineyards, Miner Family Winery, and Cakebread Cellars.
Highway 128:
Total Drive – 30 to 31 Miles
This rural road winds through the valley’s heart, passing by vineyards, wineries, and small towns. The Drive offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and countryside and is an excellent option for those exploring Napa Valley’s more rural side.
Wineries and Tasting Rooms to check on Highway 128 – Yorkville Highlands, Boonville, and Philo are three famous regions with many beautiful wineries. These three stops are worth it, with many tasting rooms.
Pope Valley Road:
Total Drive – 22 Miles (one way)
This Scenic Drive is offbeat in Napa. During this Drive, you will go through Pope Valley, a remote and rural area located at the northern end of Napa Valley. The road can be narrow and windy, with less traffic, but the views are stunning. This Drive is offbeat and peaceful, not the famous “Napa wine strip”! It mostly has private wineries, so you need to make an appointment.
Wineries and Tasting rooms to check on Pople Valley Road: Pope Valley Winery and Wooden Valley Winery.
St. Helena to Calistoga:
Total Drive – 8 to 10 Miles (one way)
This road trip in Napa Valley is an excellent option for those looking to experience the beauty of Napa Valley. This scenic route takes you from the charming town of St. Helena to the spa town of Calistoga, passing through beautiful regions of Yountville, Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa with stunning views of the valley.
Wineries and Tasting Rooms to check on St. Helena to Calistoga: – Joseph Cellars Winery, Olabisi – Fine Wine – Winery Tasting Room, Helena View Johnston Vineyards, Hall Wines, Newton Vineyard, and Castello di Amorosa.
Castello di Amorosa is famous for its castle with vineyards all around. It is one of the unique wineries in Napa, and there is an entry with reservation only.
Best Wines From Napa Valley
Napa Valley is known for producing some of the world’s finest wines. So Read some of them:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Sauvignon Blanc
Best Time to Experience – Scenic drives In Napa Valley
The best time to visit Napa Valley for scenic drives depends on your love for specific weather. But there is a general overview of the best times to see Napa valley based on the different seasons:
- Spring (March to May) – This is the perfect time to visit Napa Valley as the vineyards bloom. The weather is mild and perfect for a scenic drive. See the hills covered in vibrant green.
- Summer (June to August) – This is a popular time to visit, as the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities and wine tasting. You can experience lots of crowds this season, and some tasting rooms are fully booked in advance.
- Fall (September to November) – This is also another popular time to visit due to the changing colors of the vineyards and the colorful fall foliage. As the weather is mild, it is great for a scenic drive in Napa Valley.
- Winter (December to February) – Winter weather is cold and rainy in Napa valley. So it is often less crowded, and there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as wine tastings and visiting local wineries.
Things To Do In Napa Valley
Plan your Napa valley itinerary and add some of the best things to do.
Best Places To Stay In Napa Valley – Napa Valley Itinerary
Here are some of the best places to stay in Napa Valley:
- Auberge du Soleil – an upscale resort with rooms and suites
- Silverado Resort and Spa – a resort with rooms and suites and a golf course
- Carneros Resort and Spa – a luxury resort with villas and cottages
- Bardessono – a luxury hotel in the heart of Yountville
- Hotel Yountville – a luxury hotel with rooms and suites in the heart of Yountville
- Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa – a hotel with rooms and suites in Napa
- Napa River Inn – a boutique hotel with rooms and suites in downtown Napa.
Best Scenic Views in Napa Valley – Must Add In Napa Valley Itinerary
- Castello di Amorosa – Castello di Amorosa is a Tuscan-style castle
- Alston Park.
- Moore Creek Park
- Skyline Wilderness Park.
Napa Valley Festivals & Events – Napa Valley Itinerary
Napa Valley is known for its world-class wine, and as such, several special events and festivals are held throughout the year that showcases the local wine, food, and culture. Some of the most popular events include:
- Napa Valley Truffle Festival: This annual festival is held in January and February and celebrates the local truffle harvest. It features truffle-themed events, such as truffle hunts, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings.
- BottleRock Napa Valley: This annual music festival is held in May and features a lineup of popular musical acts, wine tastings, gourmet food, and other festivities.
- Napa Valley Wine Auction: This annual event is held in June and is one of the most prestigious wine auctions in the world. It features exclusive wine from some of the region’s top wineries, gourmet food, live music, and other festivities.
- Harvest Festival: This annual festival is held in October and celebrates the harvest season in Napa Valley. It features wine tastings, gourmet food, and other festivities. It is an excellent opportunity to sample the latest vintage of local wines.
- Napa Valley Film Festival: This annual film festival is held in November and features a curated selection of independent films, wine tastings, gourmet food, and other special events.
Nearest International Airport – San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento
The distance of Napa Valley from San Francisco – 1 hr 16 min (66.9 mi) via I-80 E
How many Days are enough in Napa Valley?
3 to 4 days. You can plan a Napa Valley itinerary 3 days with all scenic drives covered and many wine-tasting rooms included.
General tips – Scenic Drives In Napa Valley
- Plan your Drive and check for road closures and traffic updates, as some roads in the valley can be narrow and winding.
- Regardless of the time of year you visit, it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast and plan accordingly.
- Book any winery tours or tastings in advance during peak season.
- Many special events and festivals are held in Napa Valley throughout the year. Check the local events calendar to find out what’s happening during your visit.
- After wine tasting, do not drive, and better to relax and stay there.
- The best way to travel through Napa Valley is to start in the south and proceed towards the north.
- If driving from San Francisco to Napa Valley, take Highway 101 North, which takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge. The view is stunning on this route.
- There is no specific formal dress code in wineries of northern California. California is known for its relaxed, laidback lifestyle.
Now you know Napa is the perfect destination for food and wine lovers, relaxing spas, and enchanting beauty created by rolling green hills and tall trees. I hope you loved reading about scenic drives in Napa Valley with a detailed Napa Valley itinerary for first-timers.
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