Napa's scenic vineyards and plentiful tasting rooms are usually the draw for visitors heading to this region of Northern California. But look past the swirl-and-sip ritual, and you'll find a landscape shaped just as much by nature and food as it is by wine.
As a Bay Area native who frequently heads up north for the weekend, I enjoy taking advantage of Napa's crisp morning hours on a quiet trail before the heat of the day takes over, ushering me into a spa or art gallery. Without being locked into a schedule of wine tastings, you'll also have the flexibility to explore at your own pace, lingering over a meal or enjoying a mineral spring soak at your leisure.
Here's how I would spend 72 hours in Napa when wine isn’t on the agenda.
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Day 1
Start your Napa visit at Oxbow Public Market, where Ritual Coffee Roasters' Napa Nectar, a hibiscus-infused cold brew served over ice with honey and lemon, is a refreshing way to kick off the day. Pair with Loveski Deli's heirloom tomato breakfast sandwich on a sourdough bagel to enjoy your first taste of Napa's seasonal bounty.
Just a short walk from Oxbow is the start of the Rural Arts District Art Walk, a collection of large-scale murals and art installations depicting local stories, from a firefighter who saved a local business during the October 2017 wildfires to the Mexican laborers who come to California to work in agriculture. Continue on to follow the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a 47-mile pedestrian and biking trail that takes you through some of Napa's most stunning landscapes.
When you've worked up an appetite for dinner, head to TORC to enjoy a menu focused more on seasonal ingredients than what pairs well with a particular vintage. The menu provides the provenance of key ingredients, such as artichokes from Tomatero Farm and pork chops from Schmitz Ranch, both located in the Bay Area. Craft mocktails feature Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits with favorites including the refreshing salty pup, with Seedlip Garden 108, grapefruit, and lime.
Day 2
Start your morning before the sun as you ascend into the air with Napa Valley Balloons. This hot air balloon ride takes you over the lush valley as the sun rises from behind the mountains.
Next, an afternoon of relaxation is on deck with a day pass to Halehouse Spa at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection. You'll have all-day access to the adults-only pool and hot tub, salt therapy room, and cedar sauna, plus your choice of yoga or other fitness class.
Then, make it easy on yourself and stay on-site to enjoy an al fresco dinner at Bear, located on the Stanly Ranch property. Start with a half-dozen Miyagi oysters served with green strawberry gremolata, then dive into the 14-day dry-aged striploin with chermoula. Finish your meal with the sourdough ice cream, a nod to the bread that became popular in the area during California's Gold Rush.
Day 3
Brunch is the best way to start your last day in Napa, and The Grove at the Culinary Institute of America is the destination. Go all-in and order the DIY avocado toast experience, which is an Instagram-worthy spread featuring crusty Model Bakery levain bread that you can top with beet-cured salmon, creamy avocados, Coppa salumi, pickled onions, microgreens, and more.
Walk off your feast with a stroll through downtown Napa's artisan shops and art galleries, and plan to stop into Jessel Gallery, where you'll find local art for sale along with painting classes to improve your skills. Or, just a 15-minute drive out of town brings you to the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art. This 217-acre campus features nearly 80 outdoor art sculptures, walking trails, and an art museum.
Before bidding farewell to your time in Napa, grab some carne asada tacos with hibiscus agua fresca from Mother's Tacos, or a Korean fried chicken sandwich from The Dutch Door, both of which offer the welcoming vibe and delicious food that will make you want to plan your return to Napa.
The Shortcut
Napa isn’t only a place to drink wine. There’s also a focus on nature, food, and the arts.
Days unfold organically, from active mornings walking nearby trails to relaxed afternoons at the spa.
With three days to explore Napa, you can see how eliminating winery visits lets you delve deep into the city's culinary scene.
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