• Home
  • Contact
  • Work with Me
  • Start a Blog
  • Shop
↑
  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
You are here: Home / USA / Non Alcoholic Napa: Things to do in Napa Valley Besides Drink Wine

Non Alcoholic Napa: Things to do in Napa Valley Besides Drink Wine

last Updated: September 12, 2020
california napa

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Total
11
Shares
Share 1
Pin it 10
Tweet 0
Share 0

Headed to wine country and looking for the best things to do in Napa besides drink wine? This list of the top things to do in Napa is surely what you’ve been looking for! Read on, and get planning your ultimate Napa adventure!

There’s enough wine in Napa to fill your walk-in closet with bottles for girls nights for centuries down the line.  We already know that.  But Napa Valley is so much more than the bubbly stuff. There are so many things to do in Napa besides drink! Belo are my absolute favorite things to do in Napa!

There are just so many things to do in Napa besides drink wine.  And it’s entirely possible to spend a lovely weekend doing things other than sipping wine and taking buzzy selfies (although no one can deny just how fun that is  😉  Napa is so gorgeous you could stare at the lush rolling hills and wander throughout the vineyards for hours without even missing an ounce of the sweet stuff.

peju napa valley

So gather your girlfriends, your sister, your mom, and your grandma for that matter, and start planning the ultimate Napa weekend away, sans wine (okay, maybe they’ll be a little of that).

Things to Do in Napa Besides Drink Wine

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride Above The Vineyards

Okay, so I put one of the best things to do in Napa besides wine tasting first! Because, why not?!

Think you’ve got the best views of the vineyards from the ground?  Think again.  An early morning hot air balloon ride will have you wondering why you’ve never made the trip up here.  It’s downright magical, and you better believe me when I say that 5am wake up call will be worth it.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Napa | www.apassionandapassport.com
 
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Napa | www.apassionandapassport.com

2. Olive Oil Tasting

While Napa is best known for it’s wine,  the area produces some of the best olive oil (and balsamic vinegar) in the country.  There are a few storefronts that offer free olive oil tasting, and you’ll find them lining the streets in Downtown Napa.

We recently tried a bunch of oils in Rome during a food tour, and now I’m itching for more samples closer to home. Love samples? Olive oil tasting will be one of your favorite things to do in Napa besides wine tasting!

3.  Admire the Winery Grounds

The wineries are just downright spectacular, and not just because they boast some of the finest wines in the world.  Each winery and its’ grounds have distinctive personalities and flair, some with sparkling statues, water fountains, and fresh, modern art.  

And many provide the best views of the valley <– my favorites right here… have I mentioned that before?  Most wineries don’t mind if you have a look around and relax for a bit, even if your not ordering a flight or doing a tasting.

 
10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com october-61
 
10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com
 
10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com
 
artesa winery napa valley

4. Picnic Time on Winery Grounds

Spring is just marvelous in Napa Valley for a picnic, and definitely deserves a spot on any “things to do in Napa” list!  

My favorite place for this?  Peju, hands down.  Not only do they have an excellent shop with meats and cheeses, but a barbecue as well in the warmer months on certain days.  Make sure to grab an order of the cheesy jalapeños – any spice lover will devour these in no time.

 
10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com
 
napa-valley-october-47

5. Calistoga Mud Baths

Imagine stepping into a bath full of mud and drifting peacefully to sleep (okay, maybe falling asleep’s not the greatest idea of all time).  Definitely a unique experience and one for the bucket list.  And have you seen Luis basking in the mud on USA’s premier show Suits?  C’mon, one quick look of his face and you can automatically tell it’s a life changing experience.  😛   Currently on my California Bucket List.

6. Relax by your Own Private Fireplace

The best way to end any day?  Lounging in your king size bed at the Andaz Napa without a worry in the world.  Order some room service, and you’ve got my favorite kinda night all planned out for ya.  Plus- they have the most delectable bubble baths (which my friend and I made sure to put to use every. single. night. – we took selfies, of course.  See that here.   😛 )

 
andaz10

7.  Eat a Million Dollar Meal at French Laundry

Napa boasts some of the finest restaurants in the nation, including the incredibly famous French Laundry (#bucketlistworthy).  No, this famous establishment won’t cost you a million bucks, but it will cost a pretty penny.  It’s extremely difficult to secure a reservation here, so plan months in ahead if superstar chef Thomas Keller is calling your name. A top thing to do in Napa besides drink wine for sure, although there miiiiight be a little wine involved.  😉

8. Other World Class Restaurants

If you can’t manage a reservation at French Laundry, or shelling out $500 a meal is not in your vocabulary, there’s other dining options which shouldn’t be missed!  A few of these include:

  • Bouchon
  • Ad Hoc
  • Redd
  • The Restaurant at Meadowood
  • Bistro Jeanty
  • Goose & Gander
  • Zuzu
  • The Thomas
  • Solbar
napa-valley-5

9. Stomp Grapes at Sterling

Just because you don’t wanna sip some wine, doesn’t mean you can’t stomp on the grapes! This is by far one of the messiest things to do in Napa besides wine tasting, so prepare to get a tad dirty!

Sterling is one of my favorite wineries, and not just because you get to take a cable car to the top of the hill.  You can stomp a barrel full of grapes!  And that, my friend, is something you’ll never forget.  

The grapes feel all smooshy between your toes and your feet turn a distinct shade of purple afterwards, but what says Napa better than stomping your own grapes?  Plus, you’ll get a t-shirt with all your grapey goodness imprinted on it!

 
napa-valley-october-53
 
napa-valley-october-56

10. Wander around Downtown Napa

Downtown Napa is super chic with cute little eateries and sweet shops.  Top things to do in Downtown Napa include:

  • Eat! >> Some amazing tasting menus are dotted around the valley (farm), and be sure to check out – Gotts, Rutherford Grill, Ad-Hoc, and my favorite, Buchon 🙂
  • Learn about wine at a wine discovery class >> We learned a ton with some friends at Robert Mondavi, swirling and all.
  • Bike ride around the valley >> with so much lush greenery, it’d be a shame to miss this!
  • Spa-ing >> it should be a sport, right?  The only sport I’ll ever win at!
  • Check out the Oxbow Public Market >> lots of goodies and fun foods to try here!
  • Board the Napa Valley Wine Train for some spectacular views alongside a first-class meal (and wine..)

11. Admire the Fall Foliage

One of my favorite times to visit Napa is in October and November, when the leaves begin to turn a sweet shade of light green, and eventually turn into all shades of oranges, reds, and yellows.  What a beauty. And by far, one of my favorite things to do in Napa besides drink wine!

napa-valley-october-51

Oh Napa, and your surrounding areas, I’ll be back before you know it! Planning a trip to the area soon?! Which of these things to do in Napa besides drink wine are you planning on including in your itinerary?!

Total
11
Shares
Share 1
Pin it 10
Tweet 0
Share 0

Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: california, napa

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Bianka says

    June 19, 2020 at 11:04 pm

    This just helped me plan out my bf’s birthday in napa! Thanks for making my life so much easier. I went down a rabbit hole of all your napa posts. Thanks!!

    Reply
  2. Jing says

    March 25, 2021 at 9:08 pm

    This is such a great list. I'd add biking on this list too.

    Reply

hey there

Hi, I’m Jess. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips.

About 101 in 1001 Contact

love to travel?

Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more!

No spam, only fun!

About International USA California Itinerary Planning Resources Travel Shop

Favorite Travels

A Charming Day Trip from Mérida to Izamal, Yucatan: Mexico’s Magical Yellow City

Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Portugal

Everything You Need to Know About Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Tulum Itinerary: Mexico’s Popular Boho Chic Beach Town

A Perfect 10 Days in Portugal: The Best Portugal Itinerary You’ll Ever Find

Travel Recaps

'13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20 '21 '22

Start a Blog!

for only $3.95/month! Save Now

Guide to San Francisco

We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations!

All First Timers Guide Things to Do What/where to Eat Sweets and Treats Jess’s Itinerary

You may also love...

Fall in San Francisco Bay Area
Fall in San Francisco: 25+ Fall Activities in the SF Bay Area You Can’t Miss
Best Things to do in Cambria, California (complete guide!)
Things to do in Cambria, California (The Cutest Seaside Village on the Central Coast)
Best Hikes in Half Moon Bay: Coastal Bluffs, Redwood Forests, and Sandy Beaches

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO and FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

California. California
Greece. Greece
Mexico. Mexico
Hawaii. Hawaii
A Passion And A Passport Logo

About

  • About Jessica
  • 101 in 1001 Goals
  • Contact
  • Work With Me

Resources

  • How to Plan a Trip
  • Fave Travel Companies
  • Shop My Faves
  • Start a Blog

Destinations

  • World Travel
  • USA Travel
  • California
  • BLOG

California

  • San Francisco
  • Northern California
  • Southern California
  • Central Coast
©2023, A Passion and A Passport. About Work With Me Privacy Policy Back To Top
Design by Pixel Me Designs