Curator’s statement
I was counting down the days until my first Napa trip with my girlfriends... until I found out I was pregnant. But, it turns out there's a lot more to Napa than just touring vineyards and sipping wine in tasting rooms. Napa Valley's landscape is absolutely stunning and lends itself to a quiet, unhurried visit. Many of the area's hotel properties have acclaimed spas and wellness activities. The emphasis on local, organic farming means there's an abundance of outstanding dining experiences. So if you find yourself in Napa for a girls weekend or bachelorette party and you're not drinking alcohol, all hope for an enjoyable weekend is not lost. And for a hot take: Napa might be my #1 recommendation for an unexpected babymoon destination!
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Day 1: Arrival & Thomas Keller treats
Napa Valley is about a 75 minute drive from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) or about a 90 minute drive from San Jose International Airport (SJC). Depending on your flight options, you may prefer to get into town Thursday afternoon, spend the evening in San Francisco and then head to Napa the following morning.
After you've checked in to your hotel, head over to the Model Bakery for the best English muffin sandwiches of your life (Oprah agrees). There will probably be a line, but it moves quickly and this casual and inexpensive meal will most definitely be worth the wait.
After lunch, stroll through Yountville's quaint downtown before picking up croissants from Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery or sweet treats from world-famous Kollar Chocolates inside the ivy-covered V Marketplace.
In the afternoon, hop on a bike to explore more of Napa's lush countryside via the Silverado Trail or stay on downtown Yountville's paved roads and get major house envy as you pedal past rows of stunning homes. Organized bike tours can offer a more personalized route if you prefer your experience to be guided by a local.
Round out your food-filled day in Yountville with a prix fixe dinner at The French Laundry(3 Michelin stars) or Bouchon Bistro (1 Michelin star), two of Thomas Keller's most renowned restaurants.
Day 2: Hot air balloon
There's a reason everyone says you have to do a hot air balloon ride when you're in Napa - the best views of the Valley are from above and an early morning experience will feel impossibly peaceful.
Head back to your hotel for breakfast (if you've booked through me, that probably means you've got a delicious, *free* breakfast waiting for you!). Enjoy a leisurely morning on the hotel grounds.
Spend the afternoon in St. Helena, nicknamed "Napa Valley's Main Street" for its mix of upscale boutiques, art galleries and shops. Before you hit the stores, indulge in the freshness of Napa-grown produce over lunch at Farmstead. Farmstead is quintessential unpretentious luxury. Not only do they grow nearly all of their own organic heirloom fruits and vegetables, the menu also features their estate-grown olive oil, grass-fed highland beef and lamb, honey and fresh eggs. If you're seated at an outdoor table under an umbrella, you may never want to leave. I would tell you what to order, but they change their menu so frequently based on what's fresh and seasonal that you probably won't have a chance to order it anyway.
After you've finished exploring St. Helena, meet with a local olive oil expert for a private tasting, where you'll learn to taste the difference in olive oils and how to pair olive oils with different foods.
Head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up before dinner at SingleThread (3 Michelin stars). While it's technically located in Sonoma County, this Japanese kaiseki-influenced 10-course tasting experience is worth the drive.
Day 3: Calistoga
You'll spend the morning exploring charming Calistoga. Calistoga's small downtown strip, split by the Napa River, makes for a quaint stroll. The main reason wellness-loving travelers pay a visit to Calistoga is to visit its world-renowned, naturally occurring mineral hot springs. Powered by active volcanic activity, these mineral hot springs are heated by the earth and infused with rejuvenating ingredients like sulfur, calcium and magnesium. The best way to access these therapeutic waters is by booking a treatment at a Calistoga-based spa or pool - I can help you select the best spot for your preferences.
After checking out of your hotel, make a pit stop on your way to the airport at Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa. The indoor market features more than 20 artisanal shops and eateries, which makes it perfect for grabbing a quick sandwich or salad (Gott's Roadside is a popular choice). Bonus: grab some local snacks for the airplane or one last English muffin from Model Bakery's Napa location.
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Travel Advisor
Anna Tretter
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Napa Valley. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Ann Tan's guide, Ultimate Guide to Napa Valley.