Which towns are in
the Napa Valley?
When you mention to your friends that you will be visiting the Napa Valley, many of them might be surprised that that the term “Napa Valley” doesn’t refer to a single place, but rather a region. With several small towns and villages making up the world famous region, there is always something new to do and see when visiting the Napa Valley.
American Canyon
Known as the “gateway to the Napa Valley” American canyon is the second most populated city in the county. With the Napa River to the west, the Sulfur Springs Mountains to the east, and vineyards and the small Napa CountyAirport to the north, American Canyon is a diverse and lovely little city.
With three separate golf courses, one of the most popular things to do in this part of the Napa Valley is to play a round. One of the world’s most beautiful courses is the ChardonnayGolf Club; an 18 hole, semi-private golf facility with a championship course designed to challenge players of all levels. The course meanders through 150 acres of both Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards and provides some incredible Napa Valley views.
Napa
Head north from American Canyon and you will cross the Napa River in to the Napa Valley’s namesake. Napa has a wonderful combination of Victorian era homes and Bed & Breakfasts and modern convenience. There are not a lot of places that you can shop at a Wal-mart and then walk to a 5-star restaurant, but in this part of the Napa Valley that is exactly what you can do. Bistro Don Giovanni's unique Italian fair is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The lovely Fume Bistro offers delicious Napa Valley food in a quaint atmosphere.
If you want something more exciting than just fine dining included in your time in Napa, why not try zip-lining? Napa Valley Zip Lines offers a unique and exciting way to see the Napa Valley. Want more unique views of the Napa Valley? Paddling down the Napa River in a kayak is a wonderful way to see the Napa Valley from a different vantage point.
Yountville
Another favorite Napa Valley town is the beautiful village of Yountville. Yountville is a quaint little village with world class shopping, restaurants and accommodations. At the V Marketplace you can find everything from accessories for your home, to quality clothing and jewelry, to fine art and romatic gifts as well as a variety of Wine Country dining.
Yountville is also home to the world famous French Laundry - a restaurant that every "foody" should experience at least once in their life!
Rutherford & Oakville
Continue up the picturesque Hwy 29 and you will pass through these two small, quintessential towns; but don;t blink or you will miss them. The Oakville Grocery is a perfect place to stop and grab a gourmet picnic lunch to enjoy on your tour through Napa Valley. Or, if a vineyard picnic isn't your cup of tea, check out the Rutherford Grill for some classic Napa Valley dishes. Of course there is plenty of wine tasting to do in this area of the Napa Valley, and with 15 wineries to choose from you'll be sure to find your favorite.
St. Helena
This little town is considered by many to be the "heart of the Napa Valley." It's classic Main Street offers 5 star dining, world class shopping, and one of the country's last privately owned movie theaters. The Cameo Cinema offers first run and art-house movies as well as special events throughout the year celebrating its centennial birthday. The Cameo will also soon be offering daily screenings of the incredible new documentary Napa Valley Dreams, which you do not want to miss!
Calistoga
Famous for its natural mineral hot springs and mud baths, Calistoga is the best place in the Napa Valley to go and relax. After a long soak at one of Calistoga's many wonderful spas, you can enjoy some exciting night life at the local favorite, Calistoga Inn or schedule a hot air balloon ride for a bird's eye view of the Napa Valley. And don't forget to visit the Old Faithful Geyser and the Petrified Forest for a bit of Napa Valley history.
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