Non Wine-Related Activities
While Napa Valley is most commonly known for wine-making, it also has a number of other amazing options for non-wine related activities. Go for a hike, kayak the Napa river, relax by a pool, or get a spa treatment. The possibilities are endless!
Hiking Around St. Helena
Oat Mine Trail (Calistoga, CA)- Lovely trail that we hike frequently. Includes 8.3 miles of an old stage coach route located between Calistoga and Aetna Springs Road in Pope Valley. You can make the hike as long or as short as you like. The trail has changed in recent years due to a fire that burned through the area in 2020. There is parking located at the trailhead, though there is only room for a few vehicles, so it is best to head to the hike early!
Walking Path (St. Helena, CA)- Casual walk that leads past a private vineyard and ends at a beautiful stretch of the Napa River. This lovely, short trail is located within walking distance of Alila Napa Valley and is a great option for a morning walk with a cup of coffee!
Lake Henessey Shoreline Trail (St. Helena, CA)- A 5.5 mile (mostly flat) loop around Lake Hennessey in St. Helena, CA. This hike is only 15-20 minute drive from Alila Napa Valley. This reservoir is a water source for Napa Valley, so there is no swimming allowed but it is a lovely spot to walk around, have a picnic, and enjoy some coast live oak trees. This is a great spot to combine with other wine tastings (i.e. Chappellet).
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (St. Helena, CA)- This state park is a 6 minute drive from Alila. The park entrance fee is $8, but includes day access to the entire park. Our recommended hike is Ritchey Canyon Trail and Coyote Peak. This is a fairly intense hike with 1,000 ft of elevation gain. It starts along the river within a patch of redwoods, and eventually becomes more steep about a mile into the hike. You can shorten the hike or do the entire loop to get some killer views! We even saw some bear scat along the trail during our last visit, so keep your eyes peeled for some wildlife!
Our view from Coyote Peak during our Thanksgiving Weekend hike November 2022.
Check out the Locations for our top hikes!
Other Activities to do In Napa
Kayaking on the Napa River- We love kayaking and paddle boarding on the Napa River and we recommend giving it a try! Check out tours and kayak rentals here.
Biking -There is a bike rental shop in Napa where you can rent bikes for the day. Biking along SR 29 and Silverado Trail can be a bit treacherous given the narrow roads and lack of shoulder, but there are plenty of good options throughout the neighborhoods or along bike trails down in the City of Napa.
Riding in a Hot Air Balloon - If you are feeling adventurous and want to see Napa from a totally different vantage point, try a hot air balloon ride.
Photo from Jordan and Jill’s first time on a hot air balloon in 2019 in Napa Valley.
Spa Treatments
The Four Seasons (Calistoga, CA)- Incredible massages and facials. Following your treatment, you have access to the outdoor hot tub, sun deck, mud treatments, and meditation patio. Very relaxing and beautiful views!
Health Spa Napa Valley (St. Helena, CA)- High quality massages right off of Main St. in St. Helena. Beautiful facilities (Bonus: chances are high you’ll see Polly or Mike splashing around in the outdoor pool on your way to a treatment).
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs (Calistoga, CA)- Perfect spot to relax and unwind after travel. This spa has a number of natural hot springs and treatment options to enjoy. We haven’t been able to try this place out yet, so be sure to let us know how it is!
Dr. Wilkinson’ a Backyard Resort (Calistoga, CA)Another spot we would love to check out. This spa is located within an old motel that was updated to reflect a Palm Springs getaway. You can get spa treatments, enjoy a mud bath, or a hot pool!
