Things to Do in Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
Two famous valleys and a handful of wine towns an hour north of the Golden Gate.
See top-rated activities »Napa, Sonoma and the Rest of Northern California Wine Country
Northern California wine country starts about an hour north of San Francisco, where the Napa and Sonoma valleys run side by side, separated by the Mayacamas Mountains. Napa Valley is the more famous of the two, about 30 miles long and lined with wineries along Highway 29 and the quieter Silverado Trail. Its towns each have a personality: the city of Napa has a riverfront and the Oxbow Public Market, Yountville is a small town of celebrated restaurants, St. Helena has a Main Street of shops, and Calistoga, at the north end, is known for hot springs and volcanic mud baths.
Sonoma County is larger, more rural and generally more relaxed. The town of Sonoma is built around a shady plaza with the Sonoma Mission, the last of California's 21 missions, and the barracks from its Mexican era; the plaza is lined with tasting rooms and restaurants. North of Santa Rosa, Healdsburg is a polished small town at the meeting point of the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander valleys, and the Russian River area is known for cool-climate pinot noir. Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen preserves the writer's ranch and the ruins of his burned mansion.
Most wineries now ask visitors to book tastings ahead, especially on weekends. If you plan to taste at several, a tour with a driver, a bike tour or the Napa Valley Wine Train, which serves lunch or dinner aboard restored railcars, keeps you off the road. Early morning hot air balloon rides over the vineyards are popular in Napa, and harvest season, roughly August to October, is the busiest and most atmospheric time to visit. For something different, our sister site on Napa and Northern California wine country by water explains the boat and ferry options.
Don’t Miss
Restored vintage railcars that run up the valley with lunch or dinner service and some winery stops.
A market hall by the Napa River with oysters, tacos, coffee, cheese and wine bars.
A winery built as a medieval-style Tuscan castle, with tours of its halls and cellars.
A tree-shaded plaza with the last California mission and the Mexican-era barracks, part of Sonoma State Historic Park.
The author's Beauty Ranch, his cottage and the ruins of Wolf House, with trails into the hills.
Original Peanuts comic strips and exhibits on the life of the cartoonist, who lived in Santa Rosa.
A historic plaza surrounded by tasting rooms, restaurants and shops at the center of three wine valleys.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Napa and Sonoma
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best of NoCal may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Napa and Sonoma — FAQ
Napa or Sonoma: which should I visit?
Napa has more famous names, grand estates and fine dining in a compact valley. Sonoma is bigger and more varied, with a more casual feel and many small family wineries. With three days or more, see both.
Do I need reservations for wine tasting in Napa?
Yes, at most wineries. Many Napa wineries operate by appointment only under their permits, and weekend slots fill up, so book tastings and any tour with a driver before your trip.
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