Outdoor Activities for Napa Valley Summer
While it does not have the nickname, “Wine Country” without good reason, there are many different outdoor adventures to be enjoyed in Napa Valley, in addition to wine tastings. For those who like a little variety in their itinerary, there are plenty of activities to fill your day.
Wine Country Hot-Air Balloon Ride – Napa Valley Balloons
Probably the most efficient way to see all of Napa Valley at once, Napa Valley Balloons offers you unforgettable views through a 40-minute to one-hour hot-air balloon ride. It’s the perfect way to kill a little time between winery tours and make some memories you’ll never forget.
Guided or Self-Guided Bike Tours and Rentals – Napa Valley Bike Tours
Tour Napa Valley on two wheels through Napa Valley Bike Tours. Choose a guided bike tour, in which all of the planning is done for you, and you just need to show up and enjoy a leisurely guided bike ride through a selection of wineries. You can also opt for a self-guided tour, for which you’re given some tips and options to put together your own itinerary. Otherwise, you can simply rent a bike and see where the day takes you.
Napa Valley Bike Tours has rental bikes available in varying builds and sizes for all ages, even bike trailers for your little ones. What a great way to spend the day as a family.
Get Out for a Hike – Skyline Wilderness Park
There is so much more to see in Napa Valley than just wineries. Get your nature fix by spending an afternoon on a hiking trail. Skyline Park alone offers over 25 miles of forest trails through 850 acres of enchanting scenic California woods. The trails range in difficulty from beginner to advanced, so whether you’re looking for an easy walk after lunch or a more vigorous workout-style of hiking, you can come to explore some accessible, but relatively untouched, nature at its finest.
Paddle the Day Away – Napa Valley Paddle
For watersport enthusiasts, here’s a way to cool off on particularly hot afternoons. Napa Valley Paddle offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. Take your rented watercraft of choice onto the stoic waters of the Napa River. You can do hourly rentals or multi-day rentals. NVP even has a selection of gear available for purchase just in case you love it so much you want to take a paddleboard home with you.
Go for a Picnic - The French Laundry Gardens
Across the street from The French Laundry, a beautiful stone farmhouse originally built as a saloon in 1900, includes a vegetable garden you can walk through to check out the herbs and flowers. Open to the public, it is perfect for a weekend picnic or afternoon stroll. The best time to visit is near sunset as the tone of the garden looks beautiful.
Go for a Scenic Bike Ride - Skyline Park
With 25 miles of multi-use singletrack trails of different skill levels, Skyline Park is a beautiful place to ride a bike. Along with hikers and equestrians, riding along the mountain bike trails can be a fun way to experience Napa Valley. This is the perfect place if you enjoy fast, rocky, and natural trails. At only $3, this is a perfect activity if you are looking to get outside and enjoy a different side of Napa Valley.
Drive to the Beach - Muir Beach on the Sonoma Coast
A quiet cove, lagoon, and beach favored by locals, Muir Beach is three miles west of Muir Woods on the Pacific Coast. Be sure to check out the expansive views of the Pacific Ocean at the Muir Beach Overlook - a historic location with an iconic staircase that leads down to the overlook. Be sure to check it out if you are along the coast.
Spend the Day at the Lake - Lake Berryessa
When it comes to cooling off on a hot summer day, nothing beats taking a dip in the lake! Lake Berryessa offers all types of fun watersport activities like boating, paddle sports, fishing, hiking, swimming, and much more. This 23-mile-long lake is nestled right in the center of the Napa Valley floor. The mountainous terrain surrounds this beautiful body of water, perfect for any summer day.
Wrapping Up
Start with these and see what other fun activities you can learn about through other visitors and locals alike. In a place like Napa Valley, adventure pairs perfectly with wine, so plan your itinerary today. If you are looking for the top wineries in Napa Valley, look no further than ELLMAN. ELLMAN offers private tastings and special mailing lists for their standing allocation wines. Check out their wines here, or sign up for our mailing list. They are partnered with winemaker Andy Erickson and are one of the best family wineries in Napa Valley. See what sets Andy Erickson wine apart, by checking out one of the oldest family-owned vineyards in Napa Valley today! Check out their wines here, or sign up for our mailing list.
To learn more about fun summer activities to enjoy in Napa Valley, be sure to check out these other great resources below: