• An "Innsider's" View of Napa Valley

INNspired Tips for Hiking, Biking, and Outdoor Activities in Napa

In order to grow world-class wines you need lots of sunshine, beautiful valleys and rolling hills, temperate weather, and plenty of fresh air. All of which makes it the perfect place to hike, bike, kayak, picnic, and generally spend your days outside enjoying life.

Take a morning stroll along the Napa River with a delish local coffee in hand or head out on an adventurous hike, bike ride, and more before beginning a day of wine tasting. We even threw a bonus in for our fellow multi-taskers. Want to enjoy all of the above with a glass of fine wine in hand?

Here’s a couple of Innspired tips to take advantage of this beautiful weather:

Enjoy a Morning Stroll?
Napa River Inn is centrally located in downtown Napa. Grab a coffee & pastry from our neighbors–Sweetie Pie’s Bakery before embarking on a stroll along the river.

Napa River Trail
Take the river walk just behind the Inn to 3rd street, cross the bridge, and make a right onto the bike path heading south. Walk the full four miles to Kennedy Park or loop back to downtown whenever you wish. You’ll notice signage along the way that tells the story of Napa Valley in the 1800s. A walk full of rich history.

P.S. Adventurers–lace up your running shoes or take your bike along this trail for a little exercise. Check out the pay as you go hybrid bike rentals available for guests outside of Napa River Inn. Peddle or coast, up to you!

Napa Art Walk
The Napa Art Walk will take you around downtown Napa to explore sculptures made by eight artists from four western states. This exhibit consists of 10 sculptures that rotate every two years. The collection’s current theme is “Play”–Napa’s 7th Art Walk thus far. All of the sculptures use kinetic art, movement and/or light to define dimensions. Check out the map!

P.S. #8 and #9 are right behind the Napa River Inn, so they are a great place to start your stroll.

Gondola
Stroll right down to the riverfront to be swept away on a magical Gondola ride. The perfect way to add a little kiss of romance to your wine country vacation or learn about the history of Napa while floating the river. Check out all the Gondola experiences from sight seeing to romantic wine tasting.

Feeling Adventurous?
In need of a little exercise before heading out to experience a day of wine tasting, charcuterie boards, and more?

Kayak on the Napa River
Escape to the water just steps from your guest room to enjoy a relaxing paddle along the river with Napa Valley Paddle. You’ll meet Napa Valley Paddle at the dock along the water to pick out your kayak before pushing off for your moment of adventure and relaxation.

Innsiders tip: Close your eyes and take in the sounds of the birds and wildlife that come down to the river–a.k.a Napa Valley’s “watering hole”.

Hikes Close to Downtown Napa
Looking for a quick morning hike before starting your day of wine tasting? Here are some of our favorite hikes just a short drive from downtown Napa.

Westwood Hills
This hike is just about 2.2 miles round trip. We would say this is beginners/intermediate as the hike is uphill but short. At the top enjoy a view of all of downtown Napa. The perfect place for an afternoon picnic or for our early risers to catch the sunrise and the hot air balloons floating through the sky in the morning. Absolutely breath-taking!

Alston Park
Enjoy 3 miles of trails that take you along the Redwood creek, an off-leash dog park, and a shady grove perfect for a Napa Valley picnic. Alston Park lies at the base of Mount Veeder and resides in the Oak Knoll District. Two areas where wineries are present, making it a great mid-day pit stop.

Innsiders Tip: Why not bring a snack along to enjoy at the end of the hike? Stop by the Oxbow Market to grab a bagel sando to-go from the new Loveski Deli or a cheese and charcuterie board from the Oxbow Wine and Cheese Merchant.

Are you a multi-tasker?
You can really have it all in Napa Valley. Take your glass of wine along on your adventures. We like to call it the “Napa Valley Lifestyle.” From hikes, art strolls, and bike rides, the options are endless. The great perk of these guided tours is learning first hand from locals about the history of Napa and how it became the wine country it is today.

Check out Active Wine Adventures and Napa Valley Bike Tours options below:

Active Wine Adventure offers tours like the “Downtown Napa Walk & Wine/Beer Tour,” “Hike & Wine Tours,” as well as wine adventures that can be customized to you.

Napa Valley Bike Tours offers private tours and a “Wines and Brews E-Bike Cruise.” Explore the Napa Valley on two-wheels. They provide a bountiful lunch by Bouchon and you can experience the local’s favorite hidden gems.

Innsider’s Reminder:
Perks for staying at the historic-Napa River Inn. Get access to your very own concierge who will help you plan a trip customized to you. From wine tastings, to outdoor activities, and of course delicious restaurants.

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