Top 9 Napa Valley Tours to Explore in Wine Country

Whether it’s your first time visiting Napa Valley or the hundredth, you’ll always leave thinking you didn’t see enough. There will always be a Napa attraction you missed or a fun thing to do in Wine Country that you didn’t experience. Those problems will be a thing of the past once you discover all the Napa Valley tours that take you on elaborately planned journeys through the area—chances of missing tourist attractions or hidden gems come close to zero. You don’t have to be behind the steering wheel this time; explore Wine Country with these awesome Napa Valley tours.

1. Napa Valley Trail Rides

Out of all the journeys you can take in Wine Country, Napa Valley Trail Rides is the one that will bring you up close and personal with life in the valley—and you’ll experience it on the back of a horse. The 50-minute Napa trail ride takes you on a tour of the Rapp Ranch Estate and its lush vineyards, all while exposing you to gorgeous views of the surrounding hills of Coombsville. Your guide will ride alongside you, explaining every detail about the winemaking process and life on the ranch. After your Napa Valley horseback riding experience, you’ll be treated to the best charcuterie, assortments, and fruits in the region. 

2. Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Ride

Did you know that Napa Valley is one of the best places to hot air balloon in California? Of course, it is—the beautiful vistas are best enjoyed from a bird’s eye view. Napa Valley Aloft takes you on the journey of a lifetime, where you’ll admire acres of vineyards, exciting attractions, quaint towns, and striking estates. The one-hour-long trip can be either enjoyed privately or with fellow explorers. While your ride usually starts in Yountville, the launching area sometimes changes depending on weather conditions. After your Napa tour, you’ll be treated to a delicious brunch, courtesy of your captain.

3. Napa Valley Wine Train

The ultimate Golden State Wine Country trip includes a ride aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. The three-hour, 36-mile round-trip from Downtown Napa to St. Helena is one of the most unique experiences you can have in California. Once you pass the industrial section of Napa 10 minutes after the journey begins, spectacular Wine Country scenery follows you for the rest of the way. The rail line, which was originally built in 1864, passes through the charming towns of Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford, exposing you to many of the region’s top attractions. Did we mention that dining on the train is one of the best food experiences you’ll have in California?

4. Napa Valley Wine Trolley

The Napa Valley Wine Trolley is one of the coolest tours you’ll take when visiting Wine Country. Each of the hand-built trolleys is an authentic replica of California Street Cable Cars, from the all-wooden carriage to the brass bell. Hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Trolley for an Open Air Classic Tour to learn about the history of the region. You’ll go back in time as you pass through grand estates, secret caves, urban wineries, and modern restaurants and shops. Your trip will start in Napa and take you to Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena.

5. Bale Grist Mill History Trail

No Napa Valley day trip is complete without hiking the Bale Grist Mill History Trail. The moderate 2.3-mile trail is located in Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, a state historic park in California you can't miss. As you hike the trail, you’ll come across the valley’s plant communities and breathtaking views of the valley. The highlight of the hike is the famous Bale Grist Mill. Built in 1846, the mill is where the community gathered to turn their grain into flour and to socialize at the same time. The best part about the walking tour is that it only takes an hour to complete—you won’t have to break a sweat! 

6. Yountville Art Walk

One way to get to know the quaint town of Yountville is by walking its art-filled streets. The Yountville Art Walk features more than 40 sculptures randomly scattered within a two-mile radius, starting at one end of the town to the other. Start your walk at Washington Street and try to find as many sculptures as possible. You can also use the online guided tour to learn more about every piece. And if you end up falling in love with the artwork, feel free to purchase one—it will be replaced by another work of art in no time.

7. Napa River History Tour

The Napa River History Tour is a journey by kayak over the Napa River. As you paddle your way through the river, you’ll see the city unveil bit by bit in front of you. Over the course of two hours, your guide will tell you about the first settlers in the city, the first wineries, and how Elvis Presley once performed here. The 55-mile river is surrounded by vineyards and historical sites that will take your breath away, making your trip all the more worthwhile.

8. Half-Day Napa Valley Bike Tour

There are a thousand ways to go sightseeing in Yountville, and the best one is by taking the half-day Napa Valley bike tour. The journey is almost 12 miles long, lasts around three hours, and is totally beginner-friendly. Along the way, your tour guide will tell you about the history of the valley and the wine-making process unique to the area. There are stops every three to six miles for you to catch a breath. And of course, like any other Napa Valley bike tour, you’ll get to stop at one of the popular wineries of the region. 

9. Skyline Trail and Manzanita Trail Loop

How about getting acquainted with Napa Valley through one of the best hiking trails in California? The Skyline Trail and Manzanita Trail Loop is a moderate four-mile stretch through rugged hills starting at the edge of the city of Napa. As you climb higher, unmatched sceneries of Lake Marie, Pablo Bay, and Marie Creek Canyon start to emerge—while the hike feels like worlds away, you will, in fact, be just a few minutes away from Downtown Napa. The hike is kid-friendly, so you can easily make it a family affair.