How To Spend A Day In Napa
One Day In Napa: A Mini Traveler’s Guide
A family member reached out to say that her sister was heading to Napa for a conference and she’d have one free day. She asked for suggestions on where to go and what to do.
I offered suggestions, truly more than you could do in one day, which got me thinking: for a traveler with just one day in Napa, what kind of itinerary could I suggest to make sure you experience the best of what the city of Napa has to offer without enough time to go up-valley to Yountville, Saint Helena, or Calistoga?
I could (and really should) put together a one-day itinerary for each of these locations, but for now, we’re focusing on Napa proper. Let’s pretend we have a slow Saturday to spend in the city and a high capacity for food and drink.
Where to Stay:
If you like a historic B&B vibe that’s close to everything, I’d suggest staying at The White House Inn.
I love a striped wallpaper moment.
What to Wear:
Napa girlies in summer dresses and wide brim hats abound. Since, well, I’m queer, that’s not entirely my vibe, so below are my style suggestions. I do bring my wide-brimmed hat, which I have to say, saves my skin’s life on weekday work days when I’m out and about, on bright sunny wedding days at venues, and during my more leisurely outings.
Everlane’s The Boxy Oxford in Kalamata, Short Oxford from Zara, Ecuador hat from Cuyana, Worry Stone Necklace from GLDN, Paperclip Chain from Quince, On Sale! Kate Spade Crossbody in Seaweed, Vans Sport Low, and Way High Drape Pant in Cornstalk.
8:00 am - Grab a bagel at Loveski Deli and a coffee at Ritual in the Oxbow Public Market
Oxbow is an indoor public market full of casual dining stalls, home goods, artisan chocolates, oysters from Hog Island, and more. It’s a fun way to start a bustling day in one of the world’s best food & wine regions. I love the smoked salmon gluten-free bagel with fermented onion spread, capers, spring onions and dill at Loveski, and an oat milk latte at Ritual. Pick up a wedge of cheese from Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant (because who doesn’t need a little for-later cheese from a local creamery?).
If you’re a foodie or budding chef, you’ll appreciate a stroll through the gardens, halls, and cooking shop of the Culinary Institute of America’s Copia location, which shares a parking lot with Oxbow Public Market.
Before you leave the area, make sure you stop by Fatted Calf to taste charcuterie and decide which ones you plan to pair with your for-later cheese.
10:00 am - Take a walk through downtown Napa
There are plenty of parking garages in the downtown area so you can leave your car and stroll. The Pearl Street Parking Garage is the one I most commonly use because of its proximity to downtown shops.
Start at Boho Lifestyle, a fun boutique, and for an outfit that is quintessentially Napa in the Summertime, might I suggest the Monaco Pants and Tank?
Head up to Anthropologie (because who can resist) and then visit a couple bookstores.
I regret not purchasing these.
Stop by Copperfield’s Books, then walk over to Second Street to visit Bookmine and grab another latte at their in-store coffee shop if you’re in the mood.
Visit Antiques on Second if, like me, you absolutely cannot (and would never require yourself) to pass by an antique store without a perusal.
I also regret not purchasing this.
Noon - Grab lunch
After all that walking, you’re likely to feel ready for a bite. There are great lunch spots downtown, some of which I’ll give an honorable mention in case you’re not in the mood for my two top picks. I’m also keeping lunch casual (although Tarla is on the nicer end) because we are going to have a very nice dinner.
As far as my favorites, I have no idea whether it’s best to send you to Tarla for Mediterranean or to suggest you drive a few minutes down the road to Mother’s Tacos because both places are so so sooo good. I guess you’ll have to choose based on your mood. It’s a tough life we have in Napa with all these delicious choices.
Best Lunch Spots:
Tarla - My favorite dish is the Pan Roasted Salmon, which is perfect with a side of Fresh Housemade Dolma.
Mother’s Tacos - I cannot tell you how delicious this place is. If you love tacos as much as I do, I recommend the Tacos al Pastor, Purple Potato, and Chicharron.
Honorable Mentions:
Gott’s - My longtime fave wombo-combo here is the Texas Avocado Burger on a GF bun with Sweet Potato Fries, and a Golden State Mighty Dry Cider.
The Dutch Door - I love their Zen Bowl and Autumn Harvest Bowl and have heard great things about their Korean Fried Chicken Sando although I sadly cannot eat it.
Frankie’s Deli - They have this quinoa salad (called the Veggie Crunch) that lives rent free in my head 365 days/year and the Jankbot really is all it’s cracked up to be. *Update! Yesterday (3/18/25) I went by here and it has changed ownership - The lunch spot at First and Franklin is now run by Rutherford Family Pizza where you can grab a slice. I haven’t tried it yet, but I will soon and will try to remember to report back!
Azzurro Pizzeria - I always try a seasonal special here, my most recent favorite was a pear and gorgonzola pizza (on a GF crust) that was just chef’s kiss.
*Important Note: Since I don’t want to be responsible for anyone’s food-borne illness, I will say that it’s a good idea to stop by your hotel after lunch to leave your cheese and charcuterie in your room fridge, and leave your car in the lot. If you’re following my itinerary strictly, you’re going to have a few drinks over the course of the afternoon and evening. Please grab an Uber to the winery, and to every other stop thereafter so you can thoroughly (safely) enjoy every second.
2:00 pm - Visit a Winery
There are over 400 wineries in the Napa Valley region. So, by listing only one here, I am leaving out excellent options, however, if I only had one day to focus my experience on the city of Napa, I’d want to keep my geographical roamings contained within doable distances and visit beautiful locations that represent Napa well. You’ll need a reservation, so make sure you call ahead.
Black Stallion Winery is just 10 minutes from downtown Napa, where you’ll be surrounded by vineyards at a beautiful property with delicious wines. Spend the afternoon relaxing, sipping, and adjusting your wide-brim hat like you belong here.
Wineries typically close at 5:00 pm in Napa, so at 5:00 pm, I think there are two reasonable options:
Make a stop at your hotel for a lie-down and to freshen up before dinner.
(The better option, IMO) go to Folklore and have a pre-dinner Negroni while thumbing through their extensive vinyl collection. I say to get a Negroni because truly, truly, truly, one of their bartenders (whose name I sadly do not know!) makes the single best Negroni I have ever had, and I live in the Bay Area where there is a literal Negroni Week. Sipping a Negroni at a record store drums up a kind of nostalgia for slower times that just feels so good.
7:00 pm - Dinner at Angéle
I have so much to say about Angele, and yet, I kind of just want you to go and enjoy it without me saying too much. It’s on the Napa River so if you sit outside you can enjoy sunset over the water, I absolutely love the Chef De Cuisine (Josue is just the best guy), the food is delicious, and you must go to there.
10:00 pm - Finish the night at Wilfred’s
Look, maybe you won’t feel like staying out after your delicious dinner (you do have for-later cheese at the hotel to think about), but I love a fun and unexpected way to experience late-night, and I feel like a tiki bar on the river is just a fun way to do that. Wilfred’s is such a fun place!
So, there you are - everything I’d do with just one day in Napa. Come for a day! Embrace hat-wearing, be merry, and eat good things.
