For couples · Napa Valley · United States
Romantic things to do in Napa Valley
Ideas for a couples' trip, from small moments to a special day out.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Inglenook, Napa Valley · Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Napa is one of America's classic romantic escapes: sunrise balloon flights, terrace tastings, spa days and long dinners in Yountville. Couples tend to stay in Yountville.
Key facts
- Romantic ideas
- 5
- Couple-friendly sights
- 9
- Area for couples
- Yountville
- Best months
- April
Plan a trip to Napa Valley
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Romantic ideas
1.Sunrise balloon ride
Float over the vineyards at dawn and land for a champagne toast.
2.Terrace sparkling tasting
Sip sparkling wine on the terrace at Domaine Carneros overlooking the vineyards.
3.Calistoga spa day
Book a couple's mud bath and mineral soak in Calistoga.
4.Wine Train dinner
Dine aboard vintage Pullman cars as the train runs up the valley.
5.Dinner in Yountville
Celebrate with a tasting menu at one of Yountville's acclaimed restaurants.
Sights couples love
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Experience · Downtown Napa
Napa Valley Wine Train
Choose a package with a winery stop if you want to taste along the way, and sit on the side facing the vineyards rather than Highway 29.
- Time needed
- 3–6 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Iconic
- Couples
- Food
- Views
Experience · Yountville
Hot-air balloon flight
Plan the flight early in your trip so it can be rescheduled if winds cancel it, and dress in layers for the chilly pre-dawn start.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours with transfers
- Cost
- Expensive
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Iconic
Neighbourhood · Downtown Napa
Downtown Napa tasting rooms
Plan two or three tastings with a lunch break in between, and walk along the riverfront path to the Oxbow district.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- After dark
- Shopping
- Couples
Historic site · Oakville and Rutherford
Inglenook
Book a tasting with a tour of the château and caves to understand the estate's long history.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- History
- Architecture
- Food
- Couples
Historic site · Calistoga
Chateau Montelena
Walk around Jade Lake and its pavilions after your tasting; it is one of the most peaceful spots in the valley.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- History
- Couples
- Food
Historic site · Calistoga
Schramsberg Vineyards
The cave tour with tasting is the reason to come; wear a light jacket, as the caves stay cool.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- History
- Couples
- Food
Where couples should stay
$$$$ · Best for couples, luxury and food lovers
Yountville
Yountville is a compact town along Washington Street, about 15 minutes north of Napa, known for its concentration of top restaurants, including The French Laundry and Bouchon. Outdoor sculptures line the streets, and the Napa Valley Vine Trail bike path connects it with Napa. Hotels are mostly upscale inns and resorts.
- Good
- Walk to excellent restaurants; Central location in the valley; Quiet, attractive streets
- Watch out
- Among the most expensive places to stay; Very quiet late at night
- Nearby
- The French Laundry, Bouchon Bakery, Domaine Chandon, Napa Valley Vine Trail
Romantic day trips
- Sonoma (About 30 minutes by car) — Sonoma's historic plaza, Mission San Francisco Solano, the last of California's 21 missions to be founded, and a relaxed tasting scene.
- Healdsburg and the Russian River Valley (About 1 hour 15 minutes by car) — Healdsburg's plaza is lined with tasting rooms, restaurants and shops, and nearby Dry Creek and Russian River valleys are known for Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
For dinner
Share local specialities such as Tasting menus, Oysters and Picnic cheese and charcuterie. Restaurants are busiest during harvest (late August to October) and on summer weekends.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Napa Valley romantic?
Napa is one of America's classic romantic escapes: sunrise balloon flights, terrace tastings, spa days and long dinners in Yountville.
+What is the most romantic thing to do in Napa Valley?
Sunrise balloon ride: Float over the vineyards at dawn and land for a champagne toast.
+Where should couples stay in Napa Valley?
Yountville: Small, polished village of acclaimed restaurants, galleries and boutique inns.