Best Things to Do in Napa Valley Besides Wine Tasting
Published by Napa Valley Supercars | Napa Valley, California
Everyone knows Napa Valley for its world-class wineries, rolling vineyards, and long lunches on sun-drenched terraces. And look — we love all of that too. But if you're planning a trip to Napa and you're looking for something a little different, something that gets the heart pumping before (or after) that glass of Cabernet, you're in the right place.
Napa Valley is far more than wine country. Here are some of the best things to do in Napa Valley that have nothing to do with a wine glass.
1. Drive a Supercar Through the Canyons
Let's start with the obvious one — because honestly, nothing else on this list comes close for sheer excitement.
Napa Valley sits at the edge of some of the most spectacular canyon backroads in California. Winding mountain passes, dramatic elevation changes, and almost zero traffic make them an absolute playground for high-performance cars. At Napa Valley Supercars, we take small groups of guests out on these roads in some of the world's most iconic supercars — think Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Huracán Performante, McLaren 650S Spider, Porsche GT3 RS, and Aston Martin Vantage.
You actually drive. Not a passenger seat ride-along — you're behind the wheel, following our pace car through the canyons for over an hour of pure driving bliss.
Our 1.5 Hour Supercar Canyon Tour starts from $499 per seat and is available most days from April through November. The 3.5 Hour Multi-Supercar Tour lets you drive up to three different supercars back-to-back — and yes, it's exactly as good as it sounds.
No prior experience needed. Just a valid driver's license and a love of driving.
2. Hot Air Balloon Over the Vineyards
If driving fast isn't your thing, how about floating serenely above the entire valley at sunrise? Hot air ballooning is one of Napa's most iconic experiences and a genuinely breathtaking way to see the region from a completely different angle.
Several operators run morning flights that lift off at dawn when the air is calmest, drifting over a patchwork of vineyards, rivers, and hillside estates. Flights typically last about an hour and are followed by a champagne breakfast. Operators like Napa Valley Balloons and Balloons Above the Valley have been running trips for decades and are well worth booking in advance.
3. Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train
Yes, we know — technically there's wine involved. But the Napa Valley Wine Train is so much more than a tasting experience, and it's iconic enough to earn its place on any Napa Valley bucket list.
The train runs a 36-mile round trip from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back, through the heart of Napa Valley's wine country. Onboard you'll find artfully restored train cars from 1915–1917 Pullman Cars to one of only three remaining 1952 Super Domes, with second-floor seating beneath a glass roof for sweeping vineyard views. Every journey includes a multi-course gourmet meal made to order onboard, light narration about Napa Valley's history, and personalized hospitality.
The Wine Train offers 14 different curated experiences year-round — from the classic three-hour lunch journey to the six-hour Legacy Experience that includes winery stops. Daytime journeys generally last about three to four hours, making it a great mid-morning or afternoon activity that pairs beautifully with a supercar canyon drive either side of it.
4. Explore the Oxbow Public Market
Right in the heart of downtown Napa, the Oxbow Public Market is a food lover's paradise. Local artisan producers, independent restaurants, a craft brewery, a cheese shop, fresh oysters, and some of the best coffee in the valley — all under one roof.
It's a great spot for a relaxed morning or afternoon, especially if you want to taste the best of Napa's food scene without the formality of a sit-down restaurant. Go hungry.
5. Visit the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
Tucked away on a 217-acre estate just off Highway 121, the di Rosa Center is one of California's most fascinating art spaces. The collection focuses on Bay Area artists from the 1960s onwards and spans painting, sculpture, installation art, and mixed media — displayed across galleries and throughout the grounds.
It's genuinely surprising and unlike anything else in the valley. If you're into art or just looking for something different, it's well worth the visit.
6. Spa Day at a Napa Resort
Napa Valley is home to some of the finest resort spas in California. Whether you're staying at Auberge du Soleil, Meadowood, or one of the many boutique properties dotted across the valley, a spa day here is a serious treat.
Volcanic mud baths in nearby Calistoga are a Napa Valley tradition that dates back over 150 years — a completely unique experience that's equal parts bizarre and brilliant. Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs is one of the most well-known spots and a great place to start.
7. Take a Cooking Class
With world-class ingredients practically growing in the backyard, it's no surprise that Napa Valley has a fantastic culinary education scene. The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena runs public cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes throughout the year, covering everything from knife skills to wine and food pairing.
It's a fun activity for couples or groups, and you get to eat whatever you make at the end — which is always a win.
Make It a Full Day
Our favourite Napa day? Start with an early morning hot air balloon flight over the vineyards, grab coffee and breakfast at Oxbow, then head out with Napa Valley Supercars for an afternoon supercar canyon tour. Finish with dinner at one of the valley's incredible restaurants and a glass of something local.
It's the kind of day Napa was made for — and trust us, the drive through the canyons in a Ferrari will be the part you talk about for years.
Ready to add a supercar experience to your Napa Valley trip?
Browse our tours and book online or call us at (707) 927-2014.
Napa Valley Supercars offers supercar canyon tours, exotic car rentals, bachelor parties, and corporate events in Napa Valley, California. Tours operate April through November. Rentals available year-round. 🏎️🍷