A Napa Valley honeymoon is perfect for wine-loving newlyweds. However, even if you’re not interested in wines, the county’s picturesque landscapes, gorgeous resorts, gourmet restaurants, and romantic activities are more than enough to entice you. With its pleasant year-round weather, there isn’t a bad time to visit.
Located 75 miles northeast of San Francisco, Napa Valley in California Wine Country is hailed as one of the most famous wine-producing regions in the US. With the county’s rolling hills, ever-popular cabernet sauvignon, and accommodations that range from luxurious to dainty and rustic, the county will give you the intoxicating romantic getaway you’re looking for.
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Is Napa a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Napa Valley is a romantic post-wedding honeymoon destination. If you live nearby, it also makes an ideal mini-moon destination.
It’s an excellent place that offers several activities to delight you and your significant other. The highlight of this destination is its 43,000 acres of vineyards, producing world-class wines for more than 400 wineries and 90 public tasting rooms.
What Can You Do in Napa Valley?
In this Northern California county, you can indulge in many activities that will etch some of the best memories of your married life.
- Visit various wineries. A Napa Valley trip isn’t authentic if you don’t visit at least one winery and learn more about one of the county’s primary commodities. One of the most important establishments is the 140-year-old Beringer Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in the region.
- Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train. For a hassle-free and safe tasting experience, take this wine train ride. It will take you through Napa and give you access to highly-sought wines (e.g., cabernet, sparkling wine, and chardonnay) paired with gourmet dishes.
- Explore Downtown Napa. Wine bars, farmers market, luxury shops — this place has it all.
- Visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California. Apart from the geyser, this landmark has hot springs, wine inspired by Italian spirits, and a Tuscan castle to take you back in time.
- Spend a day at the neighboring Sonoma. Napa Valley is a bustling winery region. Think of Sonoma as its more easygoing cousin. This place is most famous for its chardonnay.
- Admire majestic views from above. See Napa Valley from a different perspective when you take a hot air balloon ride.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Napa Valley?
March to May is the best time to head to this part of the United States. The spring fully displays its stunning beauty, and the rush of tourists is yet to arrive.
The harvest season in Napa Valley is from August until October. It’s also the peak season, so there will be thicker crowds and higher prices for accommodations, tours, and more.
If you want a less touristy crowd and less traffic between your itinerary destinations, opt for December to March. However, it’s not the best time if you want to see grape vines with their leaves still unshredded.
Is Napa Valley Expensive?
Wines, world-class restaurants, and opulent hotels certainly aren’t cheap. You can expect your Napa Valley honeymoon to be quite expensive. Add transportation costs to the mix, and you get a vacation experience that demands a substantial amount of money. Be sure to budget accordingly.
What is the Average Price of a Honeymoon in Napa Valley?
You can expect to spend approximately $200 a day per person in Napa Valley, not including accommodation. This price will fluctuate depending on your activities, preferences, and where you eat. If you go wine tasting, you’ll likely need to hire a driver, which is costly.
How to Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Napa Valley
- Cut your accommodation costs by connecting to locals who offer a place to stay or browse through Airbnb listings.
- Visit the farmers market to enjoy delicious meals or buy ingredients to cook your own food.
- Opt for group tours instead of private wine-tasting tours.
- Travel in the off-season.
What Is the Cheapest Time to Go to Napa Valley?
As the peak season ends in October, you will begin to see significant price drops regarding airfare and accommodations. You can enjoy many bargains from hotels, resorts, and wine-tasting tours from December until March.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Napa?
Most honeymooners fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK).
SFO is approximately two hours away from Napa, while OAK is an hour and a half away.
Traveling Within Napa Valley
Once you’ve landed, you’ll have many options for getting from the airport to Napa. You can rent a car or limousine service, call an Uber, or commute via public transportation (BART/VINE).
The county is primarily an agricultural area with distinctive smaller towns, so set a budget for hired transportation services. Renting a car and a driver is the safest way to get around Napa, especially when winery hopping.
Where to Stay in Napa
Napa
As Napa Valley’s main city, this is the best place to start if you want to learn more about the wine region’s rich history. You can see well-preserved historic structures or visit contemporary amenities like art centers. You can also go kayaking or take a gondola ride at the Napa River.
Yountville
This is the town to visit if you want to dine in Michelin-starred restaurants. Beyond the gourmet gems, Yountville also boasts beautiful architecture and great shopping. It’s also home to the Napa Valley Museum and hot air balloon tour companies.
St. Helena
The small-town charm of St. Helena has captivated many honeymooners. Stay here if you want to indulge in posh shops and upscale restaurants. Its Main Street is laced with galleries and many other establishments. It’s also home to Beringer and the Culinary Institute of America.
Rutherford
Rutherford is a census-designated place where you can taste local wines with a unique flavor, courtesy of the spicy element called Rutherford dust. It also has an array of eateries where you can have a comforting gastronomic experience.
Oakville
A walking distance from Rutherford, Oakville is where you can find the iconic Napa Valley sign. It’s also famous for its cave experience and barrel-tasting tours.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in Napa Valley?
From casually chic to luxurious honeymoon resorts, around 120 accommodation options call Napa Valley home.
Some of the most popular among newlyweds include Solage, Bardessono, Carneros Resort, Silverado Resort & Spa, and Meadowood Napa Valley. Pools, outdoor showers, soaking tubs, and fireplaces are staples in many accommodations.
You can also find adults-only hotels and resorts, including Auberge du Soleil. One of the most recommended Auberge resorts, it offers many amenities like a hot tub and sauna — plus, it overlooks vineyard views and rolling hills.
Aside from these luxury accommodations, you can also find boutique hotels, bungalows, and Airbnb guest rooms.
Is Napa Valley Safe For Visitors?
The tourist areas of Napa county are generally safe. Similarly, you and your partner must observe safety precautions — e.g., avoiding visiting unfamiliar areas and not carrying large sums of pocket money.
When doing wine-tasting tours, hire chauffeured cars to avoid getting involved in alcohol-caused vehicular accidents.
Romantic Activities That Don’t Include Wine Tasting
Napa is still an excellent honeymoon destination, even if you and your spouse aren’t wine connoisseurs.
- Relax and enjoy a couples massage. Many hotels and resorts offer spa treatments to help honeymooners rejuvenate after their wedding.
- Soak in hot springs and mud baths. Want to fully refresh your body (and mind) after a day as eventful as your wedding? Calistoga Spa is famous for its hot springs and volcanic mud baths.
- Go biking or hiking. Napa is home to many charming towns. One of the best ways to explore these areas is by renting a bike. If you prefer to have two feet on the ground, go hiking. Two mountains with many hiking trails flank the county.
- Shop and eat. Napa Valley is not just a mecca for oenophiles. It’s also recognized for its food culture. If you and your partner want to treat yourselves to culinary delight, try dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or two.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Napa Valley
Apart from a hat, insect repellent, and sunblock, don’t forget to pack layers. Temperatures can vary throughout the day: They usually have cooler mornings and evenings.
Also, as you will be doing tours, which include a lot of standing, bring comfy closed shoes, wedges, or flats. If you’re hiking, boots are a must-have. If you’re riding a hot air balloon, wear closed, flat shoes and bring a jacket as it’s quite cold up there.
Tour and dine in style by packing both casual and semi-formal clothes.