Last Updated on July 17, 2023
In Downtown Napa, exceptional wine, culinary delights and charming experiences await around every corner. Maybe you’ve already been out to the wineries on past trips, or perhaps you simply don’t want to spend your day traveling around. If you’re looking to spend your weekend downtown, there’s plenty to keep you occupied!
In this two-day itinerary, we’ll guide you through the best restaurants in town for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with some fun activities right downtown between your culinary adventures. Get ready to embark on a delicious adventure . . .
Friday: Arrival
Check In: The Inn on First
Nestled within a meticulously renovated Victorian mansion that has stood for over a century, The Inn on First offers guests a luxurious retreat in the heart of Downtown Napa. This charming bed and breakfast boasts elegantly appointed rooms, each adorned with a spacious soaking tub for two and a cozy gas fireplace. Some rooms even feature balconies, allowing guests to soak in the surrounding views.
The garden suites offer an additional delight, with French doors that lead to a private patio, creating a serene and secluded space. As an added treat, freshly baked house-made chocolate chip cookies await guests upon their arrival, adding a touch of warmth and indulgence to their stay. Furthermore, during the warmer months, guests can enjoy a tranquil breakfast in the garden, basking in the serene ambiance of this oasis-like setting.
Booking.comDinner: Cole’s Chop House
1122 Main St, Napa, CA 94559
My friends and fellow travel writers Pam and Gary Baker say Cole’s Chop House is the place to go. Although most go for the steaks and seafood, its their signature hashbrowns we hear can’t be missed. Also, if you’ve had enough wine, their whiskey selection is world-class.
Check out more Downtown Napa restaurant suggestions
Saturday: Exploring Downtown Napa Delights
Breakfast: Alexis Baking Company
1517 3rd St, Napa, CA 94559
Indulge in their mouthwatering pastries and heavenly breakfast dishes that will kick-start your day with a burst of flavors. From Huevos a la Mexicana to Lemony Ricotta Pancakes, there’s something for everyone.
View the menu for Alexis Baking Company
Check out more Downtown Napa restaurant suggestions
Morning: Napa Valley Gondola
700 Main Street, Napa CA 94559
Take to the water for a relaxing ride in an authentic Venetian gondola with Napa Valley Gondola. Groups of up to six can ride together, so it’s good whether you’re traveling with a spouse, friends or your entire family.
Guests can bring their own wine to enjoy on this one-hour, relaxing cruise, complete with musical serenade from the gondolier. Departures leave from the Napa Downtown Dock just below the Riverfront Promenade.
l leave you craving for more, inviting you to return and discover new flavors and adventures. Enjoy your flavorful journey!
Want another option? 11 Best Things to do in Downtown Napa
Lunch: Downtown Joe’s
Downtown Joe’s Brewery and Restaurant
902 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Downtown Joe’s has a relaxed, casual vibe that’s perfect for lunch. Have someone in your party who prefers beer to wine? They’re going to love Joe’s! The eats here include big salads, fish tacos, bison burgers and more.
Many come for the riverfront dining, with great views from both indoors and outdoors. With a heated patio, you can enjoy dining outdoors here year-round.
More of our Downtown Napa restaurant suggestions
Afternoon: Downtown Napa Wine Tasting
No need to spend all day trying to get from winery to winery around Napa. You can stay right downtown and taste a wide variety of Napa’s best offerings.
A must-visit destination is the Vintner’s Collective, where wine lovers can indulge in a unique and curated tasting experience. Located in the historic Napa Valley Opera House, the Vintner’s Collective showcases an impressive collection of small-production wines from various boutique wineries.
Another notable wine tasting destination in Downtown Napa is the Housely Tasting Room. Situated in the heart of the city, Housely offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for wine enthusiasts. Their carefully crafted wine flights allow visitors to sample a diverse range of exceptional wines, including varietals sourced from the surrounding Napa Valley vineyards.
If you’d rather take a small group tour by bike out to the wineries, there’s a full-day electric bike wine and beer tour that combines a picnic lunch with tastings.
Want another option? 11 Best Things to do in Downtown Napa
Dinner: Celadon
500 Main St, Napa, CA 94559
Nestled in the heart of downtown, Celadon serves up an eclectic menu inspired by global flavors. Enjoy their intimate atmosphere in the Historic Napa Mill while savoring their expertly crafted dishes.
Celadon also has an excellent brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM (check the times before you go, as they’re subject to change).
View Celadon’s menu
More of our Downtown Napa restaurant suggestions
Sunday: Wine Tasting and Epicurean Adventures
Breakfast: Sweetie Pies Bakery
520 Main St, Napa, CA 94559
Indulge in their delectable pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee to energize your taste buds. Although they have a wide variety of baked goods, you can also enjoy other favorites such as a fried egg sandwich, quiche or caprese avocado toast.
We have more Downtown Napa restaurant suggestions
Morning: Kayaking the Napa River
Spend the rest of the morning kayaking with a local guide who will share stories about the region’s history and culture. The kayaks are beginner-friendly and a great way to see the city from a different vantage point.
Lunch: Scala Osteria
1141 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
If you have a fondness for Italian cuisine, Downtown Napa provides a plethora of options when it comes to Italian restaurants. Begin your culinary journey at Scala Osteria, situated in the vibrant shopping district along First Street. This charming establishment showcases the flavors of Southern Italy, with a particular emphasis on seafood-centric dishes.
Inside, the restaurant’s brick walls adorned with paintings and its wooden floors create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. The menu at Scala Osteria offers a delightful selection of both classic and innovative cocktails, as well as a variety of wines available by the glass. Whether you’re craving pizza, pasta, or delectable seafood, you’ll find an array of tempting options to satisfy your appetite.
Afternoon: Appreciating Art in Downtown Napa
Take a leisurely stroll through downtown Napa’s picturesque streets, lined with charming boutiques and art galleries. Explore the unique shops and discover hidden treasures.
Downtown Napa is renowned as one of California’s most pedestrian-friendly destinations in the wine country. While it is widely recognized for its exceptional wines, there is much more to enjoy. Strolling through downtown Napa unveils an open-air art museum featuring numerous outdoor art exhibits to be discovered on foot. For art enthusiasts, the Napa Art Walk is a captivating experience, showcasing a rotating sculpture exhibit along the streets of downtown every two years. Additionally, the First Street Napa: Artist Alley hides several captivating murals and art installations.
For an even more remarkable artistic display that commences near downtown, venture into the Rail Arts District Napa (RAD Napa). This stretch of two miles showcases grand-scale murals that run parallel to the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks.
Also, don’t miss Jessel Gallery (1019 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa, CA 94558), a renowned art gallery offering a diverse range of beautiful artwork in various media in a wide range of prices to fit anyone’s budget, accompanied by friendly customer service and a welcoming atmosphere.
You can also take part in art classes at Jessel Gallery or reserve a spot for their rooftop potluck dinners if you want to mix up the itinerary a little.
Want another option? 11 Best Things to do in Downtown Napa
Whether you’ve got an evening flight or need to hit the road to drive back home, it’s sadly the end of our weekend in Downtown Napa. We hope you’ve enjoyed!
Downtown Napa is a gastronomic paradise, brimming with culinary gems, art galleries, and unique shops. Follow this weekend itinerary to take the stress out of planning, but don’t hesitate to customize it based on your preferences.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a wine lover, or an art aficionado, downtown Napa will leave you craving for more, inviting you to return and discover new flavors and adventures.
