A Guide to Day Trips in Napa Valley

For an afternoon outing…

Set your out-of-office and sneak away for an extended lunch break. The Gourmet Express Lunch is the perfect choice for guests looking for the classic Napa Valley Wine Train experience. In spite of its name, this is an experience that encourages guests to slow down, relax, and really enjoy the scenery and flavors of Napa and the plush surroundings of an antique 1915 Pullman railcar. Kick off your three-hour journey with a welcome glass of sparkling wine, then feast on three delectable lunch courses. Sample even more local wine selections when you add our sommelier-tasting flight to your journey.

For something a little lighter — but every bit as lovely — our Afternoon Tea, served in partnership with Chandon, is the perfect choice. Sip on a Chandon Garden Spritz cocktail upon arrival and get comfy inside an antique railcar adorned with colorful florals. Soak up an afternoon of old-world charm during a three-hour train ride featuring fine steeped teas and signature mini desserts selected to showcase the parallels between wine and tea.

For an evening escape…

Climb aboard the Wine Train for a two-and-a-half-hour train ride through the Napa Valley at dusk, served in the glass-domed observation-style dining car. As twilight envelops the valley, you’ll be treated to four gourmet courses served alongside carefully selected wines from vineyards like Fan Niente, Opus One, and Beaulieu Vineyard. Ride in style in a 1952 Super Dome Pullman Railcar as the stars twinkle overhead. The Vista Dome Dinner is the perfect evening out with friends or a memorable date night with someone special.  

If you prefer a little intrigue served alongside your meal, our Murder Mystery Dinner will have you hungry for clues. Search for the “killer” or keep other guests off your tail during a two-and-a-half-hour journey on the Wine Train. You’ll kick off the mysterious evening with a welcome toast of sparkling white, then enjoy three lavish gourmet courses as the spectacle unfolds.

If you’re spending the day…

Combine the elegance of historic train travel with the fun of a vineyard tasting experience during the Grgich Hills Estate Tasting experience, the perfect intro to California wine country. In addition to a three-hour immersive journey on the Wine Train — complete with a multi-course lunch featuring fresh local ingredients paired with our sommelier flight tasting — you’ll have a chance to explore Grgich hills, home of Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, creator of one of the world’s finest white wines. Once you’ve strolled the stunning grounds, you’ll experience a one-hour seated tasting at the estate, featuring a specially curated selection of wines. 

To really soak up the best of Napa, the Legacy Experience can’t be topped. A six-hour excursion through Napa Valley includes several opportunities to sample the local wines — including an immersive tasting aboard the train and seated tastings at Charles Krug and V. Sattui. Dine on four sumptuous courses and see some of Napa Valley’s most storied landmarks and legendary wineries.

Make it an overnight getaway…

Every Wine Train experience immerses you in the beauty of mustard season, and choosing one of our hotel partner packages makes it easy to visit us. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness a truly breathtaking moment in Napa Valley—book your ride or hotel package today and get ready to create unforgettable memories. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

Explore local attractions

Of course, Napa is synonymous with wine. But when you’re ready to shift gears from sipping reds and whites, there are plenty of other local attractions and activities to fill your day trip itinerary.

Museums & Galleries

The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is home to a stunning permanent collection as well as contemporary exhibitions showcasing Northern California artists. Treasure Island fans won’t want to miss the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, the largest collection dedicated to the author. And, to learn more about the history of the Napa Valley itself, a visit to the Napa Valley Museum is a must. Learn about how the area’s unique geology makes it one of the world’s best wine-producing regions and dive deep into the lives and cultures of early inhabitants.

Shopping & Dining

Explore First Street in downtown Napa, where you’ll find some of the valley’s most unique boutiques, gorgeous arts and crafts, and eateries to fuel your shopping day. Don’t miss shops like Tay & Grace for trendy clothing finds, Makers Market for locally sourced artwork, and The Bennington Napa Valley for one-of-a-kind curated vintage items.

Head to Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa to pick up fresh food ingredients and local wines as well as books, gifts, and much more.

In nearby St. Helena, the colorful and charming Main Street is home to small businesses and boutiques like Napa Soap Company, Woodhouse Chocolates, and Fideaux, an upscale shop packed with treats and toys for your pets.

Outdoor Adventure

Take a walk — er, gallop — on the wild side. Sonoma Valley Trail Rides offer guests a chance to ride through Napa’s vineyards. Rides are beginner-friendly, with no experience required, but a basic riding and horsemanship lesson is also offered if you’d like to get comfortable on horseback before hitting the trail.

Napa Valley’s moderate climate, abundance of parks, and bodies of water like the Napa River and Lake Berryessa mean endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose from hiking in state parks, fishing and paddling on the lake, cycling through the valley, or even taking in the valley from above during a hot air balloon ride. No matter how you like to get around, the views will be spectacular! 

If you’re really up for a challenge, check out the Napa Valley Vine Trail. When it’s complete, this 47-mile walking and biking trail system will connect the entire Napa Valley, from Vallejo to Calistoga. Right now, 33 miles of trail system are finished and ready for you to explore! It’s pretty flat, free of cars, and can be explored independently or as part of a guided tour.

Getting Here

Driving from the Bay Area, it’s about 58 miles to Napa Valley. If you’re flying into one of the large airports, like San Francisco International, you can catch a taxi or a rideshare directly to the Napa Valley Wine Train. The Sonoma County Airport, 50 miles away, is another convenient option.

Guests coming from Sacramento also have the option to travel by train from Sacramento Valley train station to Suisun-Fairfield train station. Then, catch an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Our train station is located at 1275 McKinstry Street in the Oxbow District, five minutes from downtown Napa. See detailed instructions for how to find us. 

All Aboard! 

A leisurely afternoon, unforgettable evening, or an overnight (or longer!) stay — regardless of how long you spend in Napa, we know your time will be full of memorable moments, great food and drink, and picture-perfect valley views. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard the Wine Train and show you what makes the Napa Valley so special. Your chilled glass of welcome sparkling is waiting — when will you be joining us?