Pack A Picnic With You
Napa Valley is a treasure trove of idyllic picnic spots. Parks, gardens, and even wineries allow you to bring your own picnic essentials and dine alfresco amidst nature. This option is significantly more affordable than Napa restaurants, but still feels luxurious and gives you plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops. Just make sure to check in advance if the place youre eyeing allows you to have a picnic on premisesthe last thing you want is to be forced to leave mid-picnic and find an alternative spot.
Head To Downtown Napa
Situated in a scenic spot along the Napa River, Downtown Napa is an extremely walkable destination to explore. This awesome destination is filled with plenty of free things to do in Napa youll love to add to your itinerary. Do a bit of window shopping along First Street Napa, take a riverside stroll down the walkway, and keep an eye out for the public art displays scattered all around.
When hunger strikes, youll find plenty of affordable Napa restaurants in the downtown area. Oxbow Public Market, a collection of budget-conscious restaurants and shops, offers something for every taste.
Top Cheap Wine Tastings In Napa Valley
Ok, lets get this clear right away. Cheap in Napa Valley is very different than what cheap means to most of the country.
Jacuzzi Winery: This is one of the first wineries youll pass on your way to Napa Valley if you are coming from San Francisco. I visited once with the family and really loved the back patio and courtyard. It has a great Italian Californian feel and has lots of outdoor seating so you can enjoy the fresh air and cheap wine tasting!
Price: $10 per tasting
JaM Cellars: A funky interior tasting room thats near downtown Napa. They are famous for a great cab and sparkling wine. Visitors love hanging out in their tasting room and also enjoying their food, which is a rarity to find available in wineries.
Price: $15 per tasting
Frogs Leap: This winery is actually my favorite winery in Napa Valley. At the core, it feels like home to a gal like me who grew up on a Wisconsin farm. The tasting room is held out of a beautiful farmhouse with a wrap-around porch. Its dog-friendly and has plenty of lawn chairs all around the property. Youre allowed to take your glass and wander if you want! Read more about Frogs Leap Winery and see lots of photos in this blog post of mine.
Price: $25 per tasting.
Price: $25 per tasting
Price: $25 per tasting
Price: $20 per tasting
Price: $20 for the market room tasting
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Upvalley Inn And Hot Springs
Known for its therapeutic hot springs, Calistoga has been a sought-after wellness destination since 1862. The boutique UpValley Inn and Hot Springs where bright, modern rooms come with a calming color palette and hardwood floors offers a wellness experience without luxury prices. The swimming pool and whirlpool are fueled by geothermal water, sure to soothe tired muscles and induce deep relaxation. The Calistoga Shuttle an inexpensive, on-demand transit service within the city limits can transport you to winery tours, shops, restaurants, cultural activities and more. Staff members at this cheap hotel in Napa are always happy to recommend the best hiking and biking trails to complete the healthy, wholesome experience.
St Helena One Of The Most Popular Wine County Cities
The starting point for many Napa Valley holidays, St. Helena has a beautiful main street lined with restaurants and shops. It is peppered with everything from gourmet chocolate shops to Michelin-rated restaurants offering private cooking lessons.
Favorites like Beringer Vineyards, Charles Krug Winery and Merryvale Vineyards are located right on Main Street in St. Helena. Further out, youll find world-class vineyards like Pride Mountain Vineyards and Merryvale Vineyards.
When not soaking up the wine experience in St. Helena, a visit to the famed Robert Louis Stevenson Museum gives you a chance to tour the perfectly restored home of the famed writer.
St. Helenas Robert Louis Stevenson State Park features a gorgeous trail that will bring you to a summit where the entire San Francisco Bay Area is on display from an eagle-eye vantage point!
An elite place to stay in Napa Valley, St. Helena is peppered with resorts and wellness spas that charge top dollar to stay in one of the most popular Wine County cities.
McKinstry Street Station in St. Helena is where boarding begins for the Napa Valley Wine Train route!
BEST PLACES TO STAY ST. HELENA
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Our Visit Napa On A Budget List
Our list compiles places in Napa to stay, taste, eat and still have some money to take a few bottles of wine home! Please note: While there are many affordable places to stay, eat, and drink in the Napa Valley, we have pared down our list to guarantee wherever you chose has Danielle Gibson Events seal of approval.
Where To Stay In Napa Valley
There are quite a few great hotels in Napa Valley. But if youre on a budget, here are some great places to stay.
Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham Located near downtown Napa, Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham is a great place to stay on a budget. The suites are spacious and well-appointed. And the best part is that they offer complimentary breakfast each morning!
DoubleTree American Canyon Just south of Napa, DoubleTree American Canyon is a great option for budget-minded travelers. The rooms are clean and comfortable. And the complimentary breakfast each morning is a real bonus!
Springhill Suites by Mariott Located in American Canyon, Springfield Marriott is a great place to stay on a budget.
Id rate this hotel as the best value in the area. The rooms are some of the most spacious and well-equipped. There is a swimming pool, gym, and a business center. They offer complimentary breakfast each morning and free coffee throughout the day. Plus, it is located conveniently near the entrance of the Napa Valley.
Holiday Inn Express American Canyon If youre looking for a great place to stay on a budget, look no further than Holiday Inn Express American Canyon. The rooms are clean and comfortable.
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Attend A Wine Tasting
Locals in the Bay Area and visitors to Napa Valley who come often may want to consider getting a Covet Pass wine tasting pass, which may cost you a little more upfront.
Youll receive free samples at a few Napa wineries , which is a wonderful value at $150 per pass when you consider that standard wine tasting costs at these wineries range from $30 to $50 per person.
Its a great method to save money as you drink.
Free wine tastings arent really a thing in Napa Valley, which isnt unexpected .
If you know where to search, you might find some reasonably priced wine sampling bargains in Wine Country.
Bennett Lane, a Calistoga vineyard noted for its courteous service and well-rated blends, and Dutch Henry, a family-owned winery nestled along the gorgeous Silverado Trail, both offer samples of premium wine for $25 or less per person.
Head to Jessup Cellars, a quaint tasting room and art gallery in downtown Yountville, for a taste of three wines for just $20.
Trefethen, which is run by a family, is also worth a try.
Even though a tasting costs $30 per person, the quality of the event and the estate-grown wines make it seem like youre getting a lot of bang for your money.
Wine tastings start at $35 per person at the famous Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena, but those just searching for a glass of wine may take advantage of the weekend-only stroll and sip experience.
Consider Your Transportation Options
While private drivers or buses are luxurious, and bike tours or the train are enjoyable, the best cost-effective way to visit Napa Valley is by renting a vehicle.
Rent a vehicle to get to and from the airport in an hour and make the most of your rental by driving around the valley.
Designate a driver for each day in your party, and youll be able to visit the vineyards at the top of your choice.
Are you looking to hire a car? Check out our suggestions for getting the best deal on a rental vehicle.
Also, if you havent already, have a look at Turo! Its like Airbnb for automobiles, and its a quick and easy method to hire the car you want.
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How To Save Money When You Visit Napa Valley
Napa Valley is a great place to visit on a budget. There are a number of ways to save money and still enjoy all that the area has to offer. Here are some tips:
- Visit during the off-season. Youll find lower prices on hotels, restaurants, and activities.
- Eat at budget-friendly restaurants. There are many great places to eat in a budget in Napa Valley.
- Stay at a budget hotel. There are several hotels in Napa Valley that wont break the bank.
Best Luxury Airbnb In St Helena: Large Wine Country Getaway
Able to sleep up to 10 guests, this large home is a good choice when youre deciding where to stay in Napa for families. Its a brand new home with high-end finishes and overlooks the vineyards. The outdoor space at this property is perfect for a group meal in the beautiful outdoors, and the open-concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining as well.
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A Delightful And Unforgettable Vacation In Napa Does Not Have To Be Expensive
Napa is synonymous to scenic escapes and the finest locally produced wines in California. Modern Napa Valley is characterized by idyllic establishments and acres upon acres of luscious vineyards. Napa is not known as a low budget travel destination but there are plenty of steps you can take to lighten the expenses a little a long the way.
Savings Tip: Most of the savings that you can do on your trip to Napa centers on your accommodations and travel fair. The local transportation in Napa is affordable but it may also be wise to have a car during your trip.
Before You Leave The United States
Make sure to plan ahead:
- You tested positive for COVID-19.
- Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.
If you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 but are NOT recommended to quarantine…
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Where To Stay In Napa
What neighborhood in Napa should I stay in based on why Im traveling?
No matter what brings you to wine country, you can find cheap hotels in Napa with access to all the things you need to make your trip enjoyable. If youre traveling for business thats outside of the downtown area, then you might want a calmer stay, like the Cedar Gables Inn in the Napa Abajo Neighborhood, which offers a balance of convenience and quiet. On the other hand, travelers looking to fully immerse themselves in the luxurious Napa Valley lifestyle should book hotels in Downtown Napa, such as the Silverado Resort. In case youre worried about finding wine-tasting opportunities throughout the valley, youll be happy to know that many tasting tours leave directly from downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Couples looking for a romantic getaway might prefer a scenic stay further outside of town, such as the Cottage Inn & Spa in Sonoma.
Information About Staying In Napa
Read these important travel tips before booking a hotel in Napa
How much does a hotel cost in Napa?
On average, rooms will be priced around $460 per night when booking a hotel in Napa however the price you pay for your room will vary significantly depending on seasonality, location and facilities.
When is the best time to book a hotel in Napa?
Napa hotels are at their most economical to book in the month of February. The rates you are charged may be 24% lower than in the high season and is the best time to get a great deal.
Which day is cheapest to stay in Napa?
Room prices for hotels in Napa will be at their lowest on Monday and peak on Thursday.
How much does a hostel in Napa cost?
$210 is how much a hostel in Napa could cost you each night. Booking a hostel could save you $250 when compared to the average price of a hotel in Napa.
Based on the weather in Napa, what attractions are popular during August?
With generally low rainfall expected and an average temperature of 64.4 °F, those staying at a hotel in Napa may want to take some time during their visit to go see popular landmarks in the area. Considering the weather during August, attractions worth visiting near Napa are Gaslamp Quarter, L.A. Live, and Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Does Napa have vacation rentals?
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How To Save Money On Transportation
In Napa, Lyft is going to be your best friend. As I mentioned earlier, Lyft is consistently cheaper than Uber its also more affordable than getting a driver to wait on you at every winery stop you make. My friends and I found the Lyft drivers in Napa exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable of the area, giving us tips regarding the best places to eat and taste. This is, by far, your easiest way of getting around.
Napa is also known for its plentiful wine tours, but these come as expensive as getting a driver!
Map Of Places To Visit In Napa Valley
With a little planning, you can enjoy a wonderful vacation in Napa Valley without spending a fortune! So are you ready to enjoy all the wonderful things to do in Napa Valley this weekend? Happy travels!
- Read more about traveling in California
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.
Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner
Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor
Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:
- World Nomads – Digital Nomads or Frequent Travelers.
- Allianz – Occasional Travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.
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Spend More Time Outdoors
We recommend getting outside and exploring Napas incredible nature to everyone, even those who arent on a budget. But if you are, youll appreciate this tip even more. Scenic vistas, lush forests, rolling hills, and mild weather year-round make Napa Valley one of the best places to explore in Northern California.
Hiking through groves of coastal redwoods, having picturesque picnics under green Douglas firs, and mountain biking and horseback riding along with the most scenic vistasall these and more free things to do in Napa could be enjoyed year-round outside there are endless opportunities to make awesome memories.
Carneros Resort & Spa
With its two-cottage suites, residences and multi-bedroom private homes, Carneros Resort & Spa is an ideal place to stay with a family of all ages. Youll love the 11ha of bucolic, sprawling farmland, with its kiddie-dedicated pool, bicycle hire and vegetable garden with chicken coop. Rooms are self-catering for family ease but theres also a choice of three excellent restaurants, ranging from the lively Boon Fly Café to the grander Farm restaurant and Hilltop Dining Room, with plenty of child-friendly dishes on offer. You can request packed lunches for your afternoon activities, or put your own together from the swanky, on-site general store.
For those wanting a fantastic wine-and-dine experience without having to leave the children at night, you can order a wine tasting and dinner in the comfort of your own residence while the little ones are in bed. The winemaker from the resorts partner winery, Cuvaison Estate Wines, will even join you for a private tasting if you wish.
For those itching to get out, however, the resort can help organise a babysitter for you especially good to know once you check out all the events at its Pavilion venue.
- Address: 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559
- Tel: +1 299 4900
- Rates: cottage rates from $500
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