There is nothing quite like viewing the Napa Valley from 3,000 feet above in a hot air balloon. But perhaps for those a bit afraid of heights, the comfort of experiencing a leisurely bike ride through downtown Napa seems more “grounded.” Regardless, the valley has so much to offer when it comes to recreation.
Hot Air Balloon Companies
Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.
Hours of Operation: Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Address: 944 Main St., Napa, CA 94559
Website: napavalleyballoons.com
As Napa Valley’s oldest and most experienced hot air balloon company, Napa Valley Balloons offers breathtaking sunrise flights over the vineyards. Guests enjoy pre-flight pastries from Bouchon Bakery, a celebratory post-flight sparkling wine toast, and optional add-ons like bike rentals.
Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides
Hours of Operation: Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ; Sat. - Sun., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Address: 6525 Washington St., Suite 4, Yountville, CA 94599
Website: nvaloft.com
Founded in 1978, Napa Valley Aloft is one of the original balloon companies in the region. They offer smaller baskets and multiple launch sites for a personalized experience. Packages include pre-flight coffee and pastries, post-flight champagne toasts and optional gourmet brunches.
Balloons Above the Valley
Hours of Operation: Daily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Address: 2390 Pine St., Napa, CA 94559
Website: balloonrides.com
Offering hot air balloon rides since 1976, Balloons Above the Valley provides 45-minute to 1-hour flights over the valley’s picturesque landscape. Guests enjoy pre-flight coffee and pastries before soaring above the vineyards.
Bike Tours & Rentals
Napa Valley Bike Tours
Hours of Operation: Daily, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Addresses: 6500 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599; 2800 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574; 950 Pearl St, Napa, CA 94559
Website: napavalleybiketours.com
Napa Valley Bike Tours offers a range of guided and self-guided rides, including full-day and half-day e-bike tours. With locations in Yountville, St. Helena, and Napa, they also rent cruisers, e-bikes, road bikes, and kids’ bikes — making it easy to explore the scenic Napa Valley Vine Trail.
Napa Valley eBikes
Hours of Operation: Daily, times vary
Address: 1562 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94559
Website: napavalleyebikes.com
Located near downtown Napa, Napa Valley eBikes rents electric bikes by the hour, day, or week. Their high-quality fleet includes features like phone mounts, drink holders, helmets, locks, lights, and trail maps — ideal for visiting wineries, eateries, and scenic spots.
Getaway Adventures
Hours of Operation: Daily, times vary
Website: getawayadventures.com
Getaway Adventures offers guided tours like the “Calistoga Sip ’n Cycle,” combining biking with wine tasting. They also provide full-day rentals of e-bikes and road bikes, catering to casual riders and cycling enthusiasts looking to explore Wine Country.
Hiking Locations
Skyline Wilderness Park
Hours of Operation: Daily, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Summer Hours)
Address: 2201 Imola Ave., Napa, CA 94559
Website: skylinepark.org
Skyline Wilderness Park features more than 25 miles of trails through oak woodlands and grassy meadows. Popular hikes include the Lake Marie Trail, which offers panoramic views of Napa Valley. The park is also popular with mountain bikers and equestrians.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Hours of Operation: Daily, 8 a.m. to sunset
Address: 3801 St. Helena Hwy., Calistoga, CA 94515
Website: parks.ca.gov
This scenic state park offers nearly 10 miles of trails through redwood groves and along Ritchey Creek. The Redwood Trail provides a shaded, peaceful hike, while the Coyote Peak Trail rewards hikers with sweeping valley views.
Moore Creek Park
Hours of Operation: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Address: 2602 Chiles Pope Valley Road, St. Helena, CA 94574
Website: napaoutdoors.org/parks/moore-creek-park
Moore Creek Park is home to the 4.3-mile Valentine Vista Trail, which ascends 700 feet for dramatic views of Lake Hennessey. The loop trail combines sunny meadows and shaded creekside paths, ideal for moderate hikers.
Oat Hill Mine Trail
Hours of Operation: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Address: 2082 Oat Hill Mine Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515
Website: napaoutdoors.org/parks/oat-hill-mine-trail
This historic 8.3-mile trail starts at the edge of Calistoga and climbs through rugged volcanic terrain. The hike is moderately challenging and offers sweeping views of the Palisades and Napa Valley.
Alston Park
Hours of Operation: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Address: 2037 Dry Creek Road, Napa, CA 94558
Website: cityofnapa.org
Alston Park’s 157 acres include a 2.7-mile loop trail through open grasslands and rolling hills. It’s a favorite for leisurely hikes, dog walks, and springtime wildflower views.
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Hours of Operation: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Address: 4824 Lake County Hwy. #4774, Calistoga, CA 94515
Website: napaoutdoors.org/parks/robert-louis-stevenson-state-park
This challenging 5-mile trail leads to the summit of Mount Saint Helena. On clear days, hikers can see as far as the Bay Area and Mount Shasta. It’s best suited for experienced hikers seeking elevation and reward.
Napa Valley Vine Trail
Hours of Operation: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Address: 3299 Claremont Way #5, Napa, CA 94558
Website: vinetrail.org
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a developing 47-mile paved path linking Vallejo to Calistoga. Ideal for walking, running, and biking, the trail passes through wine country with numerous scenic and rest stops along the way.
Unique Tours & Transportation
Napa Valley Wine Train
Hours of Operation: Daily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Address: 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, CA 94559
Website: winetrain.com
The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a 36-mile round-trip journey through the valley aboard restored vintage Pullman cars. With gourmet dining, winery tours, and themed events, it’s a nostalgic and luxurious way to explore Wine Country.
Napa Pedal Crusher
Hours of Operation: Daily, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Address: 1004 Clinton St., Napa, CA 94559
Website: napapedalcrusher.com
This 15-passenger, pedal-powered party bike offers a lively tour of downtown Napa’s breweries, tasting rooms, and restaurants. Perfect for group outings, it combines fun and fitness with a dose of local flavor.
Napa Valley Rydables
Hours of Operation: Guided tours vary by experience
Address: 820 A Third St., Napa, CA 94558
Website: napavalleyrydables.com
Explore downtown Napa aboard whimsical electric scooters shaped like animals — from unicorns to dinosaurs. These family-friendly rides offer a fun and quirky way to see the sights.
Napa Valley Wine Trolley
Hours of Operation: Guided tours vary by experience
Address: 1754 Second St., Suite B1, Napa, CA 94559
Website: napavalleywinetrolley.com
Climb aboard a replica San Francisco cable car for a scenic tour of Napa Valley. Wine Trolley excursions include tastings, a catered lunch, and narrated insights into local history and winemaking.
Napa Valley Gondola
Hours of Operation: Guided tours vary by experience
Address: 700 Main St., Napa, CA 94559
Website: napavalleygondola.com
Enjoy a romantic Venetian-style gondola ride along the Napa River. These private cruises offer a tranquil and picturesque way to experience the natural beauty of downtown Napa.
