Napa Valley boasts plenty of beautiful spots to call home during a visit, but if you’re looking for a wide variety of things to do and see all in one convenient location, downtown Napa is the place to be. This once sleepy town at the south end of Napa Valley has undergone a major renaissance over the past decade and is now home to luxury lodging, hip wine bars, celebrity-led restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and beautiful river walks. So park the car, forget about traffic, and take advantage of the urban oasis that is downtown Napa. Here’s your guide to making the most of a visit.

Eat Well

From award-winning fine dining to farm-to-table casual eateries, downtown Napa is a foodie haven. Simply put, you’ll want to make room in your bellies to chow down on all the delicious offerings that Napa has to offer.

First on the agenda should be a visit to the lively Oxbow Public Market. A gathering place for gourmet grub in Napa, Oxbow is where you can find everything from oysters and tacos to chocolates and cupcakes. In fact, there are over 20 merchants under one roof, providing endless ways to eat and drink yourself silly!

Another can’t miss destination is Angèle, renowned for its upscale French country cuisine and quaint, romantic atmosphere since 2002. While wine is a natural choice for French fare, when your palate needs a break from the grape juice, you can’t go wrong with one of Angèle’s fantastic cocktails.

Newer on the scene is Scala Osteria, a delightful seafood-centric Italian joint from the founder of Bistro Don Giovani. Enjoy an aperol spritz or local wine as you savor classic pizzas, delectable pastas, and thoughtfully made seafood dishes. Last but not least, try Morimoto, the sleek Napa River restaurant from celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, where an extensive menu of sushi, seafood, Wagyu beef, sake, and Japanese Whiskey can be found.

Sip & Savor

From sleek tasting rooms to inviting wine bars, downtown Napa offers a wide range of places to sip the region’s best.

Housed in a former saloon and brothel from the late 1800s, the Vintner’s Collective is a good place to sample a wide variety of Napa Valley wines from one location. Here, you’ll find over two dozen quality boutique producers who are too small to have their own tasting rooms, with various tasting spaces from which to enjoy their coveted wines.

Make a point to stop into Lithology, The Lounge, the sophisticated downtown outpost of the highly acclaimed Lithology brand; and WALT Wines, where tasters can sip their way through 1,000 miles of Pinot Noir from within the bright, cheerful space. Another noteworthy spot to check out is Arch & Tower. This beautiful tasting room is the downtown outpost of Robert Mondavi, offering wine tastings and food pairings overlooking the Napa River.

Founded by two sommeliers, Compline is a wine bar, restaurant, and bottle shop in one, and a worthy destination in downtown Napa. Stop in for a glass and a bite, and be sure to check their calendar for educational tastings and events.

Around the corner, Cadet Beer & Wine Bar is a popular spot for wine, beer, and tasty provisions. Here, you’ll find a worldly selection of wine, bottled beers, and an old school vinyl collection, plus there’s always a fun lineup of regular events and guest wineries worth checking out.

See A Show

Downtown Napa isn’t just about wine, it’s also a happening place for live music and shows. Here’s where to go when you want to be entertained:

• Catch a show at the historic Uptown Theatre, a renovated art-deco theater from 1937.
• Head to Blue Note Napa, a popular jazz club and music venue, for weekly shows and seasonal dining.
• Sip with a view as you listen to live music at Sky & Vine, the rooftop bar at the Archer Hotel.
• Take in vinyl tunes and live music performances at JaM Cellars, a music and wine lounge.

Other Things to Do

• Get Inspired in the Kitchen: Foodies and wannabe chefs won’t want to miss heading to the CIA at Copia, the ultimate destination for food-related happenings and exhibits. Take a cooking class in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen or explore the collection of specialty cookware at the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum before grabbing a bite on site. There’s something here to inspire every type of food lover.
  

Sleep Soundly

In downtown Napa, there’s truly a lodging option for everyone—whether seeking an urban getaway or a more peaceful riverside retreat.

The 141-room Andaz is ideally situated right in the heart of downtown Napa. Here, you’ll find sleek loft-style rooms, many with terraces overlooking downtown.

Just outside of downtown, the Milliken Creek Inn is a peaceful hideaway overlooking the Napa River—a perfect destination for couples seeking R&R.

River Terrace Inn is another riverside spot, offering all the luxurious comforts just a short walk from downtown and a nature preserve.