Napa Valley Roadtrip Ideas

You want to take a road trip to Napa Valley, but where do you start? What are some of the top things to do when you get there, and how do you create the perfect Napa Valley itinerary?

At Escape Camper Vans, we’re here to help you manage all your travel needs, from affordable class B RV rental to planning your trip effectively. Let’s explore how you can optimize your vacation in Napa Valley, whether you’re visiting famous wineries or exploring other scenic wine regions.

How Many Days Are Enough to Explore Napa Valley? 

Most visitors to Napa Valley find that spending 1 to 4 days here allows them to see the sights and partake in the activities they want to do most. However, if you want an extended vacation, you can also enjoy up to a week in the town with plenty to do and see. Here are some examples of 1-day, 3-day, and 4-day itineraries to help you plan your trip. 

Napa Valley Itinerary for 1 Day

Many first-time visitors to Napa Valley choose a one-day stay to get a taste of it. So, here’s an example of a first-time Napa Valley itinerary to help you hit the most popular stops.

• Start your day with breakfast at the Bouchon Bakery for some delicious pastries and coffee. 
• Take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, where you’ll be served a gourmet lunch, taste delicious wines, and view scenic places in the heart of the wine region.
• Visit Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century Tuscan Castle and winery that’s full of history. 
• Have dinner at The French Laundry for an upscale and unique dining experience. Note that you need reservations well in advance here since it’s so popular. 
• Stay the night camping in popular locations, such as Bothe-Napa Valley State Park or the Skyline Wilderness Park, with a comfortable setup in your Escape Camper Van. 

Napa Valley Itinerary for 3 Days

If you choose to stay for three days, you can partake in the activities above and add in some other unique experiences in the area, such as:

• Have breakfast at the Model Bakery, famous for its English muffins. 
• Take a hot air balloon ride to see scenic views and gain a new perspective on the wine region.
• Visit Sterling Vineyards to ride the aerial tram and enjoy panoramic views. 
• Go to an olive oil tasting at Round Pond Estate to experience some unique flavors. 
• Go to a wine tasting at V. Sattui Winery, one of the most popular in the area, with relaxing picnic grounds.
• Stroll through Downtown Napa to visit small shops and take in the area’s atmosphere. 
• Have Dinner at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch for fresh farm-to-table cuisine. 
• Relax at one of Napa Valley’s world-renowned spas, such as the Calistoga Spa and Hot Springs. 

Napa Valley Itinerary for 4 Days

Along with the activities in the above itineraries, here are some extra things you can do for a fourth day in the region:

• Go hiking in Skyline Wilderness Park, which offers terrific scenic views. 
• Take an art and wine tour at the Hess Collection, where you can see contemporary art while trying delicious wines. 
• Have dinner at La Toque, an acclaimed restaurant famous for its focus on local ingredients. 
• Take a relaxing walk along the beautiful Napa Riverfront. 
• Explore the Oxbow Public Market to sample local foods and shop for unique items. 

What Month Is Best in Napa?

Most visitors say that September is their favorite time to visit Napa Valley. August is when Napa’s harvest season begins, so by September, you’ll be greeted by some of the freshest grapes, aromatic wines, and seasonal foods, making it an experience to remember.

That said, expect crowds during this time since it’s so popular. If you’re looking for a time that’s a bit quieter, going between March and May is ideal. 

Are Napa Valley Trip Packages Worth It? 

While Napa Valley vacation packages with all-inclusive features can sound like a good idea, they’re also very expensive during peak times like September and October. 

You can often get a more affordable experience by camping in Napa Valley, which is still very scenic and beautiful. Consider renting from Escape Camper Vans to ensure you have a comfortable place to sleep and transportation to all of your bucket list activities. 

Napa Valley Road Trip Ideas from Los Angeles

If you choose to rent a camper van from Escape, you can pick one up at our Los Angeles location and make a full road trip out of it as you make your way to Napa Valley. 

One of the most popular road trips on this route is taking the Pacific Coast Highway. During this trip, you can stop in some of California’s other popular cities, such as Santa Barbara, Malibu, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, and Big Sur, for amazing sights, great beaches, and top-notch dining options. 

How Long Is the Drive Through Napa Valley?

When you’re looking at a Napa Valley road trip map, you might wonder about the total distance to get through the region. On average, it’s about 30 miles. Some popular drives around that distance that take you to the best vineyards and sights are the Silverado Trail and the Saint Helena to Calistoga loop. 

Overall, the total drive time during one of these loops is about 35-45 minutes, but you can spend a full day or more exploring if you’re trying to make it to the most essential stops along the way. 

Is Napa or Sonoma Better?

Whether you choose Napa Valley or Sonoma really comes down to personal preferences. While both are known as top wine country destinations, what each location offers is a little different. 

Napa Valley’s wineries and dining options are typically more upscale and more expensive. If you prefer fine dining and want to try some of the top restaurants in the world, going here is a good idea. 

Sonoma still has excellent restaurants, and it’s a bit more budget-friendly, so if you don’t feel like you need to make it to the big-name restaurants like The French Laundry or La Toque, you can still have a great experience here for less. 

Rent a Camper Van from Escape Camper Vans

Wherever you choose to travel in California, Escape Camper Vans has affordable rental options at our pickup and dropoff locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Plus, we have nine other locations across the U.S. 

Wherever you choose to travel in California, Escape Camper Vans has affordable rental options at our pickup and dropoff locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco International Airport. Plus, we have nine other locations across the U.S.

Reserve yours today at our San Francisco camper van rental location or Los Angeles camper van rental location, or contact us with any other questions.