Perfect Week in Napa – 5 Day Trip Plan

A flexible travel guide for the perfect wine country escape

Whether you’re planning a longer wine country vacation, combining work with relaxation, or just want to take your time exploring the valley, this 5-day Napa Valley itinerary offers a relaxed pace and rich variety. You’ll find iconic wineries, hidden gems, spa days, culinary experiences, scenic drives, and plenty of room to customize along the way.

Day One: Arrival & Easy Explorations 

Settle in, explore, and enjoy your first taste of Napa.

Morning: Arrive in Napa Valley 

Drive time from San Francisco: 1 hr 20 min
Start your trip with a relaxed breakfast or early lunch, then ease into your first day.

See our Best Brunch Spots in Napa Valley for ideas like:

Southside Café – Local go-to for coffee and bites

Grace’s Table – Cozy comfort food downtown

Afternoon: Art & Wine to Begin

• Visit di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art or walk the Napa Art Walk
• Wine tasting at a classic like Robert Mondavi Winery or Trefethen Family Vineyards

Evening: Dinner in Downtown Napa 

Dine at:

Oenotri – Rustic Italian

Celadon – Upscale, cozy, and romantic

Day Two: Sparkling Wines & Valley Icons 

Vineyard views, bubbly, and a scenic afternoon drive.

Morning: Domaine Carneros Sparkling Tasting

Time: 10:00–11:30am
Start your day with a bubbly tasting at Domaine Carneros. Elegant setting, great for group or solo travelers alike.

Midday: Picnic or Vineyard Bistro Lunch

• Pack a lunch from Oakville Grocery
• Enjoy a sit-down meal at Brasswood Bar + Kitchen

See our Favorite Napa Picnic Spots

Afternoon: Tour at Artesa or Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 

Explore modern design at Artesa Winery or visit Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars for Napa history and Cabernets.

Evening: Michelin or Casual 

• La Toque – For a fine-dining tasting menu

• Gott’s Roadside – For a relaxed, al fresco dinner

Day Three: Outdoor Adventure + Tasting at O’Brien Estate

Stretch your legs and savor one of Napa’s top-rated boutique wineries.

Morning: Skyline Wilderness Hike or Spa Time 

• Hike the trails at Skyline Wilderness Park (~90 minutes)

• Or enjoy a morning of relaxation at your hotel or spa of choice

Midday: Lunch & Light Activity 

Grab lunch at:

• Compline Wine Bar – Seasonal and wine-focused

• Oxbow Public Market – Great for groups or picky eaters

Optional: Visit CIA at Copia for food exhibits, classes, or culinary shopping.

Afternoon: Wine Tasting at O’Brien Estate

Time: 2:30–4:00pm
Just minutes from downtown Napa, O’Brien Estate Winery is a must-visit boutique experience—ranked the #1 winery in Napa by U.S. News & World Report. With vineyard seating, personalized tastings, and serene views, it’s ideal for travelers seeking a quiet, authentic stop.

Book your tasting in advance here: O’Brien Estate Reservations

Evening: Relaxed Dinner or Wine Night In

After a full day, wind down with:

• A casual dinner at R+D Kitchen

• Takeout from Oxbow Market + a bottle from O’Brien to enjoy back at your hotel

Day Four: Calistoga + Northern Napa Exploration

Mineral springs, historic wineries, and charming small towns.

Morning: Drive to Calistoga + Spa Appointments 

Drive time: ~40 minutes
Spend the morning soaking in geothermal pools or enjoying a massage at:

• Indian Springs

• Solage Spa

Midday: Lunch & Wine Tasting 

Lunch in Calistoga or St. Helena:

• Sam’s Social Club

• The Charter Oak

Then visit:

• Chateau Montelena – Historic and picturesque

• • Castello di Amorosa – A castle and tasting experience rolled into one

Evening: Sunset Drive Back + Optional Tasting Menu

Take the Silverado Trail back down, stopping for one final glass at a roadside winery—or just rest and enjoy the evening at your hotel.

Day Five: Last Sips & Souvenirs 

A mellow goodbye with room for a final toast.

Morning: Coffee, Market, or Final Walk 

Start slow with:

• Coffee from Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Co.

• A visit to Napa Farmers Market

• A scenic loop through nearby parks or wineries

Midday Option: Final Tasting or Brunch 

Wrap up with one last stop:

• V. Sattui Winery – Wine, snacks, and picnic tables

• Beringer Vineyards – A Napa classic

• Or head to Southside Café for a final brunch

Departure 

Drive time to San Francisco: 1 hr 20 min
Leave with a full heart, new favorites, and maybe a few bottles in your back seat.

Plan Your 5-Day Napa Getaway 

This itinerary is built for flexibility—slow down, switch up wineries, or swap in outdoor adventures or extra spa time based on your travel style.

Want to go deeper?

• Best Lodging for 5+ Night Stays

• Top Napa Valley Experiences Beyond Wine

• Interactive Napa Valley Map by Region