CABBI Travel Blog

Downtown Napa: The Bounty of Wine Country Distilled into a Walkable Urban Oasis

Napa Valley has long been associated with rural landscapes of rolling, vineyard-draped hills. But over the past decade, Downtown Napa has blossomed into its own riverside urban center. It’s a walkable wine country experience with charms that give up-valley destinations like Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga a run for their money. A vibrant art and culinary scene has sprung up alongside wine tasting rooms, but what makes Downtown Napa unique is the dense concentration of attractions that makes it easy to explore car-free.

Separated from the Napa River by a serene Riverwalk, downtown features delightful blend of historic architecture and carefully integrated modern development. This small but vibrant area is brimming with upwards of 80 wine country-worthy restaurants, 40 tasting rooms, and more than 60 clothing and jewelry boutiques, chocolate shops, bookstores, gift shops, and thrift stores. There’s also an eclectic collection of art galleries, spas, and craft breweries. It’s hard to believe that amidst all this variety, the next destination is never more than a 15-minute stroll away.

Art enthusiasts might want to take a self-guided tour through a rotating exhibition of juried sculpture known as Napa ARTwalk. Foodies might opt for the Taste of Downtown Napa Foodie Tour. A favorite stop is Oxbow Public Market, home to a diverse mix of local food vendors, artisan cafes, and local, organic produce, with a scenic outdoor deck overlooking the Napa River.

Travelers who still want to experience the more bucolic side of wine country without getting in the car can do so by hopping on the Napa Valley Wine Train, a 36-mile round-trip journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back.

Where to Stay in Napa