exploring new family vacation destinations

Great Grapes: 5 Fabulous Ways to Relax in Napa Valley

If you want a relaxing vacation along the West Coast, you could do little better than make a trip to Napa Valley. This beautiful and fertile region may be best known for its vineyards, but there's much more to be found than just a glass of red wine. Here are five great things to do in the area.

Take a Balloon Ride. The valley is gorgeous by car, but it's breathtaking by air. Hot-air balloons traverse this huge area from Yountsville to Calistoga, often ending the journey directly in the town of Napa. You can get a birds' eye view of the region with a knowledgeable guide and land with an idea what sights or vineyards you want to visit further.  

Relax at a Luxury Hotel. With an eye on privacy and nature, many area hotels and resorts feature luxurious amenities and a feeling of being far away from the madding crowd. You can find beautiful rooms with great views, private decks, private spas, five-star restaurants, and a woodsy feeling. This is the only way to pamper yourself after a day of wine-tasting or driving down the picturesque back roads.

Go Shopping. All the small towns dotting the landscape feature excellent opportunities for window shopping and strolling around in the sun. St. Helena and Yountville are particularly good choices for browsing—especially at St. Helena's famous, European-style Sunshine Market. 

Try New Food. Foodies might not immediately think of Napa Valley as a culinary destination, but they should. Because of the importance of tourism and visitors in the area, many restaurants have sprung up that feature food from all around the world. With so much farming and agriculture—including the famous wineries—you're going to find plenty of fresh, local selections, and farm-to-table menus.

Get Out of the Driver's Seat. Even though many visitors travel around Napa by car, there are several more interesting—or more luxurious—ways to do this. Depending on your budget and the weather, you may want to rent a bicycle, go kayaking, ride a winery-tour trolley, or even rent a full limousine to ferry you and your friends from winery to winery. 

No matter the size of your party or the size of your budget, Napa Valley has something to offer anyone. Whether you're at the famous wineries or the luxurious hotels and resorts, you'll find the perfect way to relax and recharge. 

Talk to a company such as The Breakers Hotel to learn more.