You may know that Napa Valley is a top tier wine destination, but did you know that it is a family friendly destination too? Napa Valley has so many things to do that are often overlooked. Planning a trip may seem more expensive than ever, but you can help with the overall cost of your trip; simply find some of the exciting free activities in the area and see for yourself! Take a look at the top free things to do in Napa Valley:
Explore the Napa Valley Welcome Center
Part of the fun is being a first-time visitor to Napa Valley and being greeted along the way. Napa Valley has its very own Visitor Center located in Downtown Napa that is worth checking out! The staff on hand can help you plan your visit, but it also hosts a variety of pop-ups throughout the year many with free activities. These pop-ups tend to include free wine samples from local wineries, food bites, and even giveaways and prizes for local restaurants and wineries. There is nothing quite like being handed free stuff right when you arrive!
Napa Valley Art Walk
California is home to a culture of art that you want to see during your next trip to Napa Valley. During your visit, make sure you check out the Napa Art Walk that is a semi-permanent fixture in Downtown Napa. This is an outdoor public sculpture exhibit that is rotated out every two years. The sculptures are spread out across Downtown Napa, making them easy to reach with a little exploration. Many of these works of art promote different themes, including sustainability and visual storytelling. You can get a chance to see all of Downtown Napa while being presented with incredible works of art! For additional outdoor artwork, head on down to the RAD Napa or Rail Arts District. This part of town is a two-mile stretch that adorns the Napa Valley Vine Trail. You will find large scale murals along with public art and installations. Many of these pieces are created by local artists and bring the neighborhood to life. Exploring the Napa Art Walk and Rail Arts District is always free to do!
Walk the Napa Valley Vine Trail
When you hear Napa Valley Vine Trail, you may immediately think this is a connected area of local wineries. While yes, there are wineries nearby, the Napa Valley Vine Trail is instead primarily a paved, car-free route that connects Napa and Yountville together. Many locals and visitors will use the trail as a walking, biking, or running path to keep up with their workouts. A casual walk along the Napa Valley Vine Trail will help you unwind and enjoy a complete free activity. During the spring, you can see the mustard blooms while biking past the art installations found at the Rail Arts District. There are plenty of benches along the Napa Valley Vine Trail to help you relax as well.
Enjoy the Napa Farmers Market
Seeing a local famers market in a new area you are visiting should be a family tradition. By checking out the local farmers markets, you can see local artisans and vendors all in a single location. The Napa Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays throughout the year, making it easy to plan a visit. The market is always free to attend so you can browse the produce and wares of local goods. The Napa Farmers Market is also open on Tuesdays during the warmer seasons too. Locals recommend getting to the weekend markets before 9:00 AM before the big crowds get there. You will also find other farmers markets in nearby communities of Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga too that you can check out.
Free Community Events to Attend
There are plenty of local events too that will bring a smile to your face here in Napa Valley. The Friday Nights in the Park are a great way to enjoy a night with the family. This is a summer-long concert series that is held over at Veterans Memorial Park just by the river walk. Live music will hit the stage while you lay back on the lawn seating. Bring a picnic to this free event to have something to snack on. Friday Nights at the Park runs from June through August perfect for the summer season.
Get Ready for Free Things to Do in Napa Valley
As you can see, there are quite a few different ways to enjoy some free activities right here in Napa Valley. Get ready for your stay by taking advantage of these free activities. Our vacation rentals will keep you close to the fun and comfortable throughout your stay in Napa Valley.