Where Are the Best Picnic Spots in Napa?

picnic spots in napaWine may be the first association many have with Napa Valley, but the heart and soul of the area is the breathtaking natural scenery provided by the abundance of farmland dedicated to the vineyards. Any visit to Napa, whether for a day or a week, should include an excursion that allows you to absorb and enjoy the natural wonders of the area. And what better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a picnic! To help with this adventure, we have dedicated this post to help you find the best picnic spots in Napa.

Picnic Spots in Napa

Much care has been taken by NAPA citizens to preserve the area and maintain the natural, untouched charm that draws so many visitors each year. From wineries to parks, you will be sure to find an ideal spot in these NAPA picnic areas.

Wineries

While there is no shortage of serene locations to provide a perfect picnic spot in NAPA, only certain wineries have permits for picnicking. NAPA Vintners provides a list of wineries that have picnic permits, but this list is not all-inclusive. It is highly recommended to call ahead and confirm that your intended winery still allows picnics.

Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga offers a picturesque picnic location on the valley floor. They offer tastings in a restored barn and plenty of picnic space on their beautiful grounds.

Robert Mondavi Winery is an iconic winery with beautiful grounds and incredible views. After your picnic, be sure to go for a cellar tour and a wine tasting, of course!

Pestoni Family Estate Winery is a great option if you are looking for a picnic spot with towering trees that serve as the backdrop for the picnic tables.

It is a good idea to find out if the winery where you plan to picnic has any restrictions or requirements. Some do not serve food and require that you bring your own, while others do not allow outside food or drinks. And be sure to find out if your lodging residence provides any special picnic extras. Bed and Breakfasts such as Churchill Manor provide bicycle rentals for their guests.  

Parks

Picnickers are encouraged to take advantage of the area’s city and state parks. Fuller Park has big, lovely trees, green lawns, and 25 picnic tables. In Yountville Park, parents can relax and savor their meal while the kids enjoy a large play structure. Lyman Park is located in Downtown St. Helena and has a 1-acre space complete with a historical gazebo. Other great spots include Timberhill Park and Skyline Park, both in Napa.

Picnic Provisions

Picnics are so popular in NAPA that some restaurants and hotels specialize in preparing the perfect picnic. You can also pre-order boxed lunches from the catering menus of many of the delis like Dean & Deluca, Oakville Grocery, and the Yountville Deli.

Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat or a fun family excursion, there are a wide variety of picnic spots in Napa. And local beds and breakfasts like Churchill Manor are a great place to help you plan ahead and ensure your picnic is picture-perfect.