Napa Valley Paddle is all about seeing wine country from the Napa River: paddleboarding and kayaking here offer a peaceful, crowd-free way to enjoy scenic views and local wildlife, whether you’re a first-time paddler or already comfortable on the water. Beyond wineries, summer in Napa also pairs well with riverfront walks, waterside dining, and vineyard picnics under sunny skies, with RiverPointe Napa Valley as a convenient home base.
Napa isn’t just about wine tasting—there’s a whole side of river views, outdoor adventures, and easygoing summer activities to explore. For families, couples, friends, and other outdoor-minded travelers planning a summer getaway, that mix of adventure and relaxation is what makes Napa especially appealing.
This guide highlights paddleboarding and kayaking on the river, family-friendly activities, farmers markets, outdoor dining, nearby day trips, lodging at RiverPointe Napa Valley, and practical ideas for building a summer itinerary in Napa. Warm days and long evenings make it easy to combine classic wine country stops with time outside, giving you more ways to enjoy Napa than tasting rooms alone.
Why Visit Napa Valley in Summer
Summer brings Napa to life. Sunny days are perfect for river activities, and lush vineyards create stunning views.
What sets Napa apart in summer is variety. Paddle the river in the morning, sip wine in the afternoon, and enjoy a riverfront dinner at night. It’s ideal for anyone seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking on the Napa River
Explore the Napa River by paddleboard or kayak for a peaceful, crowd-free experience. Rentals and guided tours are readily available.
Paddleboarding is relaxing, while kayaking offers a leisurely way to take in scenic views of downtown Napa and its wildlife. It’s an activity suitable for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
Riverfront Walks & Scenic Adventures
Prefer dry land? The Napa River Trail offers walking and biking paths with beautiful views, and nearby paths make hiking another easy way to explore the area. Start your morning with a peaceful stroll.
Downtown Napa’s riverfront also features public art, parks, boutique shops, and plenty of dining options, perfect for strolling at your own pace. You can also discover local arts and culture in the public art displays and nearby attractions.
Beyond the River: Napa’s Summer Highlights & Napa Valley Wine Train
Don’t miss Napa’s wine and dining experiences—beyond the wineries and restaurants, summer also brings festivals, concerts, and other entertainment across the valley:
Winery picnics: Enjoy outdoor tastings with stunning vineyard views, with award winning wines poured across more than 250 vineyards and wineries. If you want alternatives to a vineyard stop, wine tasting tours are popular, wine tasting rooms are available in downtown Napa, and Beringer Winery offers cooling cave tours during summer.
Farmers markets: Shop seasonal produce, artisan goods, and enjoy live music at Napa Farmers Market every Saturday and seasonal Tuesdays, Oxbow Public Market daily from 9am to 7pm, and St Helena Farmers’ Market Fridays from 7:30am to 12pm. These spots are ideal for sample sessions of local flavors, to grab a quick bite, and to eat alongside locals, with food vendors, artisan cafes, fresh grapes, and tasting-friendly stalls.
Outdoor dining: Savor farm-to-table meals on riverside patios, where you can order a drink, raise a glass, and take in the street scene with a world-class backdrop.
Festival Napa Valley runs for ten days in July, Music in the Vineyards takes place every August, Napa City Nights features live music every Friday evening, Blue Note Napa hosts summer concert sessions, and the season also brings outdoor concerts and other concerts that anchor the valley’s summer festivals.
For a special celebration, the Napa Valley wine train is a classic wine train experience and an easy trip through wine country, with the Napa Valley Wine Train offering a 36-mile round-trip journey.
Family-Friendly Activities
Napa is great for kids too, with parks, picnic areas, playgrounds, museums, and ice cream shops offering fun for the whole family.
Day Trips Around Napa Valley
Use Napa as a base to explore nearby towns and the valley’s rolling hills:
Yountville: Charming streets and boutique shopping, with nearby golf on a local course.
St. Helena: Historic downtown and cozy cafés.
Calistoga: Hot springs and scenic drives, or a sunrise hot air balloon ride for sweeping valley views.
Stay at RiverPointe Napa Valley
After a day of adventure, unwind at RiverPointe Napa Valley. Our cozy accommodations are near downtown Napa, river activities, and wineries. It’s the perfect retreat for couples, families, and friends.
Tips for Planning Your Summer Getaway
Pack essentials like comfortable shoes, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and light layers for cool evenings. Reserve kayak rentals early, visit the river in the early morning for calmer water and less wind, and book winery experiences ahead of time on busy weekends. Later in the day, breezes and the sun can change comfort and water conditions.
3-Day Summer Itinerary
1st Day: Check into RiverPointe, stroll the Napa River, then wander downtown near Main Street, the tasting rooms, or Oxbow before dinner.
2nd Day: Start with an early-morning paddle or boating session on the Napa River, visit a winery, and take a sunset riverfront walk.
3rd Day: Shop the farmers market to sample local food or grab something for the trip home, explore nearby towns, and relax before heading home.
Experience Summer in Napa
From river adventures to vineyard picnics and farm-to-table dining, Napa offers something for everyone. Ready for your summer getaway? Book your stay at RiverPointe Napa Valley and make the most of this season.