Time in Napa, California – Besides The Wine
Almost anyone who thinks of Napa, California automatically thinks of wine. Rightfully so since it is wine country! However there are other things to do in Napa, besides drinking wine. Being a person who rarely ever drinks alcohol, I really wanted to see all that I could get into in a couple of days in Napa sans wine.
I stayed at the beautiful Meritage Resort & Spa which was an event in itself. The property is absolutely gorgeous with plenty to do. Everything from taking a dip in the pool, relaxing in the jacuzzi, a spa, bowling, and playing bocce ball is just some of the many things this property had to offer.
My room came with a complimentary bottle of wine, but I did not partake as this was a wine free trip. I did however enjoy my room a lot. My favorite part was sitting out on the large balcony overlooking the pool and vineyard. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I took a nice walk through the vineyards they have on the property. I enjoyed it a lot. I even found a tree that provided shade by a picnic table.
After grabbing some food at the Meritage, my friend and I headed over to the Spa at Napa River Inn. It was just what I needed and perfect for relaxing on this trip. Funny enough my friend drives though Napa often, but never stops because he doesn’t drink and didn’t know what there was to do there. He came along with me to the Spa to get some massages.
The products they use at the Spa at Napa River Inn were amazing. I didn’t even want to shower, the products they used off when I got back to my room. I felt so relaxed and amazing afterwards. I believe my friend may have fallen asleep during his. If he didn’t he looked extra relaxed afterwards to do so at any moment. I definitely felt extra soft and on Cloud 9 for the rest of the evening.
After the Spa we decided to head over to the movie theater. My friend and I are big into movies so we decided to take in a movie for the evening. Just adding on to the relaxing day. Afterwards, back in my room I just relaxed. I loved every moment of it.
The next day I woke up early to get ready for a food tour around Napa with Foodies on Foot. Napa is known for having many types of delicious cuisines. There are even 7 Michelin-Starred restaurants located in Napa. It is definitely a foodie paradise. I met up with my group at the Oxbow Public Market.
It was a very hot day, but the food was too good and the portions were great. I ate so much good food that I wasn’t even hungry for the rest of the day when the tour was over. It was really hard to choose what was my favorite meals. However, I did try many things I have never had before and have a new-found like for certain things. There are definitely places I would head back to on my own next time I visit there!
Walking Around Downtown Napa ©2017 HollyDayz 
Walking Around Downtown Napa ©2017 HollyDayz
It was great exploring the beautiful city on foot. I loved seeing some historic buildings, beautiful churches, and art all around the street. There is an art walk that one can take and spot certain pieces. The great thing about this is, the pieces change every year so you would always find something new to see.
Art Walk Piece outside the Oxbow Public Market ©2017 HollyDayz 
Some Of The Many Art Pieces Napa, California ©2017 HollyDayz
Afterwards I was very tired between the heat and food so I headed back to my hotel to unwind. Afterwards I continued taking in and exploring the large property. I really enjoyed my stayed there. It was nice to take it slow and not run around every moment of the day like I typically do.
There are plenty of other things to do in Napa besides the wine that I didn’t do. This includes taking a hot air balloon ride, olive oil tasting, picnic in the vineyards, go shopping, cooking classes, hiking, visit other vineyards and properties, and so much more! I would happily go back to do some of these things and the same stuff I did while there. I had an amazing time unwinding and just relaxing. It felt amazing and I would happily go back!
Have you ever been to Napa? Did you realize there was more to do besides drinking wine?
Christopher
Napa looks like a great place to visit . I’m sure you have had some of the best wine in your travels . Where do you rank the wine from this place ?
Holly Dayz
It is a great place to visit. But like I said I didn’t drink any wine on this trip. Didn’t even try a sip.
terrihugg
This post came at the perfect time. I’ve been thinking about taking a trip to Napa for my 30th birthday next year.
Holly Dayz
Oh awesome. Great place to consider for the birthday!
Kat
My friends and I were just talking about going to CA and of course the first thought were the vineyards. Never thought to visit a property and not have any wine. Sounded like a very relaxing trip.
Holly Dayz
It was a very relaxing trip. I enjoyed it. The food especially lol.
mimicutelips
I had no idea Napa had so much to offer. I would enjoy all of those things. The weather sounds like it was a beautiful day.
Holly Dayz
The weather was nice just very hot! Napa has plenty to do.
Evelyn Reese
Wonderful Post! I always saw no reason to visit Napa since I am a non drinker. However, this post has made me reconsider a visit in the future.
Holly Dayz
Thank you. I completely understand. I knew there had to be some other things other than wine since I don’t drink and my friend who stopped by doesn’t either.
Barbara Radisalvjeivc
I’ve never gotten closer than Sonoma. I liked that I’m not the only one who doesn’t drink wine in wine country. I live surrounded by tasting rooms and get gifts from my neighbors I’ve never tasted. But there’s plenty else to do in Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country. For one thing, I blog about it. I take photo walks through the vineyards and check out the art galleries some of the tasting rooms have. Wine country is a photographer’s paradise.
We also have a very active art community. I’m not an artist, but I do blog about our local artists and their art hub at Studios on the Park where you can meet many of them and discuss their latest projects. There are also plenty of open spaces and parks here and many community events. It would be hard to get bored here — even if you don’t drink wine.
Holly Dayz
I would love to go back and check out Sonoma. Nope I am really not a drinker, I will try stuff, but I wanted this to be a dry time in Napa. I saw so much art in Napa and thought it was pretty cool. I would have done a full on art walk if it wasn’t so hot outside.
Natasha Nicholes (@NatashaNicholes)
This sounds like my type of trip! I only drink sweet wine, and people look at me like I have four heads, so I tend to also travel dry. It’s okay though! This looks like so much fun and I’m a TOTAL fan of food tours in cities! They are fantastic! I’m glad that you had a blast. I’m still marveling a bit over the hotel having a vineyard of its own.
Holly Dayz
I went to Malaga and they are known for their sweet wine. You should head there! I loved the food tour it was great. And yes the hotel was so relaxing and had so much to offer.
tonia
The Meritage Resort and Spa looks amazing. I would love to venture to Napa. What a lovely looking place and I’m sure the wine is even more of a treat for everyone. Great photos.
Holly Dayz
I am sure it is. Maybe next time I will try some just because.
Holly Dayz
Thank you. It was amazing, I really enjoyed my time there.
Lia World Traveler
So glad to hear there is more than wine in Napa Valley. As a non-drinker It never really appealed as a destination since wine seems to be the main draw. Thank you
Holly Dayz
Yea, I was glad to find out there was more to do there as well. All you ever hear about is wine.
Carissa (The Green Eyed Lady)
Beautiful Pictures and good to know there is more to do than drink wine in Napa! Love the way the Public Market looks, I would’ve loved going in there to see what new items they have that I dont have in my hometown!
Holly Dayz
I wish I was there now. There are some things I would like to buy and take home or something.
Kita
I most definitely will be visiting Napa Valley. It is on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing things to do besides drink wine.
Holly Dayz
You will enjoy when you go!
Sapphire Kharyzma
I think my favorite part of travel, is being able to explore by foot! I would so love to check out this resort! Looks absolutely amazing.
Holly Dayz
You can see a lot more when you are on foot. Venture around different streets and such.
Michaela @1001VoyagesGourmands
Great tips! If I ever go to California, Napa will definately be on my list, so saving this post for future need – thanks!
Holly Dayz
Very welcome. I hope you get that way sooner than later.
duemidwest
It’s good to know that there are other activities in Napa other than wine tastings! I think if that was the whole trip, it would be too much for me. I’m not a huge fan of wine but if I went, I could partake in so many other activities!
Holly Dayz
I agree! I was happy to find some other fun things to see and do. There is plenty more to do then wine for sure.
Becky
I love your idea of going to a place known for something but trying to do so many other things instead! It definitely gives me options for when I visit Napa!
Holly Dayz
Thank you. You will have plenty of options.
Adrienne
I completely agree, there is so much more than wine in Napa! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for a relaxing trip like you had 🙂 Love your photos!
Holly Dayz
Thank you. It is gorgeous. It was very relaxing.
juliemtms
You’re so right- there is so much more to Napa than just wine! Your resort is so colorful and cute…I can see why you loved it. And who can resist a spa day but the first thing I’d sign up for is the food tour!! I love a food tour and sampling bits of the region!
Holly Dayz
I loved the resort. The spa was great. I felt so amazing and relaxed afterwards. The food tour was very filling.
bernettastyle
This is just so beautiful. I would love to experience some place like this with my husband. There is nothing like great memories in a beautiful place.
Holly Dayz
You two would love it. Very relaxing place with a lot to do.
mirela
What an incredible place and a beautiful post! I love your experience there. I have never been to Napa, but your story make me to want to do that 🙂 Great post and pics:)
Holly Dayz
Thank you. I hope you get there. It is worth a trip.
Flying Fluskey
What a useful post. It’s good for those with children to know that there is more to Napa than just wine. What were some of the goodies you tried on your food tour? I am intrigued!
Holly Dayz
Yes, the kids can have some fun too. Oh there is an entire post on ALL the tasty food. It was hard to choose what I liked the best, but the lemon cupcake was amazing for sure.
Kiwi
I want to go to Napa especially for the wines. This is a great recap to show others what else is out there!
Holly Dayz
I hope you get there soon. Maybe next time I will actually try some wine.
MeganCheckers
Northern California is one of my favorite places in the world, its so great to read someone celebrating it for something other than the wine! That gourmet food tour sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Holly Dayz
It is beautiful. It certainly has a lot more to offer than wine so I was excited to showcase that.
Ufuoma
Napa without the wine? Is that EVEN possible? Haha but thanks for sharing all the other alternative.
Holly Dayz
It is possible and it was done.
Kim
Wow, that room and view are stunning! I love how you can see the vineyard in the distance. Great video as well, very informative and attention grabbing.
Holly Dayz
Thank you. It was even better in person. It was a beautiful view from the room.
McCool Travel
Super cool article. I enjoyed my visit to Napa a couple of weeks ago. The weather was spectacular. Ha, I went bowling at Meritage but staying there must have been a special experience.
Holly Dayz
It was a great experience. I loved that they had a bowling alley there. I am glad you got to check it out.
Nanekia Ansari
I love colorful environments! This looked like an amazing experience. I would to visit soon.
Holly Dayz
It really was. Plenty to enjoy.
Jayne
Last year i was go to the California and this is also my one the best place. It is also my earnest desire to see all that I could get into in a couple of days in Napa sans wine again. Unfortunate last year i was not seen Meritage Resort & Spa property nest time i should be visit and try to live here 3 days 🙂 Overall So nice to read someone celebrating it for something other than the wine!