Every year around this time, we get asked the same question from visiting wine club members, friends coming through town, and anyone who has ever asked us for local recommendations: what do you do around here when you're not drinking wine?
The honest answer is: a lot. Napa Valley and the surrounding area is one of the best places in the world to spend a summer, and most of our favorite things to do don’t cost much. These are the places we go, with our kids, with friends, and sometimes just the two of us when we can sneak away.
1. Hike Westwood Hills Park, Napa
Five minutes from downtown Napa and still feels like you've left the city entirely. Westwood Hills is a 98-acre park with about three miles of trails through oak groves, open meadows, and scrub hillsides. The main loop is around 2.2 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain — enough to feel like a workout, not enough to ruin your afternoon. The payoff at the top is a full view of the valley floor and downtown Napa spread out below you. Plus, dogs are welcome!
2. Paddle Boats at Howarth Park, Santa Rosa
This one is a local secret that feels like it's from another era, in the best way. Howarth Park in Santa Rosa has paddle boats, a small lake, a train, a carousel, and a petting zoo — basically everything a kid could want in one place. It's a perfect half-day if you're heading up toward Sonoma County. The paddle boats are exactly as slow and ridiculous as you're hoping, and the kids think they're driving.
3. Play in the River at Napa Ecological Reserve, Yountville
On a hot summer day, this is exactly where you want to be. The Napa River Ecological Reserve just outside of Yountville has easy access to the river, shaded paths, and calm enough water for kids to wade and splash around. Bring sandwiches + settle in!
4. Hot Dogs from Honor Market, St. Helena
Honor Market in St. Helena is our favorite quick stop in the valley — a well-curated little market with great snacks, coffee, and the best hot dog situation you will find in wine country. Grab lunch, eat outside, feel like a local. This is also a perfect mid-hike or drive stop if you're heading up valley.
5. Mini Golf at Napa Yard
New to the lineup this year and already a family favorite. Napa Yard now has mini golf! Fun for all ages, cold drinks nearby, and the kind of low-key competitive energy that brings out everyone's true personality. Highly recommend.
6. Family Dinner + a Movie in St. Helena — Charlie's + The Cameo Cinema
This one is a perfect St. Helena evening. Start with dinner at Charlie's, a neighborhood spot that does classic California food really well. Then walk to The Cameo Cinema, one of those rare single-screen historic theaters that feels like going to the movies used to feel. P.S. — you can find our Assyrtiko on the list at Charlie's!
7. A Night at the Bar at Angele, Napa
Angele has been a Napa institution for a reason. The bar is warm, the food is great, and the riverfront setting is hard to beat on a summer evening. We love it for a date night or catching up with friends when you want something that feels a little special without being precious about it. Bonus points, our rosé is on the list.
8. Alfresco Dining at Don Giovanni, Napa
Don Giovanni's patio is one of those places that captures everything good about summer in the valley. Italian food, outdoor seating, warm evenings, and our rosé on the menu. It's a crowd-pleasing restaurant that never feels like it's trying too hard. Good for groups, good for families, good for a slow weeknight when no one feels like cooking.
9. Wine Tasting at Tres Sabores, Rutherford
If you want to do a tasting in a vineyard while you're here, make it Tres Sabores. It's one of our favorite small producers in the valley — certified organic, family-run, and family and dog friendly. Julie Johnson has been farming this land for decades and it shows in every corner. Make a reservation and don't rush it.
10. Bike Downtown Napa, Stop at Deuces, Wander the Antique Shops
This is a perfect low-key afternoon. Rent bikes or bring your own, ride along the Napa River trail, and make your way into downtown. Stop at Deuces for a juice, coffee or beer (great vibe, great people-watching), then wander the antique shops on First Street and beyond. Downtown Napa has become one of the best small city downtowns in California and this is the best way to see it.
Find Us This Summer
Most of these adventures start or end at The River Club, our tasting room on the Napa River in the Tannery District. Come find us, bring the dog, bring the kids, and grab a glass of something cold before you figure out what to do next.
Paper Planes wines are available at The River Club, online at paperplaneswine.com, and at select restaurants throughout California.
