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NAPA VACATION RENTALS, CALIFORNIA |
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Outdoor Recreation in Napa |
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| From balloon rides to safaris and picnics, Napa has much to offer naturalists, outdoor adventure types and families. |
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• Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
• Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
• Neighborhood Parks
• Hot Air Ballooning
• River Cruise
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| Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park |
The Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is the site of a water-powered gristmill, built in 1846, that was once the center of social activity in the Napa Valley when settlers would gather to grind their corn and wheat into meal or flour. Dr. Edward Turner Bale owned the property, which he received in a land grant from the Mexican government. He lived near the site until his death in 1849 and the mill was used until the early 1900s. A trail connects the historic park to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Additionally, the park includes the site of the first church in the Napa Valley, as well as the Pioneer Cemetery.
Visitors can hike from the mill on the historic trail to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which features extensive picnic facilities and a number of trails. The round trip hike from Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is approximately 2 miles.
The park is open daily except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mill grounds are open daily; however, the Mill buildings charge an entry fee. Schedule your visit in October for "Old Mill Days" or December for "Pioneer Christmas." In addition to scheduled tours, demonstrations are given at the mill on weekends at 11:30 AM, 1 PM and 2:30 PM. Groups may schedule visits for Tuesdays or Wednesdays by calling the park at least 30 days in advance. |
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| Bothe-Napa Valley State Park |
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers a veritable plethora of daytime activities. Visitors to the park can enjoy a leisurely stroll in Ritchey Canyon on the Redwood Trail or a wine and cheese and picnic under the towering Douglas Firs. On hot summer days, you can grab a swimsuit and enjoy a dip in the park's swimming pool or take a horseback ride. The large picnic grounds contain a covered area with picnic tables, a sink and an electrical outlet. A horseshoe pit and a wheelchair-accessible restroom are nearby.
Hot, dry summers change to mild, wet winters; in between, in spring and fall, the park and its surrounding area are probably at their finest. Most of the park is rugged, with elevations ranging from 300 to 2,000 feet. The forests are on the north-facing slopes and in canyons, while south-facing slopes tend to be brushy; redwoods grow only near creeks or springs. Much of the park's geology is volcanic, as you can see the volcanic ash cliffs of upper Ritchey Canyon. The park is home to raccoon, gray squirrel, deer, fox, bobcat and coyote. Several kinds of woodpecker inhabit the park. You may even see a spotted owl.
The park has a visitor center staffed by volunteers. Next to the visitor center is the Native American Garden, which displays some of the plants used by the first people to inhabit this area, the Wappo people. Near the day use/picnic area is the Pioneer Cemetery, the resting place Napa Valley’s later settlers. The cemetery is an interesting place to visit while on a day hike.
The day use fee is $4 per car, with a $2 discount for seniors. Swimming pool fees are $2 for those 17 and above. Showers cost $0.25 for 3 minutes. |
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| Neighborhood Parks |
| Napa has a variety of public parks available for vacationing families and couples to enjoy. |
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Alston Park: Alston Park is a Napa City "open space" park. Parking is available at the north and south ends of the park, off Dry Creek Road. At each lot, there are hiker, bicycle and horse entrances that allow access to 3 miles of trail. Several small picnic areas within the park allow for views of the Napa Valley. Portable restrooms are available at the south park entrance. |
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Fuller Park: Fuller Park is a Napa City park located at the edge of Napa's Old Town. This 10-acre park has various monuments and plaques commemorating important events in Napa’s history. The most prominent monument is a watering fountain for horses and small animals. The fountain was moved to the park in from the center of the intersection of Polk and Franklin Streets in downtown Napa. |
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J. F. Kennedy Park: J. F. Kennedy Park is a Napa City park that runs along the Napa River. The 350- acre park includes 5 picnic areas. The park also offers softball, soccer, volleyball, boat launching, hiking, a children's playground, the 18-hole Napa Golf Course and the Pelusi Recreation building. |
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Skyline Park: Skyline Park is an 850-acre wilderness area at the southeast corner of Napa. There you'll find lots of wildlife, including deer and wild turkey. Skyline has over 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use. The 2 ½-mile main trail leads to Lake Marie at the eastern end. There's also a ridge trail, which is a much better workout, but is not for those out of shape. From this trail on a clear day, you can see San Francisco Bay, Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. Diablo. Skyline also offers picnic and barbecue areas. Daily visitor's fees are $5 per vehicle for hiking and picnicking, with a $6 per vehicle fee for mountain bikes and horses. The park’s hours are Monday – Thursday, 9 AM to dark, and Friday – Sunday, 8 AM to dark. |
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Westwood Hills Park: Westwood Hills Park is a heavily wooded Napa City park with 3 miles of trails through beautiful groves of oak trees and grassy meadows that affords expansive views of the city. The park includes benches and picnic tables near the parking lot and along the trails. The park also features the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum, located near the parking lot. The museum’s exhibits depict the plants and animals found in Napa County's five different habitats, a children's nature library, a "hands-on" corner of skins, nests and bones and an extensive nature reference library. The Center is open year-round on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 PM. During the summer, it is open Tuesday-Sunday during the same hours. |
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Yountville Park: Yountville Park is great for picnics and post-hot air balloon flight champagne brunches. It is one of the best parks around for kids with its unique assortment of play equipment. Across the street from the park is Pioneer Cemetery. There you will find the grave of George Yount, the first pioneer settler in the valley and the founder of Yountville. |
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Oak Shores Park: Oak Shores Park is a recreation development of 8 different areas that features 100 picnic sites with tables and barbecue grills, swimming beaches, car top boat facility for non-powered boats and shore fishing. There is a $4 per car fee for day use. |
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| Hot Air Ballooning |
| The temperate climate of Napa also lends itself well to hot air ballooning. A hot-air balloon ride usually begins before dawn to take advantage of the optimal air currents. Most rides cost around $200 per person, with some companies offering a discount for booking over the Internet. Prices for children are lower, ranging from $100 to $200 per child. Some rides combine a complimentary champagne celebration, a winery tour, a wine tasting or a picnic. Some companies also offer special packages for weddings and other special occasions. |
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| River Cruise |
| The Napa River offers a number of guided river cruises, which can also be combined with winery tours. Or, you could just carry your wine with you on a chartered cruise to enjoy the valley’s scenery as you travel along the river. There are canoes and kayaks on rent as well. The wetlands and marshes offer challenges to those looking for adventure on the river. |
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