{"id":15043,"date":"2025-06-25T12:28:28","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T19:28:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/?p=15043"},"modified":"2025-12-03T11:47:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T19:47:48","slug":"things-to-do-in-st-helena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-st-helena\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Things to do in St. Helena"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Known as Napa Valley\u2019s Main Street for its ritzy flare, chic boutiques, pioneering wineries, and contemporary art galleries, St. Helena<\/a> is a dreamlike destination for epicures the world over.\r\n\r\nGetting to this wine lovers\u2019 paradise is an easy 90-minute drive from both San Francisco<\/a> and Sacramento, California\u2014a sophisticated-yet-charming spot situated between Calistoga<\/a> and Yountville<\/a>, just 18 miles north of Downtown Napa<\/a>.\r\n\r\nRegardless of the time of year you visit<\/a>, you\u2019ll find plenty of sights and activities to explore in St. Helena<\/a>. So, when you\u2019re ready to discover all the top spots to get pampered, cultured, wined<\/a>, and dined<\/a> in the viticultural Napa Valley hotspot that is St. Helena, here\u2019s our guide to the best things to do.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Enjoy a Day of Wine Tasting<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Wine lovers, we\u2019ve got you. St. Helena is a great place to sip on some of Napa\u2019s finest wines, whether looking to explore historic wineries, venture to hidden gem wineries, or take a Wine & Dine tour<\/a>. You simply can\u2019t go wrong.\u00a0[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”image-gallery”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”58927″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.beringer.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”58928″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.beringer.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”58931″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.beringer.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”58930″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.beringer.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”photo-label”]\r\n\r\nPhotos courtesy of Beringer Vineyards<\/a>\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Perhaps one of Wine Country\u2019s most famous wineries, Beringer Vineyards<\/a>\u00a0is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley, founded in 1876. Tour their historic Rhine House, then reserve a private wine tasting at St. Helena\u2019s gorgeous Fantesca Estate & Winery<\/a>, located a short drive out of town in the Spring Mountain AVA<\/a>. With its stunning surroundings, intimate tasting experience, and top-notch wines, it\u2019s no wonder this family-owned winery is one of the best wineries in Spring Mountain<\/a> to visit.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”55534″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.fantesca.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]Back in town, Charles Krug Winery<\/a> is another great option. While you\u2019ll love learning about the legacy of this historic winery (Napa\u2019s oldest winery estate), a visit is all about the famed wines. Close by is <\/span>Markham Vineyards<\/span><\/a>, one of our favorite stops for character-driven Merlot and Cabernet wines from Napa Valley. The Comparative Tasting is a great way to discover the winery’s acclaimed limited-production, small-lot wines. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”text-width”][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Discover St. Helena\u2019s Best Wineries” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fblog%2Fbest-wineries-in-st-helena%2F|title:Discover%20St.%20Helena%E2%80%99s%20Best%20Wineries”][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Explore Art Galleries & Museums<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Experience contemporary art<\/a> outside of San Francisco in a world-class wine setting at Napa Valley\u2019s HALL Wines St. Helena<\/a>. Yes, you\u2019ll be greeted with a 35-foot chrome rabbit (named Bunny Foo Foo) leaping out of the vineyards, but HALL Wines also has an award-winning modern art gallery<\/a> that\u2019s well worth the detour.\u00a0[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”image-gallery”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”58935″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.hallwines.com\/?utm_source=napavalley&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”58933″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.hallwines.com\/?utm_source=napavalley&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”58934″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.hallwines.com\/?utm_source=napavalley&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”58932″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.hallwines.com\/?utm_source=napavalley&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Content”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”photo-label”]\r\n\r\nPhotos courtesy of HALL Winery<\/a>\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]When you\u2019re finished sipping HALL\u2019s storied Cabernets<\/a>, take a tour of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum<\/a>, just off Main Street in downtown St. Helena. Loved by bibliophiles across the globe, Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish writer best known for his novels, Treasure Island<\/em> and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde<\/em>. His namesake museum offers the world\u2019s largest collection of Stevensoniana on public display.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”text-width”][vc_column][vc_btn title=”More Napa Valley Wine + Art” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fblog%2Fnapa-valley-art-wine%2F|title:More%20Napa%20Valley%20Wine%20%2B%20Art”][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Go Shopping<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]St. Helena\u2019s charming downtown is a shopper\u2019s paradise, home to an eclectic mix of stylish boutiques, artisan shops, and locally loved stores.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”68571″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” el_class=”text-width”][vc_column_text]Pop into chic clothing shops like elysewalker<\/a> and Daisy Clothing Boutique<\/a>, or browse ACRES home+garden for elevated homewares with Wine Country flair. Don\u2019t miss Woodhouse Chocolate<\/a>, where handcrafted confections make the perfect indulgence or souvenir. From luxury finds to local treasures, shopping in St. Helena is as delightful and memorable as the handcrafted wines.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Get Pampered at a Spa<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n\r\nAfter a long day of Napa wine tasting, what\u2019s better than unwinding with a sumptuous spa treatment? You no longer have to be an overnight guest at <\/span>Meadowood Napa Valley<\/span><\/a> to visit the <\/span>award-winning spa<\/span><\/a> to enjoy its therapeutic massages, organic facials, body scrubs, and other wellness offerings. Not only is the place stunning, but there are plenty of ways to soothe your mind and body before or after a treatment\u2014think a dry cedar sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and outdoor rain shower. Even better, when you book a spa treatment you can stay in the relaxation lounge as long as you want. Read a book, sip some tea, even take a nap if you wish. Our favorite spot in the spa, though, is the private Tree House Retreat room complete with a gorgeous hammered copper tub for custom baths<\/span>\u2014milk, mustard, or pure sea salt.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”67847″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/meadowood.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n\r\nOr, you can savor a soothing facial, therapeutic massage, or healing soak with detoxifying beverage in hand at the Spa Alila<\/a> at the Alila Napa Valley<\/a> in downtown St. Helena. Not in the mood for a rub-down? You and your crew can also book private yoga experiences, personalized meditation sessions, and astrology readings at this adults-only Wine Country oasis in Napa Valley.\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”text-width”][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Top 10 Spas in Napa” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fblog%2Fbest-spas-in-napa%2F|title:Top%2010%20Spas%20in%20Napa”][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Visit a Nearby Park<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]St. Helena is home to a wonderful mix of parks and outdoor spaces perfect for exploring, relaxing, or simply soaking up Wine Country\u2019s natural beauty. Discover history at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park<\/a>, home to trails, picnic facilities, and a former mill from the late 1800s.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”68552″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” el_class=”text-width”][vc_column_text]A short distance from Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, you can hit the trails at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park<\/a>, a lush park featuring great hiking, picnic and day use areas, and even a seasonal pool. Or, take in panoramic views of Mount St. Helena from Robert Louis Stevenson State Park<\/a>, a favorite amongst more advanced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Closer to town, sites like Crane Park, Lyman Park, and Jacob Meily Park offer spots for picnicking, playing, and unwinding.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][vc_column_text el_class=”conclusion” css=”.vc_custom_1750803519310{background-color: #ede2d0 !important;}”]\r\n

Hiking, Biking & Golfing in Wine Country<\/h3>\r\nNapa Valley is an outdoor playground, offering near-perfect weather, beautiful sights, and plenty of reasons to get outside. From hiking and biking to golfing and camping, we\u2019ll help you discover the best outdoor activities in Napa.\r\n\r\nExplore Now<\/a><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Eat at an Award-Winning Restaurant<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]You don\u2019t have to be in San Francisco or another big city to dine at Michelin-quality restaurants with renowned chefs. Napa Valley, including quaint St. Helena, is inundated with award-winning eateries and institutions, such as the famed Culinary Institute of America at Greystone<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”62785″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.violettonapavalley.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]Grab your girlfriends and head to the Violetto<\/a> restaurant in Alila Napa Valley\u2019s restored Georgian farmhouse\u2014the perfect setting for a breezy Wine Country brunch on its white-pillared wraparound veranda. It also serves up some of the best dinner fare in the area.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Celebratory, family-style California cooking is on full display at The Charter Oak<\/a> restaurant in St. Helena, just down the road from Yountville and Calistoga. Led by chef Christopher Kostow of the former Three-Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak serves brunch and all-day fare with crops from its 3.5-acre culinary garden in St. Helena.\r\n\r\nAnother St. Helena favorite is PRESS Restaurant<\/a>, where fine fare is complemented by an award-winning wine list highlighting Napa Valley gems.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”text-width”][vc_column][vc_btn title=”20 Best Restaurants in Napa Valley” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fblog%2Fbest-restaurants-in-napa-valley%2F|title:20%20Best%20Restaurants%20in%20Napa%20Valley”][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Enjoy a Winery Food Pairing<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Snack and sip yourself to a state of blissful oblivion with some of the best food and wine pairings<\/a> you\u2019ve had all year in St. Helena, Napa, and beyond.\r\n\r\nHop on over to Merryvale Vineyards<\/a> for a selection of hearty, delicious food and wine pairings<\/a>. Book a delightful brunch with their Seasonal Quiche & Wine Pairing, lunch with the Vino & Pizza Experience, or a hearty Burger Butler Experience with wine and burgers brought in from St. Helena\u2019s famous Gott\u2019s Roadside.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”53982″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.louismartini.com\/underground-cellar\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]Serious wine enthusiasts won\u2019t want to miss heading to Louis M. Martini<\/a> for the elevated Underground Cellar Experience, an impeccably curated multi-course food and wine pairing that takes place in the moody ambiance of the 90-year-old cellar.\r\n\r\nWhile not technically in St. Helena, it\u2019s worth the four mile drive to Rutherford\u2019s Sequoia Grove Winery<\/a> for their Taste for Cabernet experience\u2014a multi-course lunch prepared by the winery\u2019s in-house chef that celebrates all things Cabernet. Reserve Cabernet Experience<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”text-width”][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Explore More Food Pairings” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fblog%2Fwinery-tasting-pairings-napa-valley%2F|title:Explore%20More%20Food%20Pairings”][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Savor a Seasonal Event<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]St. Helena offers an array of fun seasonal events worth discovering, from Fourth of July fireworks to the end of year holiday fun.\r\n\r\nDuring the summer months, don\u2019t miss the St. Helena Concert Series, taking place every Wednesday in Lyman Park. In addition to live music, you can expect food vendors and family activities. In October, the Hometown Harvest Festival returns to celebrate the harvest season with a 5K race, pet parade, live music, and more.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”68553″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.beringer.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]And come December, we love catching a glimpse of the Holiday Wine Barrel Tree, a display of festive barrels on Main Street during the holiday season. [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”text-width”][vc_column][vc_btn title=”View Upcoming Events” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fevents%2F|title:View%20Upcoming%20Events”][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”conclusion”]\r\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\r\nFrom delicious eats to visual treats, St. Helena has plenty of activities to delight all the senses. Inspired to start planning your trip? Read out picks for the best restaurants in St. Helena<\/a>, the top wineries to visit<\/a>, and the most luxurious hotels in Napa<\/a> (two of which are located in St. Helena).\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Discover all the top spots to get pampered, cultured, wined, and dined in the viticultural Napa Valley hotspot that is St. Helena.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1973,"featured_media":67848,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/blog-v2.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,73],"tags":[97,99,116,110,82,111],"class_list":["post-15043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","category-travel","tag-arts","tag-attractions","tag-restaurants","tag-spas","tag-st-helena","tag-wine-tasting"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15043"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1973"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15043"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15043\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71651,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15043\/revisions\/71651"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67848"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}