Visiting Napa Valley in the Time of COVID-19

Napa Valley is the perfect place to relax, drink some wine, and eat fantastic food. While tourism has waned over the last year, so many people want to get back out there. Napa isn’t just a beautiful spot to enjoy yourself in one of the most luxurious valleys in California, you will be able to disconnect and gain a sense of peace of mind that has been difficult to find. If you want to take a vacation in the beautiful Napa Valley but are a little hesitant about the pandemic, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

Outdoor Vineyards

One great thing about Napa Valley is that there are plenty of vineyards where you can drink wine outside. With UV rays killing the virus and open air making it easier to stay distanced from other people, vineyards are a great place to relax without worrying about getting sick. 

Image  from Pixabay 

Of course you can also indulge in the open indoor wineries if you feel comfortable, that’s what makes the areas so great. There is something for everyone. Napa Valley has so many options when it comes to wine and food. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the array of open air establishments. If you want to stay outdoors, you can. Hospitality establishments in the area are being diligent about keeping their visitors safe. And if you are keen on trying something different, hop on a wine tour bus to explore Napa Valley from a comfy seat.

Join some of the local tours in Napa Valley:

Places to Stay in Napa Valley

There is no shortage of great places to stay in Napa Valley. Hotels are making their businesses more comfortable and safe. Spas and pools are opening back up. Bed and breakfast staff are sanitizing and enforcing physical distancing. Some of them even have a mobile hospital tent where people can get medical attention if they are having symptoms of the virus. Others are including COVID-19 tests. A great amount of peace of mind is afforded by the vaccines. Whether you are vaccinated or not, Napa Valley is full of places to stay where you can feel comfortable.

Restaurants in Napa Valley

Napa Valley has restaurants from The French Laundry to other Michelin-starred restaurants and lower rent options, but if you’re looking for a place to eat great food look no further. There is no shortage of fine places to have a meal and drinks that include wine, beer, and cocktails. 

The restaurants in the area are doing their best to keep tables distanced and enforce mask policies. With more space at many of these establishments, you won’t have to worry about being too close to other dining parties. Furthermore, many restaurants have outdoor patios where you can soak up the sun, drink some beverages, and indulge in some fine food.

Plan your trip in the USA independently:

Hiking & Outdoor Activities in Napa Valley

Another reason why Napa Valley is a perfect destination for the second summer with the pandemic on our minds is because it’s great for outdoor activities. There is hiking in the area. You can go out on a boat, kayak on the Napa River, and paddleboard. If you are tired of staying in hotels or want to avoid people you can camp around Napa Valley.

Image by Jesse Bridgewater

Take a vineyard bike tour, hike through the valley, or simply enjoy a picnic. Whatever you’re into, there are awesome options where you can spend time outside in the beautiful area of Napa Valley. Go on a hike and earn that luxurious meal. 

Proximity to Other Attractions

Napa Valley is close to San Francisco but it’s also near Yosemite Valley. With so many other attractions around this wine destination, you can combine your trip to Napa with other ideas. It depends on where you are coming from, but you can take a road trip to multiple destinations. You can even take a wine train to the region and get started on tasting before you’re even in the valley. Napa is full of reasons to visit and as people feel more comfortable, it’s what you need for a relaxing vacation.

Napa Valley will be here when you’re ready. It is an amazing destination for wine, the outdoors, great hotels, and some of the finest food in California. When it’s time to take a vacation, look no further. You won’t regret choosing this beautiful region for your first vacation since the pandemic. 

Author: Ryan Beitler is a writer, journalist, and travel blogger. He has written for The Slovenia Times, Paste Magazine, AI TImes Journal, New Noise Magazine, OC Weekly, and more.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

Planning your next adventure?

Here are some of our go-to resources that we’ve personally tested over the years.

Find Your Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for hotels or hostels Booking.com is ideal for finding great hotel deals worldwide, with a wide range of options to suit any budget.

Book Your Flights

For unbeatable flight deals, we also recommend Booking.com Flights as they search across airlines and travel sites to ensure you get the best prices. It’s our favorite tool for finding affordable flights, no matter your destination.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must-have! Protect yourself from unexpected events like illness, injury, or cancellations. Here’s what we recommend:

* TrueTraveler (only EU citizens): Perfect for long term travelers looking for comprehensive and affordable coverage.
* SafetyWing (for everyone) Great for digital nomads, long and short term travelers.

Rent a Car for Your Trip

Need the freedom to explore at your own pace? Renting a car is a great way to travel off the beaten path. We recommend Discovercars.com a fantastic comparison website that helps you find the cheapest rates from all the major rental companies worldwide.

Book Your Activities

From guided tours to skip-the-line tickets, use Get Your Guide to plan unforgettable experiences wherever you’re going. It’s one of the best platforms for activities and tours.

Try Housesitting

If you love animals and you prefer going local during your travels, try housesitting, which is an amazing way to travel the world while taking care of the pets whose owners are on vacation. If you use TrustedHousesitters with this link you’ll get $25 discount on annual membership.

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