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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaNapa Valley Panoramic Road
Napa Valley California

Napa Valley Panoramic Road

Napa - Calistoga - Zinfandel - Oakville

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Urban life Urban life
Wildlife Wildlife
Napa Valley Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km100 h/stage0.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Napa Valley Panoramic Road in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 242EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 296EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 367EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 457EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 377EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Napa Valley Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Napa Valley Panoramic Road trip is a scenic and memorable journey through the stunning countryside of Northern California. Starting in the charming city of Napa, the route takes drivers along a 100-kilometer stretch of road, winding through the towns of Calistoga, Zinfandel and Oakville. All along the route, drivers will be treated to breathtaking views of rolling hills, vineyards and mountain ranges. The best time of year to take the road trip is in the summer months, when the countryside is at its most vibrant. The road conditions are excellent, and the trip can be completed in one day. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will provide memories to last a lifetime.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 100 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Napa

Distance 100 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: modest 26.1 kWh Airports SFO
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Napa in United States is a fantastic starting point for your road trip. The Napa Valley Panoramic Road is a great way to explore the stunning countryside and its many attractions. Visit the area's wineries, the spectacular Napa Valley Vineyards, and the old-world charm of the city of Napa. There is something for everyone to enjoy. If you plan to fly, the closest major airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). For those traveling by car, there are many car rental companies at the airport. Take a tour of the Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century castle, and explore the surrounding vineyards. Visit the Hess Collection Winery and Art Museum to experience the unique combination of art and wine. For those looking for a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the valley and get a birds-eye view of the area. Visit Gasser Vineyards to experience the beautiful countryside, and explore the many wineries and tasting rooms that are located in the area. Also, don't miss the chance to see the Napa Valley Balloon Ride, which offers spectacular views of the valley. Napa in United States is the perfect starting point for your road trip. With so much to see and do, you won't be disappointed.

1 Napa - Calistoga

Distance 51 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: modest 13.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options interesting  historic site
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Then join us on a journey from Napa to Calistoga, a 32-mile drive through the beautiful Silverado Trail. This two-hour drive is full of surprises and breathtaking views. Start your journey in Napa, a city known for its wineries and vineyards. Take your time to explore the area and enjoy the local cuisine. Then, take the Silverado Trail and drive through the picturesque countryside, passing by rolling hills and lush vineyards. You’ll also find historical sites and charming small towns along the way. Finally, you’ll reach Calistoga, a city that is home to some of the best wineries in the area. Spend some time here to sample the local wines, take a dip in the hot springs, and explore the local shops and restaurants. Make sure to keep your eyes open for all the hidden gems along the way. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Calistoga - Zinfandel

Distance 18 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 4.7 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Calistoga to Zinfandel! This 11mi drive will take you less than an hour, and will offer you some of the most beautiful sights on your journey. Start your adventure in Calistoga, and make sure to visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California, the world’s largest geyser! This natural phenomenon is a must-see for every traveler. Then, head to the Sharpsteen Museum and explore the history of Calistoga. Continue your road trip to Zinfandel, and take a break at the Zinfandel Grille. This restaurant is known for its delicious food and beautiful views of the vineyards. After lunch, visit the Robert Mondavi Winery, the oldest winery in the Napa Valley. Enjoy the beautiful tasting room and the surrounding vineyards. For more information, visit the "Itinerary" section of this stage. Here you can find attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip from Calistoga to Zinfandel!

3 Zinfandel - Oakville

Distance 7 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 1.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Zinfandel to Oakville? This 5mi route takes less than an hour of driving, so you can easily make it a part of a larger tour. Start your journey in Zinfandel and visit the historic St. Francis Church, built in 1883. Then, take a break at the Zinfandel Park and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake. Continue your drive to Oakville, where you will find the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate. This is a great place to explore the history of the town, and you can also take a stroll in the nearby park. Finally, don't forget to visit the Oakville Galleries, a modern art gallery with a collection of contemporary art. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

4 Oakville - Napa

Distance 24 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 6.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Oakville - Napa road trip stage! This 15mi journey will take you less than 1 hour and will be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip. Starting in Oakville, you will find some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including the Oakville Grade, a scenic stretch of road with breathtaking views of the Napa Valley. The nearby Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a great place to take a break and enjoy the stunning views of the valley. Continuing your journey, you will reach the town of Napa. Here you can explore the vibrant downtown area and visit some of the city's most popular attractions, such as the Napa Valley Wine Train, the Napa Valley Opera House, and the Napa Valley Museum. You can also take a stroll along the Napa River, or take a bike ride through the vineyards. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

  Napa

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Napa, United States, is a destination that should not be missed. Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, it is the perfect ending point for the scenic "Napa Valley Panoramic Road" road trip. This delightful city is home to some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world, offering a wide selection of fine wines for tasting. The city of Napa is also full of interesting attractions. Notable sites worth visiting include the Napa Valley Wine Train, which takes visitors on a vintage train journey through the valley, and the historic Oxbow Public Market, a food-lovers paradise. Additionally, the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center and the Napa Valley Opera House offer a variety of cultural activities. Napa is also home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as golfing, kayaking, and biking. For those looking to explore the area, the Napa Valley Bike Path offers a scenic route for cyclists. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located just an hour away by car. At the end of your Napa Valley Panoramic Road trip, you will be rewarded with a visit to Napa, where you can experience the beauty of the valley and the city’s vibrant culture.

Napa Valley Panoramic Road at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on the enchanting Napa Valley Panoramic Road Trip to immerse yourself in the splendor of Northern California's renowned wine country. This journey weaves through vibrant vineyards and past the majestic Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges, offering travelers a tapestry of visual delights. The route is dotted with idyllic towns, each brimming with history and character, and is a haven for oenophiles, foodies, and nature lovers alike.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Napa: The gateway to the Napa Valley, this town is a treasure trove of culinary delights, with Michelin-starred restaurants and a plethora of boutique wineries that showcase the region's diverse viticulture.
  • St. Helena: A charming town with a storied past, featuring historic buildings, gourmet eateries, and the renowned Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.
  • Calistoga: A rustic yet refined town at the northern end of Napa Valley, famed for its geothermal hot springs, therapeutic mud baths, and the Old Faithful Geyser of California.
  • Yountville: Known for its world-class dining experiences, including Thomas Keller's The French Laundry, and its rich history, which includes the Veterans Home of California and the Napa Valley Museum.
  • Oakville and Rutherford: These neighboring areas boast some of the most prestigious wineries and vineyards, including the historic Robert Mondavi Winery, known for pioneering modern winemaking in the region.

Along the way: The route is a canvas of rolling hills adorned with rows of grapevines that change hues with the seasons. Spectacular mountain vistas provide a dramatic backdrop, and the occasional sighting of hot air balloons adds a touch of whimsy to the landscape.

Best Time to Go:

While the Napa Valley is a year-round destination, the most picturesque time to visit is during the late summer and early fall months when the vineyards are laden with grapes and the harvest season brings a palpable excitement to the area. Spring is equally delightful when the mustard flowers bloom, creating a vibrant yellow carpet between the vines.

Potential Risks:

  • Traffic congestion is common during the fall harvest season and weekends when wine enthusiasts flock to the region.
  • Some backRoads can be winding and less traveled, requiring extra caution and attention while driving.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • Distance: The route spans approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Napa to Calistoga, but the entire loop through the valley can extend to around 62 miles (100 kilometers).
  • Duration: The drive itself can be completed in about an hour without stops, but to fully savor the experience, allot at least a full day or more.
  • Budget: Costs can vary widely depending on wine tasting fees, dining choices, and optional experiences like spa treatments or hot air balloon rides. Plan for a moderate to upscale budget.
  • Vehicle: A comfortable car is recommended to enjoy the Scenic Drive. Convertibles are popular for an open-air experience, but any well-maintained vehicle is suitable.

A good choice for:

The Napa Valley Panoramic Road Trip is an iconic journey that offers a rich mosaic of experiences, from sipping world-class wines to exploring charming towns and soaking in breathtaking landscapes. Whether capturing the perfect photograph or simply creating memories, this Road Trip is an unforgettable adventure through the heart of California's wine country.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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