SerpApi.Org
When people think of a trip to Napa Valley, they think of a romantic couples sharing a bottle of wine, a girl’s trip celebrating friendship, or a bachelorette party weekend hopping between vineyards.
It’s not often associated with solo travelers–but I’m here to tell you that it should be. I recently went on a trip to Napa as a solo traveler, and it checked just about every box that I look for in a solo destination. With the gorgeous weather, idyllic hotels and inns, countless wineries to explore, and lots of adorable boutiques to shop in, it’s giving Under The Tuscan Sun energy without having to leave the country.
With harvest season soon coming up, it’s a wonderful time to visit Napa Valley. Between August and October, there tends to be a lot more going on in the valley, giving you even more activities to attend as a solo traveler. If you’re curious about why it’s such a great place to visit alone, keep reading.
Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Trip to Napa With a Single Carry-On
Find A Hotel That Becomes A Part Of The Experience
When I go on a trip by myself, the most important thing to me is finding the perfect place to stay. For my recent trip, I stayed at the Rancho Caymus Inn. It had a lovely pool in the center of the inn, perfect for laying out and relaxing. There were also a ton of fire pits and comfortable places to sit and relax in the evenings. Each night, there were complimentary wine tastings, which allowed me to mingle with other guests at the inn. The room itself felt like it was straight out of a storybook. It had an old charm to it with modern touches, and I was able to fully relax and give myself some much needed relaxation.
Hotels and inns like the Rancho Caymus aren’t hard to come by in Napa. There are nearly 50 hotels and boutique inns in the area, and from what I’ve seen, they air on the nicer, more luxurious side. The town itself also feels incredibly safe, so as a solo traveler, you won’t have any extra anxiety weighing on you about your own safety.
If you're looking for a hotel in the heart of downtown Napa, close to walkable shops and restaurants, Archer Hotel Napa might be a great option for you. Alternatively, if you want to really treat yourself to a secluded getaway, Harvest Inn is a full-service resort that offers sweeping views of vineyards to enjoy while you relax at the pool, have a drink, or even take a stroll along their designated walking path.
Related: 'I've Been Solo Adventuring For 3 Decades—This Is the One Destination I Recommend to Everyone'
Wine Tasting Is Surprisingly Social, Even When On Your Own
For many people, one of the scariest things to do when solo traveling is to go out to eat alone. Sometimes, it can feel a bit awkward, just sitting there at your own table with nothing to do but eat. Some may think that wine tastings would be similar–but from my experience, it’s anything but. Wine tastings are more of a guided activity, usually with someone leading everyone along the journey. You get to learn about each wine, ask questions, and discuss your reactions to them. It’s a nice way to mix the act of going and getting a drink with an actual activity–and Napa Valley is quite the pro at it.
I found it to be incredibly enjoyable to sip my wine, let myself fully immerse in the experience, and then speak to others when I felt like it. I wasn’t forced to be social if I didn’t want to be, but if I did, the opportunity was right there. It was equally relaxing, joyful, and invigorating.
The first winery that I recommend taking a visit to is Beaulieu Vineyard. There's a large, sun-drenched indoor bar area where you can sit and have wine by the glass, or you can enjoy tastings from $50. For a more immersive experience, Castello di Amorosa is a vineyard that features a Tuscan-style castle, where you can go on tours throughout the grounds while tasting the wine.
Savoring Napa's Legendary Culinary Scene at Your Own Pace
One thing that I learned about the people of Napa is that they are incredibly passionate. Whether it be about wine, coffee, or food–they put their heart and soul into whatever they're making. To start your day off on the right foot, you should head to Ohm Coffee Roasters in downtown Napa. It's owned by a sommelier named Derek Bromley, who transitioned from his love of wine to a love for specialty coffee. You can get a genuinely delicious cup of coffee here, and the welcoming staff is the cherry on top.
After a morning of exploring the shops in downtown Napa, you should visit Grace's Table for brunch. Here, you can get some of the most aesthetically pleasing brunch meals that will keep you nice and full for an afternoon of wine tastings. Many of the dishes on this menu are inspired by various European and South American cuisines, ultimately leaving you with a selection of comfort foods that are to die for. Try the shrimp and grits, you won't regret it.
For a dinner that you won't be able to stop thinking about, head to Mustards Grill. The environment is lively, with tables offered inside and outside. Not only is the menu absolutely delicious (the pork chop is particularly top-tier), but there is also a wine menu that will blow your mind. It even says on top, "way too many wines". This gives you a chance to enjoy some Napa wineries offerings without having to physically go there, and there are affordable half-bottle options–perfect for your solo dinner night.
Related: These Are the U.S. States Where Solo Travel Is Officially Taking Over
Reclaim Your Peace with Napa’s Renowned Wellness and Spa Scene
If you're going on a solo trip to Napa, a huge part of that trip should be dedicated to rejuvenating your mind and body. Napa has some of the best wellness and spa offerings in the country–and you simply have to take advantage of it.
To start your trip off with the quintessential spa experience, I'd recommend visiting Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. Here, you can book an all-day retreat. It starts with an enzyme bath, a walking meditation, and a seated guided meditation. Then, you'll experience a massage or facial, a catered lunch, and a ceremonial circle in the forest. You will move as a group with whoever else booked the retreat for the day. It's a perfect experience for a solo traveler, with an equal balance of focusing on yourself and connecting to those around you.
For a day of active recovery, go to Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. Here, you can book yourself a "Yoga Wellness For One" session, where you'll be guided through a restorative yoga practice 1 on 1 with an instructor. After, visit the mud and mineral baths to round out the experience.
Overall, I left my trip feeling like I was able to rest my mind and body, have a little bit of fun, and met some interesting people along the way. There wasn’t a single moment where I wished that I was someplace else. If this sounds like your kind of getaway, don't wait until you have someone to go with. Napa Valley is more than worth experiencing on your own.
