St. Helena

Nicknamed “Napa Valley’s Main Street,” the downtown area of the charming wine country town of St. Helena (map) brims with lovely little shops, art galleries, and precious cafés set in historic buildings. Opportunities for outdoor fun abound too, making it an ideal place to recharge; nicely walkable within its primary half-mile-long core, you can browse gourmet food emporiums, fashion boutiques, and candy stores (try the mendiants, tiny discs of chocolates studded with nuts and dried fruits, at Woodhouse Chocolate). You’ll find free parking, public restrooms and tourist information at the St. Helena welcome center.

Where to Go Wine Tasting in St. Helena

Downtown St. Helena is ringed with wineries, including one of the locations where it all began: Charles Krug Winery, which opened for public tastings in 1882, and is home to California's very first tasting room. Another must-visit is the iconic Merryvale Vineyards, which was the first winery in the valley to open after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.

The Clif Family Winery—yes, the same owners of the energy bar company—offers tastings of small-production wines, as well as wine-and-food pairings and the more casual option of the Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck. Another good stop is Hall Wines, which showcases spectacular edgy art, sculptures, and a “glass house” tasting room. (Be sure to greet mascot Bunny Foo Foo, a 35-foot-tall stainless-steel rabbit at the winery entry.) For panoramic views and rich, fruit-forward wines, stop by Rombauer Vineyards, a beloved family-owned estate nestled in the hills just east of downtown.

The St. Helena area is also brimming with places for outdoor wine tasting that offer unbeatable views of the valley, as well as grape-harvest events and vineyard activities such as grape stompings, estate tours, and more. To maximize your tasting experience, consider purchasing an Uncorked Wine Passport, which offers curated access and special offers at select Napa Valley wineries. Check the St. Helena events calendar, too, when planning your trip.

Where to Stay in St. Helena

The compact downtown also includes the Harvest Inn, of which the renowned contemporary Harvest Table restaurant is a part, as well as the Alila Napa Valley Hotel & Spa. The expansive yet intimate 250-acre Meadowood Napa Valley features 36 elegant suites and rooms, with an award-winning spa and Wine Center where you can learn about the area’s viticulture history. Start your visit with a welcome glass of wine at the Terrace Café and don’t miss the onsite restaurant, Forum, which sources its seasonal dishes from the Meadowood gardens and surrounding communities.

If you prefer a boutique experience right on Main Street, consider a stay at The Wydown Hotel, a stylish 12-room retreat blending contemporary design with small-town charm. For something cozier, Inn St. Helena offers bed-and-breakfast comfort just a short walk from downtown tasting rooms.

Dining in St. Helena

Get a front-row seat to the making of the next generation of top chefs at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. The school invites visitors to explore its historic 19th-century building and grounds (don’t miss the fascinating collection of corkscrews on permanent display). After, sit down to an evening meal from the hands of the school’s future culinary masters at the on-site restaurant, Gatehouse Restaurant.

If you prefer a meal from a team with a proven track record, look no further than Charlie’s, which is owned by former French Laundry executive sous-chef Elliot Bell and a volunteer firefighter. Within a few minutes’ walk from Charlie’s you’ll find The Model Bakery, known for its 100-year-old brick ovens and baguettes, and Station Pizza.

No trip to St. Helena is complete without an open-air meal at Gott’s Roadside which, despite its middle-of-nowhere-sounding name, is mere blocks from downtown. Indulge in James Beard–award winning American classics with a California twist, including the burger with a fried egg, Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich (with turmeric-harissa mayo) and Ahi Poke Crispy Tacos. Before getting back on the road, snap a photo at the restaurant’s famous EAT St. Helena sign. Read about more of St. Helena’s exceptional dining options.

One great stop between meals and wine tastings: the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, next to the local library. In 1880, the future author of Treasure Island was in the area on his honeymoon, and found an abandoned shack in Silverado, then a remote mining ghost town on Mount Saint Helena. Penniless, he lived there with his bride for many weeks. In 1883, he published a memoir of his stay, The Silverado Squatters. Today, many of his artifacts are on display at the museum. You can also work up a sweat while visiting of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park; a 5-mile trail through rough terrain to the summit of Mt. St. Helena will lead you to a vantage point from which much of the San Francisco Bay Area is visible.

Family-Friendly St. Helena

St. Helena may be known for its world-class wine, but it’s also a surprisingly kid-friendly destination packed with easygoing, accommodating businesses and outdoor fun. The aforementioned Harvest Inn and Model Bakery both fit that bill, and there are wineries as well that will be a hit with visitors of all ages, such as Ehlers Estate and Elizabeth Spencer Winery, where kids can enjoy lawn games like bocce ball or coloring stations while adults savor tasting flights of local wines. Others include Tres Sabores, where friendly farm animals await, and Castello di Amore, whose 13th-century-style castle is sure to set young imaginations alight.

Also rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage is the annual mustard season, when golden blossoms blanket the vineyards—making it one of the most photo-worthy times of year.

A stroll down Main Street will reveal other family-friendly destinations such as sweet stop at Woodhouse Chocolates and Nimbus Arts, a nonprofit community arts center where kids can engage in hands-on creativity through a variety of fun, interactive workshops. And at the Napa Valley Museum of Arts & Culture, aka “The Mac,” visitors can take in works of art as well as exhibits that explore significant historical and cultural movements in a fun, often interactive way.

Wrap up the day with dinner at Pizzeria Tra Vigne, a local favorite where families can unwind over wood-fired pizzas and friendly games of bocce, or Farmstead Restaurant at Longmeadow Ranch, where the outdoor seating at the Garden Lounge and farm-to-table menu have made it a reliable go-to since 2010.

Exploring Fine Art in St. Helena

In addition to those already mentioned, numerous museums and galleries contribute to St. Helena’s vibrant fine arts scene. To dive in, start at Aerena Galleries & Gardens, where contemporary sculptures harmonize with serene outdoor landscapes. Then wander into Caldwell Snyder Gallery, a haven for modern masterpieces and emerging voices.

Just a few steps away, Christopher Hill Gallery presents captivating woodwork and tactile installations that honor local craftsmanship. At Meuse Gallery St. Helena, immerse yourself in thoughtfully curated exhibitions showcasing regional and international talent. Finally, don’t miss the charming St. Helena Bench Project—a functional art trail of painted benches interspersed through downtown, each telling its own story.

Shopping in St. Helena

The shopping district here, mainly centered along Main Street, exudes a blend of sophistication and small-town ambiance. Two standout fashion stops are the high-end styles at Veronica Beard and Elysewalker. Or enjoy a coffee or light snack while browsing for local goods or a unique gift at Sam's General Store. And, this being the Napa Valley, it’s a great place to shop for wine, too—both Acme Fine Wines and Orin Swift Cellars should be on your to-visit list.