Discover open spaces and agri-tourism on this locals' guide to American Canyon.
Nothing beats a day out in the sunshine and wide-open spaces of American Canyon. Pack a cooler and a picnic blanket, grab your hiking boots, and take a mini road trip to discover this charming town at the southernmost tip of Napa Valley.
Morning
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Start the day at Le Paris Artisan for a latte and a gourmet pastry (if you have a sweet tooth don’t miss their famous Cro-puff, a delightful cross between creme puff and croissant). While you’re there, grab takeout sandwiches and drinks to pack for a picnic lunch at your afternoon stop. You can also call in your order ahead of time and simply pick it up curbside if you prefer a low-touch experience.
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Head to Newell Open Space Preserve for a leisurely wildflower hike. This 642-acre park set among the hills behind American Canyon has one main trail, and also connects to beautiful Lynch Canyon if you choose to embark on a longer hike. Because the area is relatively unknown except to AmCan locals, you probably won't run into any other people, but you'll likely spot lots of wildlife. Don’t forget the binoculars for some birding!
Afternoon
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Buzz on over to Marshall's Farm Honey, where visitors and honey fans are always welcome to enjoy a sweet experience. You can look around the honey house and see how they extract and bottle the honey, and taste and purchase honey bottled on the spot. Bring your picnic lunch and spread out in the shade to enjoy.
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Before you head back north, eat lunch at LASO, for Nepalese-inspired dishes fused with classic French and Californian cuisine.
Evening
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Exploring Napa Valley as a visitor means you must make time for wine. Stop by RD Winery for a quick taste, or plan to stay a while. Open until 7pm, it's the perfect last winery stop for the day. Their tasting room features comfortable lounge seating and a garden-side patio, and they have several options for wine tastings, including Napa’s first all-Asian food & wine pairing menu.
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Lastly, do something touristy to make it feel like a real vacation! Swing by the Grape Crusher Statue at sunset to get that perfect Instagram shot. Did you know the Grape Crusher is the largest sculpture cast west of the Mississippi, measuring three times life-size and weighing 6,000 pounds? Check out more fun facts on this Napa Valley landmark, and next time friends and family come to visit you can wow them with your Napa Valley knowledge.