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

  • 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.

  • Stop by the American Canyon Welcome Center…where your Napa Valley Experience begins! Conveniently located off Hwy 29 in southern Napa County, the American Canyon Welcome Center provides guests with complimentary maps, dining guides, wine excursion information, discount passes to local wineries and Napa County outdoor recreation resources. There is a small gift shop on premise.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Golfers can tee off at Eagle Vines or Chardonnay Golf Club. The aptly-named Chardonnay course meanders through acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapevines.

  • Looking to treat yourself to a little relaxation? Feel pampered at the tropically inspired Spa Gaia at the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley - American Canyon which features a range of restorative treatments, blending the latest skin care and healthy lifestyle philosophies with soothing, traditional Eastern therapies.  Plunge into the outdoor pool, re-energize in the modern fitness center or simply relax beside the peaceful lagoon to admire the cascading waterfall and black neck swans.

  • Savor natural, delicious dishes at the environmentally friendly Gaia Restaurant, offering the freshest, locally grown ingredients.  Sip on a large selection of Napa Valley wines and relax in calm, casual surroundings, or eat lunch in town at LASO, for Nepalese-inspired dishes fused with classic French and Californian cuisine.

Evening

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Hungry? Look no further than ONE TEN, the first farm-to-table restaurant in American Canyon, offering fresh, high-end cuisine and health-conscious gourmet meals.