St. Helena is one of the most beautiful regions of the United States. Known mostly for being in wine country, our beautiful Napa outdoor landscape is much more than just grapes (although we still throw a little of that in below). From hiking in our sprawling state park, or biking through the countryside, to picnicking with culinary delights, we have some places you just can’t miss.
Located in the heart of the beautiful Napa Valley wine country, Bothe State Park offers camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking trails that go through stands of coastal redwoods as well as forests of Douglas fir, tanoak, and madrone.
Daytime visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll in Ritchey Canyon on the Redwood Trail to view the delicate ferns and listen to the water splashing down the rocky creek bed. Bring your wine and cheese and picnic under the towering Douglas firs.
On hot summer days, grab a swimsuit and towel and come enjoy a dip in the park’s swimming pool. There is an additional fee for the use of the swimming pool, to be paid at the park entrance.
The large picnic grounds are located in the day use area, and are even available for group events and getaways. A covered area for group use contains picnic tables, a sink and an electrical outlet with a horseshoe pit and wheelchair-accessible restroom nearby.
Whether you visit the back country on a several hour hike or take a mere stroll along the creek bed, you will enjoy a close-up look at all the natural beauty that the park has to offer. There are well over 10 miles of trail through the majestic redwoods for your indulgence.
Stay the night under the stars. Bothe-Napa now offers fully restored historic cabins and awesome yurts!! Reservations for cabins and yurts are both made through Reserve California.
The Bale Grist Mill Historic Park is the site of a water-powered grist mill that was built in 1846. It was once the center of social activity as Napa Valley settlers gathered to have their corn and wheat ground into meal or flour. The mill and its 36-foot water wheel are protected as a state historic landmark and have been partially restored. A trail connects the historic park to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.
Discover the Napa Valley by traveling through it on a bike. Connect with nature and life in a fascinating and meaningful way. Instead of looking at a landscape through a window, you can become part of it. Choose your own adventure on a guided tour or self-guided with a picnic lunch. See the many options here.
Pick up all of your picnic or overnight provisions just 5 miles south in St. Helena. See all of your food options here.
Sunshine Foods Market is a specialty store with gourmet cheese, meat, seafood, deli, fresh sushi, wine, beer, liquor, home goods…basically everything you will need to have a complete picnic or camping experience Napa Valley style.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch is open for outdoor dining for lunch, dinner and grocery staples for pick-up and delivery. Farmstead Garden Lounge + Café is nestled under a picturesque blue spruce tree where you can grab coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and more in the morning. In the afternoon and evening relax in the shade with cocktails, wine, beer and the full restaurant menu.
Even closer to the park is Brasswood Bar + Kitchen & Bakery. Take-out for both the restaurant and bakery and meal kits are available. We suggest you take your food and enjoy the vineyard and mountain views gathered around the outdoor fireplace.
