We spent a week exploring all of Napa Valley to give the best recommendations we can to guests. Napa Valley is broken down by three main towns, with large wineries woven between: Napa, Yountville and St. Helena. 


We would advise against staying anywhere north of Sonoma/in Sonoma County as the roads that cut across to Napa are through the mountains, very windy and dangerous so you would have a long drive back down south to Rte 12/121 and then back up through Napa (approx 1-1:30 hr+ drive to the venue).

This is the first town you’ll come across as you enter Napa Valley, and definitely the most lively (although all towns will see the latest bars and restaurants only open until about 10pm). There’s lots for tourists to see and do and has the most city-like feel. Larger hotels in this area are more like variations of a chain hotel if you prefer a Marriott-feel with some smaller boutique hotels woven within.

Our favorite town and the area we’ll be staying! It’s a quaint, walkable, upscale, little town in Napa Valley, situated perfectly between Napa and St. Helena, so it’s easiest to get around either direction! There are beautiful hotels in the area with smaller boutique properties as well. If you want to unwind and sip your morning coffee on a beautiful patio, or walk from wine tastings to cute bakeries, this is the spot. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from Yountville to both Napa and St. Helena.









Saint Helena: This is the last big town in Napa Valley and also where our wedding will be hosted! St. Helena has a more ‘up-and-coming’ feel through their downtown area but has some wonderful gems of hotels and wineries! We’ve found some of the most luxurious to the more cost effective options in this area, as well as many VRBO properties to choose from.


Along your drive into Napa Valley from the airports just before you reach Napa Valley, there are multiple chain hotels in a safe area with many suburban businesses nearby (e.g. Target, Home Depot, Walmart etc). As a cost effective option, but a bit of a further drive, we’ve provided some hotel recommendations here as well!


Napa Valley runs along a single lane road both ways, so traffic can greatly affect travel time at the wrong hour. Please be conscious of travel times.


SMF | Sacramento International Airport | 70 miles | 1.5 hour drive


OAK | Oakland International Airport | 70 miles | 1.5 hour drive


SFO | San Francisco International Airport | 80 miles | 2 hour drive



Avis Discount Number: J157617
Budget Discount Number: S274070