Top 16 Things To Do In St. Helena, California

things to do in st. helena ca
Leonora
Leonora 
Updated
| 9 min read

If you happen to visit Napa Valley, make sure to visit St. Helena, a city in this wine-growing county. It has 416 vineyards spread over 6,800 acres (2751 hectares) of land considered as an American Viticultural Area. Situated at the heart of the Napa Valley, it has also been called as Napa Valley’s Mainstreet. St. Helena is famous for its vineyards and wineries where visitors can enjoy a free taste of the world’s best wines. A visit during fall season will give you the rare experience of seeing the leaves in the vineyards turn into the lovely autumn colors. The scent of crushed grapes fills the air, a sign that harvest time has set in. Aside from the vineyards, there are lots of things to do, both indoors and outdoors. Discover the things to do in St. Helena, California, by checking out our list below.

1. Take a walk in Beringer Vineyards

Rhine House, Beringer Vineyards
Source: Photo by user Frank Schulenburg used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Beringer Vineyards is the oldest winery in Napa Valley. For this winery, winemaking has become a tradition for 142 years already. Take a walk among the vines and feel the breeze perfumed with the scent of freshly crushed grapes. During the fall season, the vineyard is painted with rich autumn colors. Explore the Rhine House, a gabled Victorian mansion with turrets. The house has lovely stained windows and ornate decor. Behind the mansion is the Old Winery where you can enjoy different kinds of wines. As the pioneer in winery tours, Beringer Vineyards provide guests with 30- to 60-minute tours of the property where they can explore the caves, learn about the family history and the winemaking process.

The Beringer Vineyards

Address: 2000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Website: The Beringer Vineyards

Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)

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2. Feast on savory dishes at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

things to do in st. helena ca | feast on savory dishes at farmstead at long meadow ranch
Source: instagram

Enjoy lunch at the farm-to-table restaurant of Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. The dishes have organic and fresh ingredients that come from the local farms and are delivered to the restaurant immediately after they are picked. The lamb and beef meats come from cows and sheep that feed on grass, making them organic as well. Whether you come with your family or alone, there will always be a table for you at this restaurant. All dishes are paired with the best and most suitable wine. Customer service is great and the staff finds ways to accommodate everyone who comes to have a taste of everything that the restaurant offers.

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Address: 738 Main St Saint Helena, CA 94574

Website: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

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3. Grab a slice of pizza at Pizzeria Tra Vigne

Vines over Pizzeria Tra Vigne awning
Source: Photo by Flickr user WineCountry Media used under CC BY 2.0

Have a wonderful family bonding at Pizzeria Tra Vigne by sharing plates of thin-crust sourdough with generous toppings. This pizzeria serves sandwiches, pasta, salads, small plates, and an array of beverages to go with your meals. Have a seat at the patio and feast your eyes on the beautiful surroundings as you enjoy the tasty food. The pizzeria also serves spaghetti, chicken dishes, fries, several kinds of salads, seafood, soup, and dessert. During the summer season, customers prefer to sit on the patio where a cool breeze whets one’s appetite.

Pizzeria Tra Vigne

Address: 1016 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Website: Pizzeria Tra Vigne

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm

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4. Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum


Visit the museum of Robert Louis Stevenson, author of several poems and children’s books. The museum is found in a single room at St. Helena’s Public Library and it contains rare and interesting collections of the original copies and manuscripts of some of Stevenson’s works that include the Treasure Island and Dr. Jekkyl and Mr. Hyde, all of which are considered classics. Around 9,000 items are displayed in this museum. You can find letters that Stevenson wrote when he was still a child, his toys, and a desk where he wrote most of his manuscripts. Today, a tour of Napa Valley always includes a visit to this museum.

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

Address:1490 Library Lane St. Helena, CA 94574

Website: Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

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5. Shop for fresh produce at St. Helena Farmers' Market


Buying their one-week supply of groceries and fresh products at the Farmers’ Market has become a habit for the residents of St. Helena. For tourists, the market is not only a place where they can buy fresh fruits and vegetables but also one where they can experience the culture of St. Helena. One can watch a chef’s demo at the chef’s table in the market. Aside from fresh items, the market sells beautiful jewelry and other crafts that one can bring home as a souvenir or as a gift, such as tote bags, clothes, and accessories.

St. Helena Farmers' Market

Address: 360 Crane Ave, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Website: St. Helena Farmers’ Market

Opening hours: Fri: 7am - 12pm (closed from Sat - Thu)

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6. Explore Crane Park with your kids

Unknown photographer; captured from the field between the SHHS Baseball Fields and the SH Primary School! This field is reserved by the Recreation Department and will be open to the public and free of charge!

Posted by St. Helena Parks & Recreation on Wednesday, 13 June 2018

Have fun with your kids at Crane Park where there are baseball fields, lawn tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and a sand volleyball court. The park is known for its bocce ball program where youngsters learn how to play the game. Games can extend to night time because the courts are lighted. There is a playground where children run and play as much as they want. Families can spend the day at the park because there are picnic areas and restrooms. Crane Park is also home to St. Helena Farmers’ Market every Friday and the venue for the Fourth of July celebrations and other events. Day camps are also held in this park.

Crane Park

Address: 360 Crane Avenue St. Helena, CA 94574

Website: Crane Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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7. Discover the best local coffee at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company

Happy Monday! Have you tried our Oat milk substitute? We also offer Soy, Almond, Coconut and Hemp.

Posted by Napa Valley Coffee on Monday, 29 April 2019

If you are visiting St. Helena for the first time, make it a point to grab a quick snack at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company. Enjoy the unique taste and aroma of the freshly roasted and brewed local coffee for which the place is known. A cup of steaming hot coffee and some snacks will keep you energized and warm on cold days. Try the espresso with cinnamon sugar and you will be amazed by the wonderful blend. There is free wireless internet and if you have your pet with you, you can sit outside. There are baked goods, bagels, soup, and some delicious meals to appease your hunger.

Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company

Address: 1400 Oak Ave St Helena, CA 94574

Website: Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

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8. Get pampered at the Health Spa Napa Valley

The sun is shining☀️, the wisterias are blooming ?, and all that’s missing is you! Tag us in your next picture lounging...

Posted by Health Spa Napa Valley on Tuesday, 23 April 2019

Pamper yourself with a day of relaxation at the Health Spa Napa Valley. This spa has everything that you need to keep fit and healthy. It has a hot tub outdoor where you can soak to relieve your muscles of tension. The heated lap pool is luxurious and you can do your laps whenever you want. If you have a cold with nasal congestion or if you feel stressed, try the eucalyptus steam room in the spa. You will surely feel better after the session. Shed your extra pounds by working out at the fitness center that is equipped with modern equipment, to keep your muscles well-toned. If you feel hungry after your swim, the spa serves food and beverages by the pool.

Health Spa Napa Valley

Address: 1030 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Website: Health Spa Napa Valley

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5:30am - 8:30pm; Sat & Sun: 6:45am - 8:30pm

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9. Enjoy a picnic at Wappo Park

Recognize the historic Pope Street Bridge? The Vine Trail will cross Pope Street closer to town, and feed into the Wappo...

Posted by Napa Valley Vine Trail on Saturday, 20 April 2013

Is the weather in St. Helena too fine to remain indoors? Why not pack a picnic basket and bring your kids to Wappo Park for a fun-filled day? You can even bring your pet dog with you. This park is located along the Napa River and it has some beautiful views. Picnic tables are strategically placed for families and small groups that come to relax and have fun. Children will have plenty of space to run around and play their favorite ball games. There are trails that are ideal for walking and jogging. Hidden behind Wappo is a dog park where you and your pet can make new friends. A few pet owners regularly come to the park to give their dogs a chance to exercise. This part of Wappo Park is like a hidden gem for dog owners in the area.

Wappo Park

Address: 201 Pope Street ST. Helena, CA 94574

Website: Wappo Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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10. Buy handcrafted beeswax at Hurd Beeswax Candles

Hurd Beeswax Candles - Napa Valley

Posted by Yvonne Lerch on Friday, 13 December 2013

Have you ever wondered how beeswax candles are made? Visit Hurd Beeswax Candles for handcrafted items during your stay in St. Helena. This city is famous for its handcrafted beeswax candles, which have been made by Hurd Beeswax Candles since 1954. The candles were first shaped like honeycombs but later, several designs were made. All candles were made by hand, making each of them unique. You can buy one and experience its extraordinary effects. For example, the candles emit a relaxing scent. They also cleanse the air of toxins that can be harmful to your health. Because of its high melting point, one candlestick can last three to five times longer than ordinary candles. Take home some for yourself and as gifts to your friends back home.

Hurd Beeswax Candles

Address: 345 Lafata St # C, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

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11. Visit Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Posted by Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park on Wednesday, 2 December 2015

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is home to the last surviving and largest water-powered mill in North America. It was built in 1846, a 36-ft (10-meter) wonder for the pioneers who settled in the area during that time. Because of its height, an elevator was needed to move the grains from the foot of the mill to the top where it was made ready for grinding. Every harvest season, the mill served as a gathering place for farmers who come to have their corn and wheat grain milled into flour. If you want to see the mill actually grinding grains, you can join a tour on weekends. However, even it is standing idle, it is still an awesome sight. Several interesting events are held in the park every year to commemorate the good old days. In May, you can enjoy a pancake breakfast, Harvest Dinner in September, Old Mill Days in October, and the Pioneer Christmas in December. There are picnic areas and hiking trails that can lead you to some natural wonders.

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Address: 3369 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Website: Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Opening hours: Sat & Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

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12. View original works of art at Christopher Hill Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


If you are an art enthusiast, complete your visit to St. Helena by viewing lovely art pieces at the Christopher Hill Gallery. Christopher Hill has been an ardent fan of artworks since he was young. When he went to stay in Austria as an exchange student, he preferred to browse over works of art in the galleries there. When he returned to St. Helena, he opened his own gallery and displayed modern, original artworks. Among the exhibits are the works of regional, national, and international acclaim.

Christopher Hill Gallery

Address: 1235 Main Street, Saint Helena, CA 94574

Website: Christopher Hill Gallery

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13. Cycle around the town with St. Helena Cyclery

Posted by St Helena Cyclery on Tuesday, 25 September 2018

If you want to see the wineries or see the other interesting parts of St. Helena, cycling around will be a great option. There are lots of biking trails in St. Helena that will lead you to lovely sceneries and the beautiful places tucked in the valley. Find the best rental bike at the St. Helena Cyclery, a one-stop-shop for cycling enthusiasts. Professional shop assistants will help you choose the best bike to rent and provide you with information as to which trails to take. The shop also sells and repairs all kinds of bicycles. Rent a bike and have an enjoyable ride around St. Helena.

St. Helena Cyclery

Address: 1156 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Website: St. Helena Cyclery

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

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14. Taste the finest chocolates at Woodhouse Chocolate

Mediants | Chocolate, fruit, and nuts. It’s called balance.

Posted by Woodhouse Chocolate on Thursday, 20 June 2019

Are you visiting St. Helena? Grab the chance to experience the heavenly taste of chocolates at Woodhouse Chocolate, a world-famous maker of this popular confectionery. Among its celebrity customers are Steven Spielberg, Priscilla Presley, and Madonna. The chocolates come in various flavors, shapes, and sizes. You can grab a box of assorted goodies to eat while you travel or to bring home as a gift. Savor the treat as the chocolate melts in your mouth and releases delightful flavors that you will never forget even after you leave St. Helena.

Woodhouse Chocolate

Address: 1367 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Website: Woodhouse Chocolate

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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15. Grab your favorite comfort food at Gott's Roadside

Corn season is here! ? Our take on Mexican Street Corn is the perfect accompaniment to whatever you're craving!

Posted by Gott's Roadside - St. Helena on Monday, 17 June 2019

Grab your favorite comfort food at Gott’s Roadside where you can find the best burgers and tacos in Napa Valley. If you are touring with some friends around St. Helena, stop by this diner to give them an unforgettable taste of the popular comfort foods that the restaurant serves.

Gott's Roadside

Address: 933 Main St. (Highway 29) St. Helena, CA 94574

Website: Gott’s Roadside

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

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16. Buy handmade and eco-friendly soaps at Napa Soap Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


If you visit St. Helena, make sure you buy the handmade and eco-friendly soaps and other skincare products at Napa Soap Company. All the products that this company makes contain natural ingredients that can be found in Napa Valley. One ingredient that is present in all soaps and other products is a natural oil that comes from grapeseed, which is a byproduct of wine-making. Other oils are the vegetable oil from the plants in the area and the palm oil, which is purchased from reliable suppliers. All packaging is eco-friendly as well.

Napa Soap Company

Address: 655 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Website: Napa Soap Company

Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)

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Lots to do in St. Helena, California

St. Helena Commercial Historic District
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sanfranman59 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are visiting St. Helena, California, you will never be short of something to do. There are wineries to visit where you can taste all kinds of wine for free; museums and galleries, parks, and other places of interest. St. Helena is also home to the best chocolates in the world, restaurants, and shops that sell novelty items that you can bring home as gifts. Whether you stay for a few days or a few weeks, you will always find great things to do in St. Helena, California.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Leonora Puno, a passionate writer and traveler, is drawn to destinations abundant in natural beauty. Having explored numerous parts of the Philippines that showcase the wonders of nature, she...Read more

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