Napa Valley is home to some of the best wine grapes in the region, maybe even the country, and thousands of tourists visit local wineries every day. In addition the wine industry, there are many great choices when it comes to restaurants and shops, all of which make the area a very popular vacation destination. Your visit should also include a stop at one of the local golf courses.

As you enter the Napa Valley region from the South, you will pass two local courses adjacent to each other, Eagle Vines and Chardonnay. Both of these courses provide the ultimate Napa Valley experience with an enjoyable round amongst producing vineyards and a natural habitat which includes abundant wildlife and absolutely no houses. Be sure to bring your camera.

Another couple miles North, in the city of Napa proper, you’ll come to the local muni at Kennedy Park. It’s everything you would expect from a municipal golf course including very reasonable rates. The par 72 course offers four tee boxes depending on how adventurous you are that day with total yardage from 6,704 to 5,690. Napa Golf Course is Audubon International certified as an eco-friendly course which protects wildlife and natural resources, and again with no houses.

There are two private country clubs in Napa, Silverado Country Club and Napa Valley Country Club. Because Silverado is also a resort you can book a “stay and play” package which will allow you access to the two courses. The PGA tour just recently returned to Silverado after an overhaul led by Johnny Miller and the facility is once again world class. Napa Valley Country Club offers spectacular valley views but is private though reciprocal privileges may be arranged.

The Napa Valley is also home to a lesser known resort, Meadowood, which offers a walkable 9 hole golf course, in addition to croquet, tennis, swimming and hiking. The course has recently reopened after extensive renovation. You are invited to walk the course, with or without a pull cart, as there are no motorized carts here. Meadowood is accessible to members and resort guests only.

Just a few miles North of Napa in the town of Yountville is another 9 hole course, Vintner’s Golf Club, which is not to be missed. The course is known to locals for having well manicured greens and reasonably quick rounds. This is a great walking course, though power carts are available. Be sure to stop at the onsite restaurant after your round for a bite out on the patio overlooking the first hole. You will be very pleasantly surprised as they offer much better than the typical golf course food.

A trip to the Napa Valley would not be complete without a stop at any one of the area golf courses. Discounted tee times and rates are generally available online for most of the facilities. Some holes are deceptively challenging so be sure to pack some extra balls.