By Franki Hanke and Paula Bennett

Finding a good vacation rental is essential to enjoying your wine country vacation. Choose wrong and you’ll be spending more time commuting to and from points of interest than enjoying them! 

Instead, trust in recommendations from California local and Finer Things founder, Paula. These stays prioritize prime locations within a realistic budget for Napa Valley. 

“Fact is, staying in Napa Valley–if you want a nice house–is expensive. That’s the reality.” 

Underpaying might feel nice when booking but results in an uncomfortable and underwhelming trip. Our favorite vacation home rentals in Napa Valley are worth the price tag for a getaway you’ll remember fondly. 

Where should I stay in Napa Valley?

Located outside of San Francisco, Napa Valley encompasses 43 thousand acres of California wine country. Some people, understandably so, confuse Napa Valley with the town of Napa itself, but there’s much more to the valley than merely Napa township. Napa Valley includes Napa itself, St. Helena, Calistoga, Yountville, Rutherford, and several smaller cities. However, for your best vacation, we recommend lodging in Calistoga, St. Helena, or downtown Napa. 

If you’re extra confused, also remember that Sonoma Valley (within Sonoma County) is separate from Napa Valley though they are both well-known for their vineyards. 

We think there’s a certain bare minimum for a comfortable, enjoyable stay. As such, all our favorite vacation home rentals in Napa Valley include expected amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning. 

Calistoga

The northern-most town of Napa Valley, Calistoga has a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere. There’s an abundance of natural springs that make it a cluster for spas though you’ll still find the same quality and quantity of local wineries and fine dining. 

For a Group

Designed for outdoor living, this expansive country home offers ample space for a large group while providing privacy for everyone. There’s a whole host of activities to entertain anyone. Try a game of pickleball on one of two courts, challenge your family to volleyball, or throw a game of bocce. When it’s time to wind down, find an outdoor firepit, luxurious kitchen, and property-wide sound system. Pop a bottle, play your favorite album, and host a dinner with vineyard views. 

Details at a Glance

Accommodations: Two Private King, Four Private Queen, and Three Additional Shared Spaces (a bunk room with four singles, a guest room with two singles and a queen, and a yurt with four singles) 

Fun Features: Pool, Two Pickleball Courts, Volleyball Court, Bocce Ball Court, Gym

Location: 1.5 Miles to Calistoga

Reviews Say

“We absolutely loved our stay here. It was, indeed, a fantastic family getaway, fully represented by the site. It easily housed our extended clan of 17, ages 5 – 75 years old. The full package of accommodations was outstanding – elegant and full service. We ate gourmet meals, roasted s’mores by the fireside, and fully enjoyed the pool, tennis court, game room, bocce court, large trampoline, and beach volleyball court. This property makes you feel both totally at home, and completely far away in a wonderfully pampered way.”

Book this stay on Vrbo for $3,395 per night. 

For a Couple (or Two)

Built for true escapes into Napa Valley, this two-couple guest house has a 30-night minimum. It’s a comfortable place to stay for a month with spacious, private bedrooms and views over the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards outside. 

Ample outdoor activities include bocce ball, soaking and swimming alike, and chess in a garden life-sized set. With a long stay, you have time to explore all the iconic activities from the Napa Valley wine train, a hot air balloon ride, and a few different wine tours without sacrificing some easy, laid-back nights at a gorgeous house rental. 

Details at a Glance

Accommodations: Two King Beds

Fun Features: Bocce Court, Hot Tub, Infinity Pool, Giant Chess in garden

Location: Short Drive to downtown Calistoga

Reviews Say

“We have been using VRBO for years and this was our favorite property of all time. The guest house is perfect for two couples. The views were so spectacular that we chose to eat at the house on several evenings taking meals and wine on the deck overlooking the vineyards and valley. The hot tub and bocci ball court also got used several times. We will be going back here and you should too if you are lucky enough to find it available on the days you wish to visit.” 

Book this stay on Vrbo for $850 per night. 

St. Helena 

The most popular destination within the wider Napa Valley, St. Helena is where to stay if you’re unsure where to pick. From an idyllic Main Street and Michelin-starred dining to outdoor exploration and winery vineyards, St. Helena provides the full Napa Valley experience. 

For a Group

With four separate bedrooms across 5,500 square feet, this St. Helena estate sleeps a whole party alongside Beringer Vineyards. The size is paired with a great location close to downtown. 

After browsing St. Helena’s art galleries, return back to enjoy the guest house. Burn off excess energy in a game room, pool, or bocce court. Cook for yourself in a chef’s kitchen or an alfresco grill for cool, evening dining.

It’s the perfect spot whether you’re hoping to maximize your access to town or enjoy more easy moments in a home away from home. 

Details at a Glance

Accommodations: Three King & One Queen Beds 

Fun Features: Pool, Bocce Court, Billiards Room

Location: Walking Distance to St. Helena

Reviews Say

“The house actually looks better in person than online if you can believe it! We had a wonderful stay and cannot wait to come back. I will recommend this house to all my friends visiting wine country.”

Book this stay on Vrbo for $3,229 per night. 

For a Couple (or Two) 

With two suites at either end of a central great room, this upscale farmhouse is perfect for two couples to vacation together. The space is gorgeously decorated with an elevated, rustic aesthetic reminiscent of the vineyards surrounding it. The space balances privacy for two within space for four. 

All that space overlooks vineyards and mountains alike with easy driving access to several neighboring wineries and a short drive into St. Helena proper. 

Details at a Glance

Accommodations: Two Queen Beds

Fun Features: Commercial Kitchen, Outdoor Wood-Burning Fireplace, Pool

Location: Short Drive to St. Helena; Close to Vineyards

Reviews Say

“A perfect, I mean absolutely perfect, spot for one or two couples who love the best of the best wineries (that are literally minutes away) and also want to escape and spend time together cooking in a super-equipped pro kitchen, kicking back in a hot tub or simply absorbing the natural privacy while listening to Sonos. Unique. Beautifully decorated. You feel the love and care.”

Book this stay on Vrbo for $2,000 per night. 

If you’re daydreaming of St. Helena but not there yet, bake yourself a taste of it with our recipe for Model Bakery’s iconic Chocolate RADs.

Napa

The largest town in Napa County, Napa has the most urban feel within Napa Valley locales. Find nightlife alongside tasting rooms. Outside the city limits, explore numerous golf courses and water activities, like kayaking, along the Napa River. 

For a Group

In an updated, modern style, this luxury home comfortably sleeps a large group with five separate bedrooms. Walking distance to Napa’s Oxbow Public Market puts this spot squarely within the downtown of Napa. Find easy access to all of the city’s offerings–once you pull away from the private patio.

While the property is gorgeous and well-equipped, this property is especially accessible to all the sights outside of the rental home itself. Hike the Silverado Trail, attend wine tastings at numerous vineyards, and shop downtown Napa without wasting time in a car. 

Details at a Glance

Accommodations: Four Queen and Two Single Beds

Fun Features: Hot Tub, Bocce Court, Tesla Charger

Location: Walking Distance to Oxbow Public Market (in Napa)

Reviews Say

“Our stay at this rental property was nothing shy of fabulous. From the interior decor and layout to the backyard area everything was above par. I traveled with a group of women and we all had a great time! Any time spent at the rental property was spent surrounding the fireplace with a glass of wine in hand. Most of the wineries and restaurants we visited were a short drive away, which was a huge hit. I’d recommend this property to anyone who is visiting Napa.”

Book this stay on Vrbo for $1,100 per night. 

For a Couple (or Two) 

Located right in downtown Napa, this Spanish-style bungalow is charming, yet luxurious with stunning chandeliers, a marble kitchen, and a large bathtub. Fully remodeled a few years prior, the kitchen is well-equipped for cooking though all of Napa’s restaurants are within easy reach. Popular wineries are within a short drive outside of town. 

Details at a Glance

Accommodations: One King and One Queen Bed

Fun Features: Hot Tub

Location: Walking Distance to Oxbow Public Market (in Napa)

Reviews Say

“We really enjoyed our stay at La Casita – a very charming house within walking distance of downtown Napa. It was lovely to be able to walk to restaurants. The house is beautifully equipped with a beautiful kitchen, comfortable living room, and two nice bedrooms. We’ll definitely be back!”

Book this stay on Vrbo for $1,047 per night. 

Wherever you stay, you’ll be in reach of the iconic wineries of the Napa Valley from one of our favorite vacation home rentals in Napa Valley. To pick your first stop, read our round-up of our favorites. 

All photos of our favorite vacation home rentals in Napa Valley we used belong to the respective Napa Valley vacation rentals. The above content may contain affiliate links. Finer Things earns from qualifying purchases. When you click and shop, we receive a small commission to support our writers.