About 8000 years ago, native Koliholmanok people recognized this as a fine place for a picnic – and so it remains year-round at Bothe-Napa (napaoutdoors.org/parks; per car $10), fantastic year-round with redwoods for shade in summer, wild orchids in spring, bright leaves in fall and soft moss carpets in winter. Past the park entrance and near the Native American plant garden, you'll find trailheads for the Redwood Trail (1.5 miles one-way) and Ritchey Trail (4 miles one-way), passing the ruined 1880s homestead of firefighting philanthropist Lillie Hancock Coit.
Near Bothe-Napa's Ritchie Creek campground and day-use picnic area, there's an outdoor pool from an old 1930s resort that opens in summer.
