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Oxbow Commons: Napa's Riverfront Gathering Place

4.6 (134)

A vibrant riverfront park in downtown Napa, offering community events, scenic trails, and a taste of local culture, adjacent to the bustling Oxbow Public Market.

Oxbow Commons is a 4.5-acre park in downtown Napa that serves as both a functional flood bypass and a vibrant public space. It features an amphitheater, walking trails, and open green spaces, making it a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. The park is adjacent to the Oxbow Public Market and offers scenic views of the Napa River.

A brief summary to Oxbow Commons

  • Monday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 6:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 6:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the City of Napa's event calendar for concerts, festivals, and other community gatherings happening at the Oxbow Commons amphitheater.
  • Grab a bite to eat at the adjacent Oxbow Public Market and enjoy a picnic in the park's open green spaces.
  • Stroll along the Napa Riverfront Promenade for scenic views and access to the Napa River Trail.
  • Visit during Earth Day Napa in April for a free community festival with educational activities, live music, and local food.
  • Park in the public lot on the corner of West and Pearl Street for easy access to Oxbow Commons events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Napa (e.g., Main Street), walk north towards 1st Street. Cross the 1st Street Bridge over the Napa River. Continue past the Oxbow Public Market on your left. Oxbow Commons is located directly behind the market, accessible via McKinstry Street or the pathway along the riverfront. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Soscol Gateway Transit Center is the main public transportation hub in Napa, about a 15-20 minute walk from Oxbow Commons. From the Transit Center, walk north on Soscol Avenue, then turn right onto 1st Street. Cross the 1st Street Bridge and continue as described in the 'Walking' directions. Alternatively, from the transit center, you can take The Vine Route 11 bus towards Redwood Plaza and get off at the 1st Street and Soscol Avenue stop, which will shorten the walk. A single ride on The Vine costs $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Napa, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Oxbow Commons is readily available. Simply provide '1268 McKinstry Street, Napa' as the destination. The ride will typically take 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a ride-share or taxi from most downtown locations.

  • Driving

    When driving to Oxbow Commons, navigate towards downtown Napa. From Highway 29, exit onto First Street and follow signs for downtown. Turn onto McKinstry Street. Limited street parking is available, but the public parking lot at the corner of West Street and Pearl Street is a good option. Parking fees in this lot typically range from $1-2 per hour. During special events at the Oxbow River Stage (adjacent to the Commons), event parking may be available at 1200 Juarez St, Napa, CA 94559 (General Admission Parking) or 1100 West St., Napa, CA 94559 (VIP Parking). Advance online purchase for event parking is $25.00 (GA) or $60.00 (VIP), increasing to $30.00 (GA) or $65.00 (VIP) on the day of the event.

Discover more about Oxbow Commons

Oxbow Commons, located in the heart of downtown Napa, is more than just a park; it's a testament to the city's innovative approach to flood control and community development. This 4.5-acre park, situated along the scenic Napa River, serves as both a functional flood bypass and a vibrant public space, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. The park's history is intertwined with the Napa River Flood Control Project, a comprehensive initiative launched in the mid-1990s to address the persistent flooding issues that plagued downtown Napa. The Oxbow bypass, a key component of this project, was designed as a wet/dry channel that would be inundated with high flows of the Napa River during the winter months, effectively reducing the risk of flooding in the city center. Designated as Oxbow Commons in 2000, the park's design began in 2010, with plans approved in 2013 and construction completed in 2015. Today, Oxbow Commons stands as a shining example of how infrastructure can be seamlessly integrated with public space. The park features a variety of amenities, including a spacious amphitheater that hosts concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year. Walking trails meander through the park, offering stunning views of the Napa River and the surrounding landscape. Open green spaces provide ample room for picnics, games, and relaxation, making it a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenade, taking in the sights and sounds of the water. The park also provides access to the Napa River Trail, a six-mile continuous bicycle and pedestrian path that stretches from Kennedy Park to Trancas Street, offering a scenic route for exploring the city. Oxbow Commons is also conveniently located adjacent to the Oxbow Public Market, a bustling marketplace featuring a variety of artisanal food vendors, restaurants, and shops.

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