Oxbow Preserve, Napa Travel Guide

Discover a serene natural escape in the heart of Napa at Oxbow Preserve, offering trails, birdwatching, and a peaceful connection with the Napa River.

Home
Travel Guides
California
Napa
Oxbow Preserve

Oxbow Preserve is a 12.7-acre park located on McKenzie Drive in Napa, California, offering a serene escape into nature. Managed by the City of Napa, this restored riparian habitat features walking trails, diverse ecosystems, and a peaceful connection with the Napa River, making it a refreshing break from the urban environment.

A brief summary to Oxbow Preserve

McKenzie Dr, Napa, California, 94559, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Oxbow Preserve.

Download the self-guided tour online to enhance your understanding of the preserve's ecosystem.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on both paved and dirt trails.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours - Napa

Skyline Wilderness Park

Walking Tour Of Napa

China Point Overlook

Napa Valley Gondola

Explore Oxbow Preserve on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Oxbow Preserve, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Oxbow Public Market, walk east on First Street, then turn left onto Soscol Avenue. Continue onto McKinstry Street, then turn right onto 5th street. Turn left onto Coombs street and then turn right onto Mckenzie Drive. The Oxbow Preserve will be on your left. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.
Public Transport

Take the Vine Transit Route 11 towards Soscol Gateway Transit Center. From the Soscol Gateway Transit Center, walk north on Soscol Avenue, turn left onto 3rd street, turn right onto Coombs street and then turn left onto Mckenzie Drive. The Oxbow Preserve will be on your left. A single ride fare is $1.75.
Taxi/Ride-share

From downtown Napa, a taxi or ride-share to Oxbow Preserve will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on the time of day and demand.

Discover more about Oxbow Preserve

Oxbow Preserve, a hidden gem in the heart of Napa, provides a tranquil escape into nature. This 12.7-acre park, managed by the City of Napa, is nestled in a bend of the Napa River, a short distance from downtown and the Oxbow Public Market. The preserve stands as a testament to urban revitalization, transforming a once-neglected area into a thriving riparian habitat that provides sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors.Originally acquired in March 2004, Oxbow Preserve has undergone significant restoration to create a thriving ecosystem. Non-native vegetation has been replaced with native species, and the hydraulic functioning of the site has been improved by widening and deepening the connection between the Napa River and a freshwater wetland. This has resulted in a diverse landscape that supports a variety of plant and animal life.The preserve features several distinct character zones, each reflecting the unique conditions of its area. The upper floodplain terrace showcases an oak savannah with native shrubs and perennial grasslands. The river edge defines the eastern and western boundaries. The trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore these diverse habitats. A quarter-mile paved loop circles the main area, dotted with large oak trees and an open grassy space. Two paths extend southward, leading to the preserve's more secluded trails, offering stunning views of the Napa River.Oxbow Preserve is not only a place for recreation but also an educational resource. Visitors can reconnect with nature, learn about the local ecosystem, and find a moment of peace in the heart of Napa Valley. Dogs are welcome on leashes. Bicycles are not allowed to protect the sensitive habitats and ensure a peaceful experience for all visitors.