If you’re seeking an escape from the bustling Napa Valley but still want to enjoy its renowned wineries, Calistoga is the ideal destination.
You’ll feel right at home in this Northern Napa enclave, where Main Street transports you back in time. It’s a sleepy and charming town with plenty of shopping, dining options, and world-class wineries all within walking distance.
Flights
If you’re planning to fly into Calistoga, make sure you research the flights available and book them well in advance. Airline ticket prices can fluctuate based on when and how often the flight leaves, so it’s best to book as soon as possible for the best deals.
Hotwire can help you find flights to Calistoga at great prices so that you can save money on your trip. Our selection of airline options allows you to select the one that best fits your budget and travel preferences.
Calistoga offers the perfect getaway, whether you’re searching for a tranquil country escape or an exhilarating wine-fueled adventure. No matter what kind of vacation you’re after – whether an active country getaway or a relaxing wine-tasting experience – there is plenty to see and do while here, so make sure to plan your itinerary carefully!
Calistoga is one of the region’s top tourist attractions. It offers visitors plenty to do, such as numerous restaurants, shopping options, and wineries. Calistoga makes for a great weekend or vacation stopover if you’re exploring Napa Valley on vacation; it’s also an ideal starting point.
Although there are a few roads connecting Napa and Calistoga, you’ll need a vehicle to explore the vineyards and towns along the way. You can rent a car from several companies in the region or arrange transportation with a local tour company for self-guided wine country exploration.
Old Faithful Geyser
Most people associate “Old Faithful” with Yellowstone National Park, but there’s another Old Faithful just north of Napa Valley spa town in Calistoga, California. This geyser erupts every 30 minutes or so – an unforgettable sight!
Calistoga’s natural phenomenon is one of the best activities to enjoy year-round! There are also several other activities nearby like a small animal farm with goats, sheep, and llamas for you to explore.
This family-friendly attraction also boasts a museum, gift shop, and picnic areas with tables and lounges. The museum provides insight into how geysers work as well as some local history.
Visitors to this site can enjoy playing bocce ball on the courts and taking in the sights and scents of the gardens. A visit here makes for a perfect half-day activity when staying in Napa Valley.
Tours of the geyser are available, with admission prices varying according to season. If you plan on visiting more than once, consider booking a package – an economical way to maximize your trip and get the most out of your stay in Calistoga.
Petrified Forest
If you’re visiting Calistoga, don’t miss the Petrified Forest! It’s an unparalleled travel destination that cannot be replicated elsewhere on earth.
Petrified wood can be seen throughout the forest due to a volcano eruption millions of years ago. When volcanic ash and mud covered the wood, minerals in the water reacted with them and transformed it into vibrant quartz crystals.
These colors come from various minerals, such as iron (ferric oxysalts), copper, zinc and uranium. Together these elements create an array of hues in petrified wood which will perfectly match your room’s color palette.
Discover more about this remarkable natural phenomenon by visiting the Petrified Forest Museum. This small museum will inform you about the area’s history and how petrified wood was formed.
If you want to explore further in the Petrified Forest, take a short hike. The Long Logs and Agate House Trail is an easy trail that will show off some of the park’s most colorful petrified wood pieces.
This park offers some stunning scenery and one-of-a kind petrified wood pieces! Just be sure to leave them there – there are strict laws against taking any of them home with you!
Hot Springs
Calistoga is a wellness haven renowned for its geothermal hot springs and mineral pools, discovered when the area’s original inhabitants called it coo-lay-no-maock (or the oven place). These mineral water sources have been said to have therapeutic benefits that include deep muscle relaxation, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, and skin conditions like psoriasis.
Hotels and resorts in the area offer hot springs for soaking. Some require an overnight stay, while others are open during daytime hours. Many also provide spa treatments and massages to complete your hot spring experience.
UpValley Inn & Hot Springs is one of the best spots to relax. With retro-style rooms and a vintage lodge filled with charm, this resort has three hot spring fed pools complete with cabanas and lounge chairs for added relaxation.
This charming resort is conveniently situated close to downtown Calistoga, making it a short walk away from restaurants and attractions. The rooms are clean, well-run, and an excellent value at around $199 a night.
The property also provides luxurious mud baths that incorporate local volcanic ash to relax and detoxify. The mud helps smooth and soften skin while peat moss provides buoyancy so the mineral water’s relaxing heat can penetrate more deeply into you.
Indian Springs Calistoga is another ideal option for a luxurious vacation, boasting both its full spa and Olympic-sized mineral pool. On its 17 acres of grounds, you’ll find palm tree-lined paths leading into lush gardens and olive groves.
Shopping
Calistoga, California is a charming small town situated in the northern Napa Valley. Its main street has 100-year-old buildings and still exudes an atmosphere of genuine people living and working there.
Calistoga boasts an array of shops, from wine stores and bookstores to art galleries and clothing boutiques. No matter what you’re searching for, Calistoga has it all!
Rove Boutique (1371 Lincoln Ave.) and West of Poppy (1365 Lincoln Ave.) are sister-owned shops that sell an array of cute merchandise, from flowy maxi dresses to unique earrings. Both locations have become a go-to spot for locals as well as visitors looking for some retail therapy after a day of wine tasting.
Funke’s department store is another popular stop for women, offering everything from designer shirts to clothing perfect for traveling. They carry an extensive selection of both men’s and women’s brands, plus their staff is friendly and helpful.
The Calistoga Farmers Market is a year-round market that offers top quality produce at unbeatable prices. Situated near the Calistoga Museum, this well-run event has an attractive parking lot for shoppers to explore and is well-organized.
Ca’toga Galleria D’Arte is an exquisite gallery that displays the works of world-renowned artist Carlo Marchiori. With two locations – one on Main Street and another at Villa Ca’toga – its art is breathtaking, while its atmosphere is delightful.
Dining
Calistoga offers so many amazing activities, but one of our favorites is taking time out to savor the local food and drinks. With plenty of wineries and restaurants nearby, you can sample everything from gourmet cuisine to comforting comfort dishes.
Sam’s Social Club at Indian Springs Resort offers outdoor dining with stunning views of the vineyards around it. For brunch or dinner with outdoor dining, sit under a large clear tent or cozy up around a bonfire while sipping on some sangria and indulging in American-style treats like better-than-it-should-be breakfast pizza or grilled avocado toast served on seeded bread.
For a more refined dining experience, head over to Evangeline Napa – part of the Solage Resorts Collection (part of Auberge Resorts Collection). With an eclectic menu featuring everything from burgers to foie gras, a plush contemporary dining room, and an inviting outdoor patio, this restaurant is a must-try while in Calistoga.
While in town, make sure to visit some of Napa Valley’s breweries such as Napa Valley Brewing Company inside Calistoga Inn. This brewery features an outdoor area perfect for all seasons – just make sure you book ahead! Their menu offers a wide variety of beers including American wheat ales, Palisades pilsners, and West Coast IPAs.
Leave a Reply