If you’re searching for things to do in Calistoga California, then you probably already know. As in, you probably already know Calistoga is a bit of a hidden gem among the Napa Valley towns.
Yes, like the rest of Napa Valley, Calistoga caters to wine tourism and has 5-star hotels; however, it is slower-paced and more laid back than towns to the south. Perhaps that’s due to its hot springs that have long drawn wellness lovers or its somewhat remote location at the northernmost point of Napa Valley.
Or maybe it’s because it’s miles closer to Santa Rosa and chill Sonoma Valley than Napa town. The small town is an escape from the chaos of Napa proper and has unique things to do in Calistoga, like enjoying hot springs, shopping in one of the state’s oldest train terminals, and seeing the Old Faithful Geyser.
As a food and wine expert who lived in the Bay Area for ten years and regularly worked in California wine country, I have been going to Napa Valley a few times a year for over 20 years. Suffice it to say my knowledge runs deep, especially in Calistoga. That’s partly because, when I curate custom California wine country itineraries for our clients, they often choose quieter spots like Calistoga, Glen Ellen, and Guerneville over Napa or Santa Rosa.
More Than 15 Things To Do In Calistoga California
Calistoga’s unique volcanic soil and geothermal hot springs, combined with its world-famous spas, make it an exceptional place for wine production and relaxation.
This guide explores the top 16 things to do in Calistoga, California, highlighting our clients’ favorite activities, such as wine tasting, shopping at local boutiques, and outdoor adventures, that will allow you to connect authentically to this vibrant small-town community.
Eat Local
Calistoga’s dining scene includes casual eateries, comfort food spots, and creative farm-to-table restaurants. I like that the various spots in town offer a mix of laid-back classics and modern creativity.
There are quite a few coffee shops, but I’d suggest you start your day at Sam’s General Store, known for its artisanal pastries and locally roasted coffee. Or, for a classic diner experience, Cafe Sarafornia serves comfort food with a Napa twist.
For something healthy and fresh, I’m partial to Nova Terra Plant-Based Kitchen & Creamery, which has a plant-based menu even non-vegans will love. Meanwhile, Lovina is a locally owned favorite that offers a cozy atmosphere, a menu emphasizing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and some creative cocktails. Or head to Solbar for a refined farm-to-table experience and to get a peek at the beautiful Auberge resort.
Shop the Weekly Calistoga Farmers Market
One of the top things to do in Calistoga California is to dive into the local food scene. You can do that every Saturday morning at the Calistoga Farmers Market, where local farmers and artisans showcase the best of Napa Valley’s produce. This year-round farmers market takes place in downtown Calistoga and is a sort of cheatsheet to exploring all things local food.
Look for Rojas Family Farms for seasonal fruits and vegetables, Boddum Flowers for fresh-cut local flowers, some locally-made cheeses from Achandina, or fresh-baked gluten-free pastries from Fi & Me Baking.
FYI, if you want provisions for an impromptu picnic or hike, my top recommendations would be Sam’s General Store, Calistoga Depot Provisions, or the local grocery store (stocked with all kinds of local cheese and treats), Cal Mart.
Shop Local Boutiques
Calistoga’s downtown has charming local boutiques perfect for a leisurely shopping day. While some of the boutiques in other Napa Valley towns cater to tourists, here you’ll find a mix of small-town stores and boutiques with great souvenirs.
Don’t miss Calistoga Pottery, where you can find handcrafted ceramics by local artisans that reflect the earthy tones and natural beauty of Napa Valley. Meanwhile, Cooperfield’s Books is a book lover’s haven, offering a carefully curated selection of books, including local authors and wine-related literature.
For unique gifts and home decor, head to Field Trip, where you’ll find everything from whimsical art pieces to chic accessories. When I’m in town, I always stop by the women’s wear shop, Robindira Unsworth, because I always find something I like, from tableware or jewelry to clothing from chic boho brands like Xirena and Maison Hotel.
Do Wine Tastings in Town
Calistoga has some boutique wineries right in downtown that offer intimate wine-tasting experiences. Add them to your list of things to do in Calistoga, California.
The most unique experience is at Tank Garage Winery, a former gas station turned into a quirky, fun winery with unconventional blends. Meanwhile, LOLA Wines focuses on small-batch wines with a passion for organic farming. Or, in the heart of town, CAMI Art + Wine combines contemporary art with boutique wine.
Explore the Calistoga Depot
The newest addition to the list of things to do in Calistoga, California, is the Calistoga Depot. It is the historic site of California’s second oldest train station and has been renovated into a multi-use space (all in vintage train cars) where you can taste, shop, and eat right downtown.
This super cute space is worth a visit just to see the adorable decor, but it’s also a must for food lovers. Visit the Calistoga Depot Distillery for small-batch spirits crafted with care, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Earth and Sky Chocolates, where you’ll find artisanal chocolates that pair perfectly with local wines. At Calistoga Depot Provisions, you can pick up gourmet snacks, local wines, and picnic supplies for your Napa Valley adventures.
Get in Spa Time
Mention Calistoga to a local, and one of the top things they’ll tell you to do is to book a spa session. This wine country town first became known for its natural hot springs, and no visit is complete without indulging in a spa treatment.
Indian Springs Resort is an iconic resort offering mud baths, mineral waters, and luxurious spa treatments that utilize the area’s geothermal waters. I love the midcentury vibes of Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort. It’s a resort in the middle of town and checks all the boxes on spa time with mud baths, mineral pools, and modern spa facilities.
Visit the Sharpsteen Museum
To learn about Calistoga’s history, add a visit to the Sharpsteen Museum to your list of things to do in Calistoga, California. Exhibits focus on the town’s rich history, including its founding by Samuel Brannan, a key figure in California’s early development. The museum also offers a fascinating look at the early days of the Napa Valley wine industry.
Do A Bike Tour with Wine Tastings
Most of our travel clients like to be equal parts active and indulgent, and that’s also the case in California wine country. So, instead of just going wine tasting, they often also schedule a hike, a hot-air balloon ride, horseback riding, or biking.
One of the top things to do in Calistoga California to get active is to rent a bike from Calistoga Bikeshop and explore the vineyards at your own pace. They also offer guided bike tours, including stops at some of the best local wineries.
Get Some Wine Or Culinary Education
If you want to deepen your wine (and/or food education) while you’re in the midst of wine country, book a class at the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Campus in St. Helena, just a short drive from Calistoga. I have taken courses at the Culinary Institute, and the instructors are top-notch. Whether you’re interested in learning new cooking techniques or deepening your wine knowledge, these classes offer hands-on experiences taught by industry professionals.
Get Outdoors
Calistoga is surrounded by natural beauty and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, from a casual stroll to a morning hike. Robert Louis Stevenson Park is ideal for hiking and offers stunning views of the valley. Bale Grist Mill State Park features a historic mill and scenic trails.
I like sending our clients to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park because the Redwood Trail is an easy 90-minute walk where you can see redwoods up close and personal! But don’t miss out on the Oat Hill Mine Trail, which provides a more challenging hike with rewarding views of the valley below.
See the Old Faithful Geyser
One of Calistoga’s main attractions is the Old Faithful Geyser of California. It erupts every 30 to 40 minutes, making it a reliable and spectacular sight. There are other things to do there, like an animal farm with alpacas, native plant gardens, and a picnic area with bocce courts. The geyser is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light enhances its misty plume.
Visit the Petrified Forest
Just a short drive from Calistoga, the Petrified Forest offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient past. Wander through the trails and see the petrified trees that were once part of redwood forests but were turned to stone by volcanic ash millions of years ago.
This is the only petrified forest in California from the Pliocene era and has some of the most giant petrified trees in the world. It’s a serene and educational stop, perfect for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.
Go On a Guided Tour Of Wineries
One of the best things to do in wine country is to go wine tastings. We arrange bespoke experiences for our clients, from a day-tasting great wine with a local sommelier to a more casual experience with a knowledgeable local driver. Contact us for help customizing your Napa Valley wine-tasting experience.
Drive the Silverado Trail
The Silverado Trail is a scenic route along the eastern edge of Napa Valley, offering a quieter alternative to Highway 29. Along the way, stop at wineries like Chimney Rock and Joseph Phelps for tastings and enjoy the beautiful views of the vineyards and rolling hills.
Go for a Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a truly unforgettable experience, take a hot-air balloon ride with Napa Valley ALOFT. Soar above the vineyards and enjoy panoramic views of the valley at sunrise. It’s a peaceful, exhilarating way to see the beauty of Napa Valley from a whole new perspective.
Day Trip to Other Napa Towns
While Calistoga offers plenty to do, it’s also a great base for exploring other Napa towns. St. Helena is known for its charming downtown and high-end boutiques. Rutherford is home to some of the most historic wineries in the valley, including Beaulieu Vineyard and Inglenook. Yountville is a food lover’s paradise, home to The French Laundry and other Michelin-starred restaurants. Lastly, visit Napa for a more urban wine-country experience, with a lively downtown area full of tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calistoga is best known for its hot springs, world-class wineries, and beautiful scenery. Top attractions include:
- Old Faithful Geyser of California: One of the few geysers in the world with the designation of "old faithful," known for its regular eruptions.
- Calistoga Spa Hot Springs: A popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation, featuring mineral pools and mud baths sourced from the area’s natural hot springs
- Outdoors: From the Petrified Forest to the many trails in the various state parks, it's a great place to get outdoors in California wine country.
Calistoga offers several unique activities for wine lovers:
- Wine Tasting Tours: Experience guided tasting tours at local vineyards, where you can sample exclusive Napa Valley wines and learn about winemaking processes.
- Balloon Rides: Take a hot air balloon ride at dawn for breathtaking views of the Napa Valley vineyards.
- Wine and Food Pairing Experiences: Many wineries offer gourmet dining experiences that pair exquisite local cuisine with fine wines, providing a deeper understanding of flavor profiles and wine pairings.
- Biking And Wine Tasting: The Calistoga Bikeshop can arrange guided biking experiences that include wine tastings.
- Hands-On Classes: Head to the Culinary Institute of America Napa campus for wine and food classes.
For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, Calistoga provides a variety of activities:
- Hiking at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park: Explore trails that offer stunning views of the Napa Valley and Mount Saint Helena.
- Biking Tours: Rent a bike and tour the picturesque vineyard landscapes, or take guided biking tours available through local companies.
- Golfing: Enjoy a round of golf at the Mount St. Helena Golf Course, a public nine-hole course offering beautiful views at very reasonable rates.
How To Get To Calistoga
Calistoga, located at the northern tip of Napa Valley, is accessible via scenic drives from major cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento. If you’re driving from San Francisco, take Highway 101 North to Highway 37, and then continue on Highway 29 through the heart of Napa Valley. Alternatively, fly into the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS), which is about 30 minutes away by car.
California Wine Country Travel Guide
Need more guidance on where to taste wine in California? You’ll want to check out our complete California Wine Country Travel Guide with articles on our most popular wine regions, things to do in Sonoma and Monterey, and topics like what sustainable wine is.
Have Us Plan Your California Trip
If you’re looking to plan a trip to California, let us lend our expertise. As California-focused travel planners, we can plan your time from beginning to end with our California trip planning services.
Photo Credit: Photos by Trinette Reed, By Lorena, Visit Calistoga, and Team Salt & Wind Travel
