Overview
Calistoga is at the north end of the Napa Valley in the Bay Area region of California. Calistoga was founded as a hot springs resort in the 1860s by Sam Brannan, California's first millionaire, and has long been a destination for its natural hot springs and mineral water and their supposed health benefits. Its position at the north end of the Napa Valley also makes it a gateway to Sonoma County wine country. Calistoga is a visitor's destination that celebrates being different - franchise fast food is against the law (really!) and healthy hedonists are celebrated. Go wine tasting, have a fabulous dinner, then take a bike ride and have a mud bath before you leave.
3 sights · 9 things to do · 5 places to eat · 7 bars & cafés · 11 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Calistoga
Old Faithful Geyser
Named after the far larger geyser in Yellowstone National Park, this geyser puts on a good show every 1-2 hours. Bring a lunch and have a picnic while waiting for the show to start.
Petrified Forest
9AM-7PM (9AM-5PM in winter). Big-old honking redwood trees which were petrified after being covered by ash from a nearby volcano. You will never see a bigger petrified tree anywhere. Adults $8, Children 6-11 $3.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Hiking or horseback riding (see below) through redwoods on 10 miles of trails in over one hundred acres including Ritchey Canyon. Also ruins of Napa Valley's first church and a pioneer graveyard with the graves of some o…
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
This park is centered on a water-powered grain mill built in the middle of the 19th century. The grist mill still works and is operated on the weekends; the tour is worth the extra charge of $5 a person. Because wooden m…
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
This park has one historic spot: the site of a now-demolished cabin where Robert Louis Stevenson once stayed. However, the main reason to go to this park is to spend half the day hiking up the mountain (9 mi., 2000' elev…
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
4 outdoor mineral water pools, exercise and aerobics rooms. Right in town.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 38°F. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Sonoma)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- STS Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa — 13 mi away. Directions
- CCR Buchanan Field, Concord — 50 mi away. Directions
- SMF Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento — 54 mi away (major hub). Directions
From San Francisco: Highway 101 North over the Golden Gate Bridge, to Highway 37; Highway 37 East towards Vallejo/Napa, to Highway 121; Highway 121 North towards Napa to Highway 29 North to Calistoga.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $99–$350 a night (typical $149), from 13 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $16 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$220, comfortable ~$500.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge, Campground in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Old Faithful Geyser, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, Petrified Forest
- Lunch Buster's Southern Barbeque
- Afternoon The Sharpsteen Museum, Castello di Amorosa
- Dinner Cal Mart
- Evening Yo el Rey Roasting
Day 2
- Morning Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
- Lunch Palisades Deli Cafe
- Afternoon Golden Haven Spa, Sterling Vineyards
- Dinner Sam's Social Club
- Evening The Calistoga Inn
Day 3
- Morning Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, Clos Pegase
- Lunch SolBar
- Afternoon Vincent Arroyo Winery
- Evening Susie's Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
At least since the 1700s, Calistoga's distinguishing characteristic has been its hot springs, which were used by the native Wappo people for medicinal purposes. After the time of Spanish missions and Mexican ranchos, Samuel Brannan bought 2000 acres, founding Calistoga and starting the Indian Springs resort. The resort eventually went into the hands of Doctor John Wilkinson, the founder of the spa industry.
Due to the spa industry, the California wine boom of the 1970s, the ensuing tourism, and the proximity to San Francisco (which in turn has fueled more tourism), Calistoga, like the rest of the Napa Valley, has maintained very high property value. This has increased the cost of living and essentially the price of everything from coffee to gasoline. The surprise win by Chateau Montelena Winery of Calistoga at a 1976 Chardonnay blind tasting in France instigated the California wine boom of the 1970s.
The Tubbs fire of 2017 and the Glass fire in 2020 have significantly disrupted the landscapes surrounding Calistoga, with social and ecological impacts which may still be seen.
Get in
By plane
- San Francisco International Airport 90-120 min away by car.
- Sacramento International Airport. 90–120 minutes away by car.
- Oakland International Airport. 80–110 minutes away by car.
- Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport, (STS), in Santa Rosa, is served by Alaska Airlines operated by Horizon Air to and from Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego and Seattle/Tacoma. The airport is 11 km (20-40 min) west of Calistoga by car.
By car
From San Francisco: Highway 101 North over the Golden Gate Bridge, to Highway 37; Highway 37 East towards Vallejo/Napa, to Highway 121; Highway 121 North towards Napa to Highway 29 North to Calistoga.
Alternatively, Highway 101 North over the Golden Gate Bridge, to Mark West Springs Road exit, just north of Santa Rosa; Mark West Springs Road East becomes Porter Creek Road; Continue on Porter Creek Road to stop sign; Left on Petrified Forest Road to Calistoga.
This route avoids the traffic in Napa Valley.
Yet another route from San Francisco goes via the East Bay. Interstate 80 East across the Bay Bridge; Follow directions from Oakland, below.
From Oakland: Interstate 80 East to Highway 37 at Vallejo; Highway 37 West to Highway 29; Highway 29 North to Calistoga.
From Sacramento: Interstate 80 West to Highway 113 at Davis; Highway 113 North to Covell Road exit in Davis; Covell Road West to Winters. Covell Road becomes Highway 128; Highway 128 West to Highway 29 at Rutherford; Highway 29 North to Calistoga.
By bus
Vine offers bus service from places including Napa, Vallejo, and El Cerrito.
Get around
Calistoga is a very small town, with most of the shops and restaurants on two crossing streets, Lincoln Avenue and Washington Street. Walking is the best way to explore the town.
Bicycles are another good option, especially for those wishing to visit the wineries and other attractions a little farther from the center of town. Bicycles can be rented at the Calistoga Bike Shop, which also dispenses tips and route advice. The Bike Shop can also arrange "Calistoga Cool Wine" tours, with arrangements for the shop to pick up and deliver any purchased wine, so the bicyclist is not weighted down.
A bike path connects the eastern end of Washington Street to Dunaweal Lane, providing easy, car-free access from the center of town to several wineries, including Sterling, Twomey, Clos Pegase, Paoletti and Cuvaison.
See
See Old Faithful Geyser
Named after the far larger geyser in Yellowstone National Park, this geyser puts on a good show every 1-2 hours. Bring a lunch and have a picnic while waiting for the show to start.
Do
Do Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Hiking or horseback riding (see below) through redwoods on 10 miles of trails in over one hundred acres including Ritchey Canyon. Also ruins of Napa Valley's first church and a pioneer graveyard with the graves of some of the Donner Party. Swimming pool (extra fee).
Do Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
This park is centered on a water-powered grain mill built in the middle of the 19th century. The grist mill still works and is operated on the weekends; the tour is worth the extra charge of $5 a person. Because wooden mills can't comply with modern food safety standards, the corn, wheat, and rye flour that they mill for the demonstrations can't be sold, but small bags are available as souvenirs for a donation. There is a hiking trail to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and its camping facilities. Picnic area and drinking water. Wheelchair-accessible unisex restrooms. Geocaching site. Dogs allowed only in specific outdoor areas.
Do Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
This park has one historic spot: the site of a now-demolished cabin where Robert Louis Stevenson once stayed. However, the main reason to go to this park is to spend half the day hiking up the mountain (9 mi., 2000' elevation each way) to see the 360° panoramic view from the summit. This is not an easy trail, especially the last mile. Bring water, sunscreen (there is no shade after the first mile), a hat, good shoes, stout lungs, and warm clothes for the windy summit. During the summer, plan to start this hike before mid-morning. Bikes permitted on some trails. No dogs permitted anywhere. Geocaching site. No restrooms, no drinking water, and limited parking.
Spas
Calistoga and northern California are known for healing hot springs, with waters rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium, found at resorts in the downtown area. The volcanic soils that support the area's wineries also make for refreshing mud baths, which are offered by many of the resorts. In addition to the businesses below, many of the local resorts also offer spas.
Wine tasting
Do Sterling Vineyards
View the Napa Valley from high above on the aerial tram that delivers you to the Sterling Vineyard tasting room; $15 and includes tasting of 4-5 wines and a self-guided tour for 21+ and $3 for under 21. Pay a little extra and taste the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots from single vineyards and other premium wines. Great place for those traveling with their whole family. Great Cabernets, too.
Buy
Eat
Budget
Eat Buster's Southern Barbeque
Southern style barbecue, beer and wine. Warning: the hot sauce is extremely hot. Ask for a taste if you are not sure you can handle it.
Eat Cal Mart
A grocery store offering take out sandwiches and prepared foods.
Eat Palisades Deli Cafe
Offers take-out sandwiches and prepared food as well as on-site dining. Take-out from either place can be taken to any of Calistoga's parks, where consumption of beer and wine is also permitted. Both may be purchased at Cal-Mart, or at any number of wine stores or wineries in and around Calistoga. Note, however, that open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed on city streets--only within the parks.
Mid-range
Eat Sam's Social Club
Upscale New American fare in a bright eatery with a fireplace, a bar for local drinks, and a patio.
Splurge
Eat SolBar
Restaurant and bar at the Solage Calistoga Resort was awarded a second consecutive Michelin Star for its cuisine in 2010. Daily menu based on seasonal changes.
Drink
Coffee
Drink Yo el Rey Roasting
Small, art-filled, creative hangout. The upper Napa Valley's only Fair Trade or organic coffee shop. Fifty cent discount for bringing your own mug or cup, and no charge for the Wi-Fi or in-shop bookcase.
Bars
Calistoga has more bars per capita than any other Napa Valley city, and may even have more than the City of Napa itself.
Drink The Calistoga Inn
The Inn houses Napa Valley Brewing, which produces 4 beers as well as seasonal offerings, and a full pub-style bar, as well as a restaurant and lodging. Weather permitting there is also a back bar and beer garden along the Napa River, with picnic tables and horseshoe pitches. The Inn features live music nightly.
Drink Susie's Bar
Less touristic than the others on this list.
Drink Hydro Bar & Grill
The Hydro features an extensive offering of specialty beers and top-shelf liquors. Hydro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features live music on the weekends.
These restaurants have separate bar service areas for still more nightlife options.
Drink Pacifico Restaurante Mexico
Renowned for its margaritas, happy hour is M-F 4:30-6:30PM. Often frequently features live mariachi music.
Drink SolBar
755 Silverado Trail. Restaurant and bar at the new Solage Resort aims to compete with Brannan's for the upscale clientele.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay Indian Springs Resort and Spa
Historic resort and spa founded in the 1800s by Samuel Brannan, California's first millionaire. Now owned by a local family, it underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and has the largest Olympic pool in Northern California and a "summer camp" style atmosphere. Spa uses volcanic ash treatments and all geysers fuel the pools.
Campground
Stay Calistoga Fairgrounds RV Park
The City of Calistoga owns and operates this RV park, an affordable way to experience Napa Valley. The park offers Deluxe Sites with full hookups (50 AMP, water, sewer) and Regular Sites with water and power. While there’s no Wi-Fi, you’ll enjoy a convenient location and a welcoming, community-run atmosphere.
Go next
There's more wine to the west in Sonoma County, with Healdsburg close by.
Lake County, with recreation opportunities at Clearlake as well as Harbin Hot Springs, is just over Mount St. Helena to the North.
Nearby
St. Helena
City / town · 19 listings · 8 mi away
Kenwood
City / town · 15 listings · 12 mi away
Fulton
City / town · 2 listings · 12 mi away
Middletown
City / town · 4 listings · 12 mi away
Santa Rosa
City / town · 48 listings · 12 mi away
Rutherford
City / town · 12 listings · 12 mi away
Windsor
City / town · 34 listings · 12 mi away
Oakville
City / town · 4 listings · 14 mi away
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