Calistoga

Welcome to Calistoga

• One of Napa Valley’s most tourist-friendly locales, Calistoga accommodates visitors from all over the world with a marvelous selection of world-class resorts, restaurants, and of course, local wineries.
   
• Calistoga’s spectacular natural features include hot springs, rolling landscapes that are best viewed aboard hot air balloon rides, and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.
   
• More than just a tourist destination, Calistoga is also a fantastic place to live. Its tranquil suburban vibe and pleasant, balmy climate combine for comfortable living conditions all year round.
   
• Calistoga is an excellent place for families with young children, thanks to the exceptional selection of local public schools. Several higher education institutions are also close by.
   
• Whether you’re looking for a modest suburban home, a potential-laden ranch property, or a lavish North Bay luxury house, the Calistoga real estate market has something for you.

• The town’s peculiar name comes from Samuel Brannan, a Mormon settler from New York who wanted to make the natural springs in the area as popular as the ones in New York’s Saratoga Springs. The story goes that in one instance, Brannan was toasting his publicity genius of developing the area into a new tourist destination. Having had one too many drinks, he said, “Calistoga of California” instead of “Saratoga of California.” Nevertheless, the name stuck, and the rest is history!
• Calistoga was a part of the New Frontier that people settled into in the mad dash for gold during the days of the California Gold Rush. This is why most historical sites in the area carry a Wild West vibe. You can still see hints of traditional western architecture in several buildings in the area, among them, Calistoga’s city hall.
• The area was once a transportation hub for Northern California. Ferry travelers from San Francisco would ride the railroad to Lake County and Sonoma, with Calistoga as an important layover in between the two destinations.
• In 1920, a soda fountain owner named Giuseppe Musante was drilling for a cold water well, only to tap into a natural hot water source. He opened up a mineral water plant, which is known today as the Calistoga Water Company.
• The valley is home to a bevy of vineyards due to its unique climate and lovely topography. Grapes here grow particularly well because of the rainfall, the high elevation, and the volcanic soil, making Calistoga real estate an ideal venue for wine growing in Napa Valley.

• Highlands Christian Pre-school and St. Luke’s Pre-school.
• For higher education, a number of colleges and universities are within the area, as well. These include Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonoma State University, and Pacific Union College.

• Natural hot springs. It was these hot springs that first attracted people to Calistoga, apart from the promise of gold during the California Gold Rush. These remain as top crowd-drawers here. Among the more popular ones is Calistoga Spa which offers the ultimate wellness experience amid the beauty of the surrounding vineyards and the Palisades.
• Hot air balloon rides. These are common outdoor activities in the Napa Valley area, but local hot-air balloon company Calistoga Balloons prides itself on its team of licensed pilots and aviation crew who can expertly navigate the skies and provide clients with the experience of a lifetime. Make sure to look for the Old Faithful Geyser around the area, which looks much more impressive up in the air.
• Petrified Forest. A massive eruption of an ancient volcano in the area (now known as Mt. St. Helena) destroyed a large swath of redwood forest, essentially burying trees and other organic material under layers of volcanic ash. Over time, these now-fossilized trees were unearthed and are now amazing testaments to the wonders of nature here in this Calistoga venue. Take to the trails and
  find several of these petrified giants laying around in your trek.
• Hiking with a view. The Palisades Trail is one of the most beautiful in Napa Valley. Explore all its 11 miles of moderately challenging mountainous terrain decked with the endemic flora and fauna, as well as a spectacular aerial view of Calistoga and the rest of Napa Valley’s most picturesque locations.
•  Geyser viewing. California’s Old Faithful Geyser is located in Calistoga, and just like its Yellowstone National Park counterpart, it continues to draw in tourists. It may not have the massive water eruptions that the one in Yellowstone has but it continues to erupt every 10 to 45 minutes. In between eruptions, you can check out the other facilities in the area, including a geology museum and an open area for picnics. There’s even a lovely animal farm on the grounds where you can find llamas and the famous Tennessee fainting goats.

• Solbar. This James Beard Foundation awardee celebrates the richness of Northern Californian cuisine with inventive dishes that will tickle your palate. It also has craft cocktails on the menu. Only outdoor seating is available at this time.
• Chateau Montelena. Wine tasting in a stone castle located in Napa Valley? Why not? In this amazing winery, you’ll be able to savor the best Chardonnays and Cabernets through scheduled appointments with their Cellar Master. Choose among several wine-tasting experiences like A Taste of Montelena, The Library Tasting, and The Montelena Estate Collection.
• Cafe Sarafornia. Come here for their sumptuous all-day breakfasts before going on your wine-tasting tour. This last-surviving diner in Napa Valley also serves wine and beers to go with your great comfort food.
• Napa Valley Wine Train. While their trips have been put on hold until January 15, 2021, this unique tour is still one for the books. Imagine being served freshly- prepared lunch or dinner complete with the finest Valley wines aboard a fully functional vintage train that runs along a railroad built during Samuel Brannan’s time. It’s an experience worth looking forward to when it reopens.
• Sam’s Social Club. This restaurant proudly serves farm-to-table, modern American cuisine using California’s abundant produce. On weeknights, they serve seasonal cuisine to make the dining experience here extra special. Their outdoor space is open for al fresco dining, giving customers a breathtaking 360- degree vista of the mountainous landscape while they feast.

• Calistoga Farmers Market. This farmers market is where you can find the freshest and top-quality produce harvested from Calistoga’s land. Find a wide selection of nature’s bounty like honey, flowers, vegetables, and other prepared foods here.
• Blackbird of Calistoga. If you’re searching for a shop in Calistoga that will give you unique pieces of homeware and other interesting retail finds, then this is the place to visit.
• Sharpsteen Museum of Calistoga History. Created by former Walt Disney animator Ben Sharpsteen, this museum showcases creative and fun dioramas and exhibits. They have different special events and exhibits every six months depending on the varied interests of the Napa Valley residents.
• Calistoga Coffee Company. Calistoga coffee fanatics rejoiced when this store opened in 2018. They specialize in small-batch specialty coffees and use recyclable materials for the packaging to make sure their business stays green. You can even hire a mobile espresso bar from them for your next party.