Calistoga California Lodging

Surrounded by vineyards in the magnificent wine country, Calistoga is the choice spot in the scenic upper Napa Valley. An Americana town full of individual spirit, and famous for its hot spring spas, mud baths, world-class restaurants, award-winning wineries, the Old Faithful Geyser of California and the Petrified Forest. With many attractions and outdoor activities, Calistoga is an idyllic getaway for San Francisco and Bay Area travelers. The Napa Valley Fairgrounds, located in the city limits of Calistoga, is host to the famous Calistoga Speedway, Mt. St. Helena Golf Course, and the Napa County 4^th of July celebration.

Calistoga California History

Calistoga was home to an indigenous people known as the Wappo. During the Spanish colonial era of the 1700s, Calistoga and much of the Napa Valley was under the control of Mission San Francisco de Solano. Mission properties were partitioned and disposed of by the Mexican government in the 1830s and 1840s, creating huge ranchos in the Napa Valley.

The first Americans arrived in Calistoga California during the 1840s. Sam Brannan, a wealthy San Francisco businessman and newspaper publisher, was enthralled with Calistoga's hot springs and purchased over 2,000 acres to develop a spa resort reminiscent of the well-known hot springs in Saratoga, New York. Brannan's resort opened to California's rich and famous in 1862. According to legend, during the christening of the area, Brannan, who had overindulged in the evening's festivities, misspoke and instead of declaring the town the Saratoga of California he declared the new area the Calistoga of Sarafornia and so has the name stayed.

Come discover why the National Historic Trust for Historic Preservation chose Calistoga as one of only twelve cities in the United States to be designated a Distinctive Destination. Calistoga has it all . . ., water, wine, and wellness . . . and so much more.   [Top]

Calistoga California Attractions

• Old Faithful Geyser of California – One of three famous Old Faithful Geysers in the world, it erupts every 14 to 18 minutes, shooting thousands of gallons of water skyward. Self-guided geothermal tour and private moonlight viewing available. Call for current times (707) 942-6463.
  
  
• Petrified Forest – Walk among 8 million-year-old giant redwoods that turned to stone after being uprooted and covered by volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago. Guided walking tours available.
  
  
• The Old Bale Mill – Built in 1846 by Dr. Edward Bale, the huge "overshot" wooden waterwheel still grinds grain into a variety of flours for sale at the mill. The historic mill features imported French millstones and is fed by a redwood log flume. Old Mill Days feature crafts, milling and games held at the Bale Grist Mill each October. For information, call (707) 963-2236.
  
  
• Bothe-Napa Valley State Park – Forested 1,800 acres with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet, the park features pine and redwood groves for hiking, picnics and swimming. Campsites with restrooms and hot showers are also available. Located three miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128. For information, call (800) 444-7275.
  
  
• Calistoga Depot – Built in 1868, this is the second oldest train depot in California and is listed under the National Register for Historic Buildings. It now includes six restored railcars housing historical exhibits and retail shops.
  
  
• Sam Brannan Resort Cottage – Built in the 1860s, this is the only cottage still on its original site, located at 106 Wappo Avenue. The architecture differs from the other two cottages in Calistoga (at the Sharpsteen Museum and on Cedar Street ) with a wrap-around porch.
  
  
• Sharpsteen Museum (Across the street from the Roman Spa) – Named for benefactor Ben Sharpsteen, animator, producer and director for Walt Disney Studios for many years. The Sharpsteen Museum houses many exhibits on the history and people of Calistoga. The adjoining Sam Brannan Cottage was built in 1860. Open daily. 1311 Washington Street (707) 942-5911.
  
  
• Robert Louis Stevenson State Park – This area was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Silverado Squatters," the story of his stay in Calistoga in 1880. The trail to the top of Mt. St. Helena provides unsurpassed views of the Napa Valley. The park has no facilities. Located eight miles north off Highway 29 to Lake County (707) 942-4575.
  
  
• Safari West – Located on 400 acres in the heart of the wine country, Safari West is home to over 400 exotic mammals and birds. Not a zoo, or a drive-through park, it is a wildlife preserve where the whole family can experience some of natures most beautiful creatures in a natural habitat. Guided tours are led by experienced staff. Located 10 minutes outside Calistoga. (800) 616-2695.  [Top]

Casinos

• Twin Pines Casino – Middletown – (800) 564-4872
• River Rock Casino – Geyserville – (707) 473-9406   [Top]

Breweries

• Napa Valley Brewing Company – Calistoga – (707) 942-4101
• Silverado Brewing Company – St. Helena – (707) 967-9876.  [Top]

Events/Festivals

•  Napa Valley Mustard Festival – With vibrant fields, vineyards, and hillsides ablaze with wild mustard in bloom as a backdrop, the Napa Valley Mustard Festival offers a full palette of wine, food, art, entertainment, and cultural activities staged throughout the Napa Valley. The festival is held January through March each year. Call (707) 938-1133.
  
  
• Calistoga Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival – Largest celebration in the Napa Valley featuring traditional costumes, dancing, mariachis, delicious food, and skilled Mexican Charros performing riding and lariat tricks. First weekend of May.
  
  
• Villa Ca'toga – The Palladian-style home of internationally acclaimed muralist Carlo Marchiori, opens one weekend in May for its annual tour. Tickets available through the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce (707) 942-6333.
  
  
• Calistoga Art in the Park – Showcases the work of area artists, including oil, pastels, ceramics, photography, and sculpture, accompanied by live music, food and a silent auction. Held in June of each year.
  
  
• The Calistoga/Napa Valley Classic – This equestrian benefit combines horsemanship with the valley's finest food and wine. Held in July of each year.
  
  
• Napa County Fair – Carnival rides, live entertainment, arts and crafts, livestock competition, plus fireworks and 4^th of July parade.
  
  
• Calistoga Jazz and Blues in the Napa Valley – Features a variety of jazz musicians performing throughout the town. Wine tasting and food round out this fun-filled weekend. Yearly in October. Tickets available through the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce (707) 942-6333.
  
  
• Christmas in Calistoga – Decorated with banners and wreaths, the town hosts an all day food and craft sale. After dark, the lighted Truck and Tractor Parade begins, celebrating the agricultural heritage of the valley. Held each year the first Saturday in December.
  
  
• Pioneer Christmas – Held at the Old Bale Mill one weekend each December from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (707) 963-2236 for information.  [Top]

Recreation

•  Napa Valley Wine Train – Take a trip back in time and tingle your taste buds on this fantastic journey. Delight to the gourmet cuisine and fine wine as you cruise on the 33 mile roundtrip journey. Special trips that include winery tours or murder mysteries are also available. For reservations, call (707) 253-2111.
  
  
• Calistoga Balloons, Inc. – Fly over the beautiful Napa Valley. Let the breeze usher you along the corridors of grapevines and between the mountains of one of the most magnificent valleys on earth (888) 995-7700.
  
  
• Hiking, biking and horseback riding – The Napa Valley offers many hiking opportunities, from the demanding trails up Mt. St. Helena to easy walks in the many parks. One of the best ways to see the wine country is by bicycle, with many bike trails for casual biking. Additionally, the wine country offers horseback riding. For rentals, contact the Calistoga Bike Shop (707) 942-9687. For trail rides, contact Napa Valley Trail Rides (707) 996-8566.  [Top]

Golf

• Chardonnay Golf Club – Two 18 hole courses south Napa (707) 257-8950
• Mt. St. Helena Golf Course – 9 hole course Calistoga (707) 942-9966
• Napa Municipal Golf Course – 18 hole course Napa (707) 255-4333
• Vintner's Golf Course – 9 hole course Yountville (707) 944-1992.  [Top]

 Shopping

•  Stroll through our antique shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, and bookstores. It won't take long for you to discover why the web site ILeftMyHeart.com voted Calistoga the second best shopping experience in the San Francisco Bay Area!   [Top]

Wineries

Calistoga and the surrounding Napa Valley are home to over 100 wineries. The rich volcanic soils and varied micro-climates of the Napa Valley have provided us with many wonderful vineyards and wineries.

• The Calistoga Family Wineries consist of 12 small family-owned and operated wineries in Calistoga. The first weekend in May each year attracts hundreds of visitors to their open house for food, wine and music.
  
  
• The Silverado Trail Wineries Association consists of over 30 wineries located along the 26-mile stretch of the "trail," known as the quiet eastern side of our Napa Valley. Reach them at www.silveradotrail.com.

These wineries are within 10 minutes of Calistoga:

• Vincent Arroyo Winery (707) 942-6995
• Bennett Lane Winery (707) 942-6684
• Benessere Vineyards (707) 963-5853
• Calistoga Cellars (888) 393-9463
• Casa Nuestra Winery & Vineyards (707) 963-5783
• Clos Pegase Winery (707) 942-4981
• Frank Family Vineyards (707) 942-0859
• Graeser Winery (707) 942-4437
• Silver Rose Resort Winery (707) 942-9581
• Schramsberg (707) 942-4558
• Sterling Vineyards (707) 942-3344
• Summers Winery (707) 942-5508
• Twomey Cellars (800) 505-4850
• Von Strasser Winery (707) 942-0930
• Zahtila Vineyards (707) 942-9251   [Top]

For a complete listing of wineries with regular tours and tastings, or those available by special appointments, contact the Napa Valley Vintners' Association's "Winery Finder" at www.napavintners.com/wineries/wineryfinder.html