While Napa Valley certainly draws visitors for its world-class wineries and vineyard views, there’s much more to Napa than just wine, and nowhere is this more evident than in Calistoga. Located in the northern part of the Napa Valley, Calistoga is a great place to go wine tasting, no doubt, but it’s also home to some truly outstanding attractions and experiences, making for a vast array of things to do in Calistoga. A few standout Calistoga activities include the incredible hot springs spas, local shops and eateries, and some of the most picturesque scenery in the region.

Before you plan your trip, dive into our guide to nine of the best things to do in Calistoga and make your next visit that much more memorable.

Soak in Thermal Hot Springs

If there’s one word that should be associated with Calistoga, it’s relaxation, and thanks to the area’s numerous mineral pools and spas, it’s easy to make R&R a top priority when visiting. More than just a stress reliever, Calistoga’s hot springs are known for their many therapeutic benefits, including easing sore muscles, relieving arthritis pain, promoting healthy circulation, and calming skin conditions, while mineral-rich mud baths and massage treatments purify toxins to leave you feeling totally blissed out.

When it comes to Calistoga activities centered on wellness, you’ve got options. Many of the hotels and inns in and around Calistoga offer access to their on-site mineral pools, including Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, Solage, and Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort, making it easy to experience Calistoga’s hot springs at your leisure. Or, you can check out the historic, Olympic-sized mineral pool at Indian Springs Resort. While hotel guests get free access to the pool, Indian Springs does offer limited day passes for a fee, which is available when booking a spa treatment. Experiencing its famous thermal hot springs is one of the most rejuvenating and unique things to do in Calistoga. Ready to get your zen on? Check out the top spas in Calistoga for more R&R inspo.

Visit a Geyser

Just a few minutes outside downtown Calistoga is Old Faithful Geyser of California, a must-visit for a remarkable experience. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of water erupting into the sky every 30 to 40 minutes, a natural phenomenon that has captivated visitors for generations. It’s one of the top-rated things to do in Calistoga, with plenty of activities for a full day of fun, but this isn’t just about the geyser. A visit offers a more well-rounded experience than one might expect, thanks to picnic grounds with bocce courts and cabanas, a garden area featuring native plants and grasses, an on-site geology museum, and an animal farm, where you’ll find goats, sheep, and llamas. Llamas and pygmy goats and geysers, oh my! These creative Calistoga activities, all in one convenient location, add up to an unforgettable afternoon.

Go On a Hike For Sweeping Views of the Area

When Napa’s outdoor activities call, Calistoga’s Palisade Trail is the spot to go. Though the 10-mile round trip, 2,000-foot climb hike is challenging, experienced hikers will be rewarded with beautiful natural scenery and some of the most spectacular views in all of Napa Valley. Just don’t forget to bring your water, as it can get hot in the sun. For a shortened version, opt to hike along the lower Oat Hill Mine Road, a four-and-a-half-mile round-trip trek that provides equally wonderful scenery along the way.

Explore An Ancient Forest

If a unique outdoor experience with the family is what you seek, don’t miss a visit to Calistoga’s Petrified Forest. This preserved ancient forest is a sight to see, featuring a majestic display of fossilized redwood trees—the result of being buried in lava over 3 million years ago. These massive trees are a staple of California’s natural history, and their sheer size makes seeing them bucket list-worthy. Walk along the trails on your own to explore this ancient phenomenon, or opt for a guided tour for a deeper understanding of how this forest came to be. If you’re a nature lover narrowing down what to do in Calistoga, add this to the top of your list.

Sip & Shop in Downtown Calistoga

It’s easy to get wrapped up in Calistoga’s natural surroundings, but it’d be a shame not to spend some time exploring downtown. Downtown Calistoga produces a delightful mix of small-town appeal and Wine Country sophistication, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the area. In Calistoga, find things to do by simply wandering through the heart of town and soaking in the local vibe. There are lots of boutique shops and tasting rooms, all within walking distance, which makes it easy to sip and stroll all afternoon.

Plan to peruse the assortment of artisanal goods for the home and garden at Blackbird, shop for antique goods and vintage posters at Rags to Riches, and check out Calistoga Pottery for their selection of handmade pottery. Also downtown is Copperfield’s Books, featuring a wide range of books from local and international authors, Flourish Chocolate, with one-of-a-kind chocolate creations, and Monastery Books and Gifts (yes, actually located inside a Christian Monastery for women) for a selection of spiritual books, homemade goodies, olive oils, teas, and honey. You’ll also find a variety of art galleries and clothing shops around town that are worth popping into.

When you’re ready to whet your palate with some locally made wine, Calistoga’s tasting rooms have something for everyone. Located in a vintage 1930s gas station, Tank Garage Winery charms with its hip vibe and limited-edition blends and natural wines. Nearby, on Lincoln Avenue, Olabisi features limited-production wines from a high-spirited husband-and-wife-duo.

Visit a Nearby Winery

When perusing top recommendations for what to do in Calistoga, wine tasting is bound to come up. You could easily stay in town to taste great wine, hopping from tasting room to tasting room, but it’s certainly worth jumping in the car and driving a few miles to explore some of the surrounding wineries.

Just three minutes from downtown Calistoga, Sterling Vineyards offers more than just Napa Valley wines to taste. The winery is perched atop a picturesque hillside, providing visitors with epic views while they taste. What makes this winery special, though, is that it’s accessible by aerial gondola—and the journey to the top is as memorable as the destination itself.

Also a few minutes from town, but in the opposite direction, is Tamber Bey Vineyards. This winery is unique in that it’s located at a working equestrian facility, and every part of the wine-tasting experience reflects the owners’ love of horses and wine. Tour the winemaking facility, which was once a covered riding arena, before sampling wine in the courtyard of the original barn, where you can sip wine while admiring the horses. Be sure to add a picnic lunch or savory cookie pairing to really round out this entertaining Calistoga activity.

Another smaller, hidden-gem winery with a rich history is Canard, with its 25-acre property to visitors. From their sustainably grown, dry-farmed grapes, owners Rich and Carolyn Czapleski carefully produce nine single vineyard wines to showcase the complexity of their estate’s terroir. Don’t miss the Estate Zinfandel, sourced from the property’s nearly 140-year-old Zinfandel vines.

Finally, serious Cabernet fans won’t want to miss a visit to Larkmead Vineyards, one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Napa Valley. This tranquil winery offers a personalized tasting experience tailored to each group’s preferences, along with an idyllic Wine Country setting looking out at the vines. Need some more suggestions? Explore our picks of the top 15 Wineries in Calistoga to visit.

Savor Gourmet Fare

Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Calistoga’s restaurants and cafés offer a perfect mix of casual ambiance and good food. Known for its farm-to-table focus and Wine Country influence, Calistoga’s eateries focus on seasonal, regional ingredients, bringing the vibrant flavors of Napa Valley to every plate.

For gourmet coffee and a scrumptious pastry or breakfast sandwich, stop by Sam’s General Store, located in the original cottage of Calistoga’s legendary founder, Samuel Brannan. Or, grab a selection of goods to curate your own picnic lunch later in the day. The long-standing Cafe Sarafornia is another top spot for the breakfast/lunch crowd, where a menu of comforting classics is offered all day from this quaint, casual spot. While the southwestern-inspired breakfast and lunch offerings at House of Better are a delight, it’s worth dining here for the impressive homemade pies alone. Green chili apple pie, anyone?

One of the most popular restaurants in town for dinner is Evangeline, a French bistro “with a Creole soul” in downtown Calistoga. The covered outdoor patio makes for a lovely setting to enjoy the restaurant’s French bistro classics and creole-inspired dishes. Down the road, Sam’s Social Club is another worthy dining choice, where California-focused cuisine highlights fresh, local ingredients in a playful, creative way.

Go Rogue Sampling Beer

We know, we know… you probably didn’t come to Napa Valley to try beer. But the Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery is a great pit stop for a brewski. Its Napa Valley Brewing Company was actually the first brewery that opened up post-Prohibition. Today, the brewery puts as much love and care into making their Pacific Pale Ale and Blitzen IPA as if they were fine Cabernets. Sit in their Beer Garden—one of the best outdoor spaces in UpValley—and don’t forget to order some grub from the Calistoga Inn Restaurant.

Attend a Seasonal Festival or Event

Calistoga’s year-round allure gets an extra boost when Napa Valley’s exclusive seasonal and annual Napa events occur. This is when visitors get the chance to experience the town’s vibrant community spirit in a distinctive way. The Calistoga Harvest Table, held on the second Sunday of each September, transforms Lincoln Avenue into a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience featuring local chefs and wines. The whimsical Lighted Tractor Parade, held on the first Saturday in December, is fun for the whole family and free to attend. For food lovers, the Calistoga Food & Wine Festival in the fall is a must, showcasing some of the best things to do in Calistoga for culinary enthusiasts.

Insider Tip: No matter when you’re planning your visit to Napa Valley, there’s always something special happening in Calistoga. However, always check event details, including dates, pricing, and availability, as these are subject to change.