The 20 Best Things to do in Calistoga, CA
Posted at 18:10h
in Blog
If you’re visiting Napa wine country, Calistoga is an underrated, must-see stop – a hidden gem in the scene of world-class wine tasting that is modern Napa Valley.
Calistoga still feels like frontier California: from the cozy pioneer-era building styles along the main street, Lincoln Ave, to the rugged mountains framing every turn. Here, you feel worlds away from any other AVA in Napa Valley, yet can still experience world-class wine, cuisine, relaxation, and retail.
Calistoga’s closeness to the roots of California, intertwined with a modern, elevated experience, is central to Davis Estates’ presence here.
We are family-owned, and proud to represent the same deep identity of the region through the most transformative wine and food experiences in Napa Valley.
But we aren’t alone in the treasure that is Calistoga. Here are some of our favorite spots for before or after you visit us:
The Best Local Calistoga Restaurants and Quick Bites
Bella Bakery
1353 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
M-Sat: 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sun: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Locally-owned and operated, Bella Bakery is a perfect stop for fresh-baked pastries along Lincoln Ave, in the heart of the little downtown of Calistoga. They also do custom wedding cakes, if you happen to be in the market for one!
Bricco Osteria
1350 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
T-Sun: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
CLOSED Monday
Open for dinner only, Bricco prides itself on curated, locally sourced Italian fare, closely tied to their list of imported wines. Be sure to check out their famous cocktail list as well.
Buster’s Southern Barbecue
1207 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Daily 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
If you’re looking for Southern comfort food, Buster’s is a sure bet – what’s more comforting than Louisiana BBQ and fresh oysters? They also feature live Jazz, hosted in their outdoor patio area, starting in the Spring.
Café Sarafornia
1413 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
M-F: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
Café Sarafornia is the go-to diner experience in Calistoga – no frills or flair, but hearty, solid food in a homey setting. Featuring all-day breakfast, the Sarafornia is great for kids or a quick stop-through for a staple American breakfast or lunch.
Calistoga Creamery
1473c CA-29, Calistoga, CA 94515
Monday – Thursday: 1:00 – 9:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 – 9:30 pm
Saturday: 12:30 – 9:30 pm
Sunday: 12:30 – 9:00pm
The end of any Calistoga adventure is bittersweet – Calistoga Creamery makes it a bit sweeter. This local favorite is famous for organic, homemade ice cream made from local high-quality dairy producer, Straus Family Dairy. You can find their flavors right on Lincoln Ave next to the Lincoln Ave Brewery.
Calistoga Roastery
Photo Credit: Calistoga Roastery
1426 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
M-Th: 6:30 am – 12:00 pm
F-Sun: 6:30 am – 2:00 pm
Many spots on our list have coffee but none are “the Coffee that Wakes up Napa Valley.” A favorite haunt of “Pearls Before Swine” cartoonist Stephan Pastis, this cozy cafe is known for high-quality, locally-roasted coffee made in conjunction with partner Calistoga Coffee Company.
Lovina
1107 Cedar St, Calistoga, CA 94515
M-F: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lovina is a no-tips-required, classic Cal-Ital restaurant unique to the area. Hosted in a historic Calistoga home, Wine Wednesdays are a favorite with corkage fees waived all day. There is also brunch on weekends to start your wine tasting journey off right.
Sam’s Social Club
Photo Credit: Sam’s Social Club
1712 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
Sun-Th: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
F-Sat: 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Sam’s is named for Calistoga founder Samuel Brannan, and leans into the prestige of that history. They offer an elevated vibe, outdoor patio, and fire pit, centered around seasonal Californian dishes at breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner times.
The Best Outdoor Activities and Sights to See in Calistoga
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Photo Credit: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park Visitor Center
3801 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Daily 8:00 am – Sunset
Bothe-Napa State Park offers an immersion in Californian nature, a picturesque hiking area right across the way from Davis Estates. Dogs are allowed, and in the summer the swimming pool is open as a nice way to cool down. You can also reserve a historic cabin, yurt, or campground site for a leisurely stay in nature.
Calistoga Bikeshop
Photo Credit: Calistoga Bikeshop
1318 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
Thurs – Tues: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
CLOSED Wednesday
Calistoga Bikeshop caters to both avid bikers and casual cruisers among visitors to the Napa Valley. The local shop offers bike rentals, repairs, and guided bike tours, from mountain biking, to road biking in the Valley, to more leisurely winery sip-and-bike-alongs.
Oat Hill Mine Trail
Photo Credit: Eddie Holman
Oat Hill Mine Trailhead | 2082 Oat Hill Mine Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515
Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
This trail is ideal for those looking for anything from a shorter to longer hike right above the Calistoga sub-basin. The Oat Hill Mine Trail offers amazing views of the valley floor, winding 8.3 miles in total length to 1,500 feet above sea level. The trail follows an old stagecoach route that runs from Calistoga to Pope Valley, but can be shortened for a more brief hike.
Old Faithful Geyser of CA
Photo Credit: www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com
1299 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Sun – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Did you know there’s an “Old Faithful” in Calistoga as well? This spot is definitely more touristic, but is both historical and unique to see – and great for an interactive stop for kids.
The geyser points to the network of geothermal hot springs the area is known for, and the surrounding property also features an animal farm, gardens, bocce ball court, picnic area, and gift shop.
The Petrified Forest
Photo Credit: www.petrifiedforest.org
4100 Petrified Forest Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Th-Mon: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Geology buffs and hikers alike ought to see Calistoga’s petrified forest, home to 3.4 million year old fossilized redwood trees. The park is safeguarded as a local Calistoga family operation, offering a network of self-guided trails that take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The trails are accessible for a small admission fee (children under 6 are free).
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Photo Credit: Visit Napa Valley
Mt. St. Helena Trailhead | 4625 Lake County Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Mount St. Helena is the northernmost landmark of the Napa Valley, and this park houses the more challenging, adventurous trail that winds all the way to its summit. The park is named for Stevenson due to his having honeymooned in the area, and as many spots are speculated as inspiration for the backdrops in some of his novels.
The park is famous for its rugged, wide vistas of the valley, with many trail options that lead all the way up to the crowning view among the clouds on Mt. St. Helena.
Unique and Historical Spots in Calistoga
Sam’s General Store
Photo Credit: Sam’s General Store
109 Wappo Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
Daily 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sam’s General Store has coffee and quick bites, but is most famous as the site of Calistoga’s first general store, and the first site in town itself.
The store dates back to the Gold Rush, when it supplied miners looking for their fortune in the area. Sam’s also offers custom picnic basket meals that you can take to-go or enjoy on-site.
Sharpsteen Museum
1311 Washington St, Calistoga, CA 94515
M-F: 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
This special museum was founded by former Disney designer Ben Sharpsteen in 1978, and is free to the public. This is the must-see spot for an overview on Calistoga history, with hundreds of artifacts and informative pieces, including some from the Donner Party and early pioneers such as Sam Brannan.
Villa CA’TOGA
3061 Myrtledale Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Sat: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
CLOSED Sun-Fri
Among the beautiful Chateaux of the region sits an Italian villa just as grand – but this one does not house wine.
Here, Carlo Marchiori’s masterful blend of Renaissance and modern art is displayed for limited showings – like stepping into an ancient Pompeian and Renaissance treasure trove in an Italian Villa. Marchiori’s works are also shown at a smaller, more accessible gallery, Ca’ Toga Galleria D’ Arte, which is open Thurs-Sun from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Rags to Riches Antiques
Photo Credit: Scott Lawrence Lawson
1125 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
Th-Sun: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mon: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
CLOSED Tues & Wed
Much of Calistoga has an antique, Old West feel – but the best parts are also well kept up. This is the case with Rags to Riches antiques, a friendly local owner offering unique finds from CA history, right on the main strip of downtown Calistoga.
The Spa at Solage
Photo Credit: Spa at Solage
755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515
Daily: 8:30am – 6:30 pm
A visit to Calistoga wouldn’t be complete without taking advantage of relaxation in its hot springs and mineral mud baths, one of the most special features of the area.
Spa Solage is a premium option for some rejuvenation and pampering, boasting a 20,000 square foot spa and bathhouse powered by geothermal springs. The Spa offers mud and mineral water therapies and other services by reservation – be sure to book in advance.
Davis Estates: the Premier Napa Valley Wine and Food Experience
Wineries in Calistoga craft wine of rare expression – even rarer is the level of meticulously-paired food and premium wine that Davis Estates offers our guests in one immersive experience.
Just so – wine tasting with us is not just another Calistoga wine tasting.
It’s at once a coming-home and a relaxing escape into the natural beauty of the region; both through the sweeping views of the Napa Valley at our private tables, and within the dynamic interplay of our premium Napa wines and locally-sourced, inventive food accompaniments.
For long-time lovers of wine to the newly initiated, guests at our home estate winery in Calistoga find that Davis is the prime opportunity to establish a home base in the Napa Valley, in the heart of this unique Calistoga AVA – and we can’t wait to welcome you.