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Calistoga, California, (population 4,800) is a small, unpretentious town at the northern end of the Napa Valley. Known for its spas, natural mineral water hot springs, mud baths, wineries, and natural wonders, Calistoga has retained the feel of the "old" Napa Valley and its Western roots.

In 1859, Samuel Brannan, a wealthy San Francisco entrepreneur, realized the area's hot springs & natural mineral hot water geysers could be the beginnings of a perfect resort location. First calling it the Saratoga of California, he shortened the town's name to Calistoga, & started planting grapevines in the fertile soil. This early heritage is reflected in the town's 30 wineries and restored historic buildings, which are now bed and breakfast inns, fine restaurants, gift boutiques, art galleries, and a western museum. Its downtown streets, shaded by mature trees, invite leisurely strolling.

Visitors still escape to Calistoga for its luxurious spas, hot springs, & soothing mud baths made with steaming mineral water from a geothermal underground lake. That same water feeds the Old Faithful Geyser of California, which erupts about every 40 minutes. The town offers the quiet beauty of the Petrified Forest, where the tallest petrified trees in the world were first discovered in the 1870s. Three California state parks are also located within five miles of downtown.

The Napa Valley Mustard Festival's two-month season celebrates the region's agricultural and cultural riches, and culminates with an awards ceremony in Calistoga. There, the Chef of the Year is named at an event where visitors indulge in spectacular food, fine wine, and the recipes of the best chefs from around the world. Other ongoing events include tours & picnics at the town's wineries, wine tasting, Victorian stained glass shows, blues concerts, farmers' and chefs' markets, and berry-picking.

After enjoying Calistoga's museums & galleries, which showcase California's history and the works of regional artists, visitors can head outdoors for a balloon ride over California's finest wineries. A hike up to the Silverado Trail provides a spectacular view of the Napa Valley and the Palisades, dramatic monuments that are the result of volcanic eruptions.

Activities and Attractions in Calistoga, California

Copia - American Center for Wine, Food & Arts, is the world's leading cultural center dedicated to the discovery and celebration of wine, food and the arts in American culture. In the Napa Valley, "CIA" refers to the world-renown Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, occupying the magnificent old stone structure that once housed the Christian Brothers winery on Hwy. 29. The Napa Valley Wine Train combines a return to the gracious era of elegant rail travel with a deliciously crafted culinary-and-wine experience as it cruises up-valley among world-famous vineyards. Choose a champagne brunch, gourmet lunch or exquisite full-course dinner, along with a relaxing journey. Please click here to view the Wine Train website.

Safari West is a one-of-a-kind, 400-acre wildlife preserve, and the only accommodation of its kind in North America. Safari West's Tent Camp offers authentic canvas African safari tents with sweeping views of the surrounding environment. The tents are located in the preserve itself, in close proximity to, but separated from, the natural wildlife that populates Safari West. Please click here to view the Safari West website.

Twin Pine Casino, located just north of Calistoga in Middletown, is owned and operated by the Rancheria band of Pomo Indians. Old Faithful Geyser is one of three geysers in the world with the designation "old faithful" -- geysers that erupt at regular intervals. Under normal conditions, the water, heat and the underground pressure all remain constant, and Old Faithful goes off about every 40 minutes. But the frequency of eruptions changes prior to earthquakes within a 500-mile radius. Connected to USGS earthquake center in Menlo Park, California. The Petrified Forest was first uncovered in the 1870's, and features the tallest petrified trees in the world. Giant redwoods were turned to stone after being uprooted and covered by volcanic eruptions six million years ago. Picnic area, walking trails, gift shop. Admission charged. About six miles from Calistoga at 4100 Petrified Forest Road. 707-942-6667. The Sharpsteen Museum and Sam Brannan Cottage, named for benefactor Ben Sharpsteen, an animator, producer and director for Walt Disney Studios for many years. The museum houses many exhibits on the history of Calistoga. Sam Brannan Cottage, built in 1860, is decorated with period furnishings. 1311 Washington Street off Lincoln Avenue. 707-942-5911.

There are three California State Parks within 5 miles of downtown Calistoga: The old Bale Grist Mill, built in 1846, is still grinding grain into flour. The 37-foot overshot waterwheel, originally fed by a redwood log flume, drives millstones imported from France. About ten minutes south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, 1800 acres of pine and redwood groves with elevations ranging from 400 to 2000 feet offers hiking, picnic areas, campsites with restrooms and hot showers and swimming. Three miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128. 800-444-7275 or 707-942-4575. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is the place where the famous author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped spent his honeymoon in 1880. Stevenson's "The Silverado Squatters," is the story of his stay in Calistoga. Although nothing remains of Stevenson's cabin, the site is identified on the trail to the top of Mount St. Helena - which provides unsurpassed views of the Napa Valley. No facilities. Eight miles north of Calistoga off Highway 29. 707-942-4575.