Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Calistoga, CA
Year Listed: 2001
Calistoga, California, is a small, unpretentious town at the northern end of the Napa Valley. Known for its spas, 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 executive, realized the area's hot springs and 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, and 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, and 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 and picnics at the town's wineries, wine tastings, Victorian stained glass shows, blues concerts, farmers' and chefs' markets, and berry-picking. After enjoying Calistoga's museums and 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.
