Calistoga, CA, and Napa Valley.
The names cannot help but evoke visions of vineyards, wineries, and beautifully wooded, rolling hills. Yet there is so much more to see and do in Calistoga.
So, are you planning a trip soon to Calistoga, CA?
If so, here’s an overview of some of the best things to do and see in Calistoga this summer.
Top 10 Things To Do in Calistoga, CA this Summer
In addition to the sheer beauty and charm of the great outdoors that surround Calistoga, it offers several unique and interesting things to see and do:
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
According to the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District website,
“Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park offers an authentic peek into Californians’ rural heritage. Built in 1846, the mill was a central piece of life during the early development of the Napa Valley as settlers came to have their grain ground into meal or flour.
The Bale Grist Mill is one of only a handful of mills of its kind still functioning in the U.S. and offers tours and milling demonstrations, special events, and educational activities to celebrate the history of the region.”
Located just five miles from downtown Calistoga.
For information visit napaoutdoors.org/parks/bale-grist-mill-state-historic-park/
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Here’s what the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District says about this park,
“Located in the beautiful Napa Valley, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is the perfect getaway and community park. Hike amongst the redwoods, enjoy the creeks and scenery, join up with friends and family for a picnic, or enjoy the spring fed swimming pool on a hot summer day!”
Located just five miles from downtown Calistoga, opposite of the Bale Grist Mill on State Hwy 128.
For information visit napaoutdoors.org/parks/bothe-napa-valley-state-park/
Oat Hill Mine Trail
For those of you who like a bit more rigorous adventure with your wine country sight-seeing, a hike along the Oat Hill Mine Trail is just the thing. A description of the trail experience states that,
“The Oat Hill Mine Trail follows 8.3 miles of an old stage coach route between Calistoga and the western end of Aetna Springs Road in Pope Valley over an elevation change of 1500 feet.
The trail provides a magnificent recreational experience for hikers, mountain bicyclists and equestrians. This is a challenging trail and can be very rough and rocky along the way. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Napa Valley along the lower Oat Hill Mine Trail, while the middle and upper sections of the trail cross striking volcanic formations.”
The main parking area is located just north of the town of Calistoga, off the Silverado Trail.
For information visit napaoutdoors.org/parks/oat-hill-mine-trail/
Old Faithful Geyser of California
As one website puts it,
“In the early days of the National Geographic Society, Old Faithful Geyser of California was declared one of only three “faithful” geysers in the world because of its regular eruptions.
Old Faithful Geyser of California soon became one of the most visited places in the American West. The rainbows that form in the predictable sprays of mist are a wonderful feature in this serene setting at the top of Napa Valley.”
The geyser can be accessed at 1299 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, 94515.
Petrified Forest
This is something you won’t see every day! An entry in Wikipedia states that,
“The Petrified Forest is a petrified forest located in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. It is the only petrified forest in California from the Pliocene. It also has the largest petrified trees in the world. The forest is now open to the public to visit after restoration from damage caused by the Napa and Sonoma fires of 2017.”
You’ll find this prehistoric wonder just five miles southwest of Calistoga on Petrified Forest Road.
Enjoying the Great Indoors in Calistoga, CA
Of course, there’s far more to do in Calistoga in the summer besides enjoying the wonders of our outdoor surroundings.
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
The famed Calistoga Spa Hot Springs and mineral pools continue to provide spa treatments and alluring mineral pools as they have since 1965.
Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs offers a relaxing getaway in an alluring California wine country destination.
Located at 1006 Washington St, Calistoga, California 94515, you can contact them at 707-942-6269.
Indian Springs Art Gallery
Right next door to the Indian Springs Resort, the Indian Springs Art Gallery at Indian Springs features contemporary and modern art. The gallery includes paintings, sculptures, pottery, and more and regularly rotates exhibits and artists.
Make it a point to drop in at the gallery at 1506 Lincoln Avenue, in Calistoga.
Sharpsteen Museum
A repository of a proud Calistoga history. From the museum’s website,
“PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF CALISTOGA AND UPPER NAPA VALLEY
The Sharpsteen Museum is a must-see destination created by Walt Disney animator and producer, Ben Sharpsteen. This award-winning museum features dioramas, artifacts, antiques, and exhibits designed by Ben and his team of highly creative artists dedicated to making history fun and educational for adults and children alike.”
Ben Sharpsteen and his wife gave the museum to the City of Calistoga in 1978. It is staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers. It can be found at 1311 Washington Street in Calistoga.
Calistoga and Napa Valley is the Wine Country, Afterall
The list of vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms is far longer than we can do justice to in this article. However, here are a few visitor favorites you might find worth visiting this summer:
Winery Tours
- Castello di Amorosa
- Brian Arden Wines
- Davis Estates
- Heibel Ranch Vineyards
- Sterling Vineyards
- Tank Garage Winery
- T-Vine Winery
- Huge Bear at The Bank Tasting Saloon
- Von Strasser Winery
And, while fine wines often top the list for many Calistoga and Napa Valley visitors, our city is also home to several excellent craft breweries. So, make it a point to visit these locations while you’re here this summer:
Local Breweries
- Calistoga Inn Brewery
- Napa Valley Brewing Company
- Lincoln Avenue Brewery
A Visit to Cal Mart: Another Great Thing to Do in Calistoga, CA
For over half a century, Cal Mart has been a family-owned and independent grocery store.
During those five decades, we have provided a unique and enjoyable shopping experience for our customers who we’ve been happy to serve.
Known as “Napa Valley’s Finest Grocery” it is our love for what we do and our commitment to service that helps make Cal Mart a memorable shopping experience. Cal Mart is in the center of downtown Calistoga, which is situated between Napa Valley’s famed Silverado Trail and State Route 128, Cal Mart is a favorite stop for both locals and wine country travelers.
Ready to explore Calistoga, CA, and the surrounding Napa Valley? Then make it a point to visit us first and stock up for your outing. Cal Mart is proud to offer a great delicatessen, a gourmet cheese department, a tantalizing selection of specialty foods items that are unique and hard to find, a wide variety of craft beers, and quality wines.
Looking for that special something to give to a friend or loved one? We offer beautiful gift baskets, and we have a vibrant collection of flowers and plants for any occasion. And much, much more! We invite you to make it a point to stop by and take time to explore all that we have to offer.
And while you’re here, please feel free to talk with our knowledgeable staff and then treat yourself to a visit to our Coffee Bar and one of our refreshing smoothies made with organic ingredients.
Cal Mart in beautiful downtown Calistoga, CA: where you can always find something that is unexpected, unusual, and uncommon!
