A California Town With Hot Springs And Charm Is Like The Yellowstone Of Napa Valley

When we think of the Napa Valley, we naturally think of wine –– and for good reason. This region in Northern California is known worldwide for its quality grapes and scenic vineyards, such as this top-rated mountainside winery with some of the valley's best views. While many head to Napa Valley to savor locally produced Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and Chardonnays, there is more to the place than just bottles and vines. Napa also boasts some charming towns, such as Calistoga, which is sometimes called "The Yellowstone of Napa Valley."

Nestled at the base of the 4,343-foot Mount St. Helena in the Mayacama Mountains that flank the valley, this community of just over 5,000 people is known for its quaint small-town vibes and the outdoor beauty that surrounds it. Its biggest draw, however, is its famous hot springs, where visitors can soak their cares away in a spa-like environment while also checking out one of the rare natural geysers found outside of Yellowstone National Park.

Calistoga is an hour and a half by car from San Francisco or just 30 minutes from the nearby city of Santa Rosa. Long known by the native Wappo tribe as a place of healing volcanic waters, settlers began arriving in the 1840s during the California Gold Rush. In 1862, a businessman named Samuel Brannan opened a hotel in the hope of creating a West Coast version of New York's Saratoga Springs. The settlement we see today grew up around that, and in addition to being a hot springs retreat, Calistoga is also famous for its popular brand of mineral water, which is bottled right in town.

The town is home to more than 10 hot springs resorts offering soaking pools, spa treatments, and mud baths — a must-try activity during any visit. For privacy, head to Golden Haven Hot Springs, which features private two-person baths in each of its 28 rooms, while the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs boasts four outdoor pools where guests can take in scenic mountain views while immersed in the restorative waters. No visit to Calistoga would be complete without witnessing the eruption of its geyser, also known as "Old Faithful," which shoots steam into the air every 15 to 30 minutes.

While you're in town, make sure to grab a bite at one of Calistoga's terrific eateries. Awarded Calistoga's first Michelin star in 2023, Auro features expert creations by Chef Rogelio Garcia, while the highly-rated Bricco Osteria does rustic Italian fare made from fresh local ingredients. Since Calistoga is right in prime grape country, a visit to a winery is almost obligatory, so head to Castello di Amaroso, which features acres of vineyards surrounding a recreation of a 141,000-square-foot 14th-century Tuscan castle.

While the hot springs are the star of the show in Calistoga, the surrounding mountains offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor-fueled recreation. Mount St. Helena is one of the tallest in the region. The 10-mile, out-and-back hike to the summit offers sweeping views of Napa Valley and is the perfect way to work up an appetite for a rewarding meal and soak back in town.

The mountain is surrounded by Robert Louis Stevenson Park, which is named after the famous writer who honeymooned in Calistoga. This 5,272-acre preserve is a haven of Douglas fir, oak, and manzanita trees. In addition to hikers, it also attracts mountain bikers and climbers keen to scale its crags and rock formations.

Another popular activity is to rent a bike in town and head out on the Oat Hill Mine Trail, a historic stagecoach route that connected Calistoga with the mercury mines in the adjacent mountains. This 16.2-mile roundtrip ride allows for amazing vistas of wine country, along with forests, grasslands, and imposing mountain stone. For more small-time charm in Napa Valley, check out the overlooked settlement of Rutherford.