There are loads of fun things to do in Calistoga California. Calistoga Napa Valley is a super cute small town in California. Within the Napa Valley, there are several lovely towns with restaurants and accommodation.

However, I did find Calistoga to be the quirkiest and most interesting.

1. Eat at Solbar Solage

One of the top things to do in Calistoga is eating! I stayed at Solage Calistoga and I ate at Solbar a lot. That would be five breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. And everything was fantastic.

Solbar offers outside and inside seating. We only ate inside once when outside was full and it was still a nice experience – but outside is definitely the better option.

2. Stay at Solage Calistoga

Regarding Calistoga hotels, Solage may be the top of the list. When you think relaxed, stylish California this is exactly what I had in mind. Solage is a lovely property that is quite spread out so there is a feeling of intimacy despite the size.

Our room at Solage was huge with a living area and a large patio. I love that it came with pushbikes as well. This was perfect for exploring the Calistoga attractions.

3. Hit the Calistoga Wineries

Of course, when it comes to things to do in Calistoga wine and wine tastings will be at the top of your list. I spent a lovely afternoon at the Von Strasser & Lava Vine Winery.

We were able to do our tasting while sitting outside—it was such a treat to be brought glasses of delicious wines to enjoy a Calistoga wine tasting while relaxing outside.

4. Watch Sideways

There is something about watching a movie or TV show in the place where it is set—it seems to add so much. I had the same experience watching Narcos in Medellin. Anyway, I digress.

The film to watch when tasting wine in California is Sideways. It was released in 2004 and stars Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church as two friends that decide to go on a week-long wine road trip.

5. Take the Wine Train

I find it hard to imagine that there would be anyone who wouldn’t want to take a ride on a Napa Valley Wine Train. Yes it is very touristy and it isn’t cheap but this is one of the most fun things to do in Napa Valley.

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers many journey choices. We chose a lunch offer that included a winery tour of the fantastic Grgich Hills.

6. Enjoy Coffee from beans Roasted in Downtown Calistoga

American coffee can be rather dreadful – that awful drip stuff or far too milky cappuccinos. Luckily downtown Calistoga has a cafe that roasts its own beans and provides a great brew. When it comes to what there is to do in Calistoga tasting coffee can be added to wine tasting.

Yo el Rey is a super cute coffee micro-roaster. And of course, they are also organic and fair trade certified. Yo El Rey roast their own beans and have a lovely little café right in the heart of Calistoga.

7. Hit the Calmart

I realise that visiting a grocery store was probably not what you expected when it came to what to do in Calistoga – but the Calmart is a large fabulous grocery shop on the main road in Calistoga.

Calmart gives Wholefoods a run for their money with deli and takeaway food offerings. They can then meet all of your usual grocery needs.

8. Go shopping on a Train

This is the second train of the post. Downtown Calistoga has some old, California Heritage-listed trains that have been kitted and fitted out to provide a retail experience.

The Calistoga Wine Stop has a little tasting room here. There are also a few sweet shops and lovely quality souvenirs. The train car is part of the Calistoga Depot – all linked to the Wine Stop.

9. More Calistoga Wineries – but this one has a big twist

Perhaps the most eccentric of the Calistoga wineries is the Tank Garage. The Tank Garage Winery is actually in an old retro 1930s gas station. You can book a wine tasting or just drop in.

Trying 4 wines at the Tank Garage Winery will cost you USD$25 and take about 45 minutes. You may even get access to the back tasting room at the Tank Garage. This is normally only for members of their wine club.

10. Natural Hot Springs

One of the original Calistoga things to do was visit its Natural Hot Springs, which have been a tourist attraction since the 1880s. You can stay at Indian Springs Resort, home to giant hot spring pools, or book a spa treatment and get access.

11. Hot Air Balloon Ride

One of the top things to do in Calistoga Ca is head into the skies! Calistoga has its own hot air balloon specialists with flights planned daily. This one of Calistoga Ca attractions will set you back US$239 and you will have to get up very early (the flights leave between 5 am and 7 am so you have to be up before then).

12. See some Million-Year-Old Trees

Like something out of an Enid Blyton novel, there is a Petrified Forest Calistoga. The trees were caught up in lava flow millions of years ago and are now essentially fossils. The trees at the Petrified Forest are a half-mile walk or you can take a 1 mile guided walk.

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Amanda OBrien

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

12 Great Things to do in Calistoga California