Calistoga, California

Old Faithful Geyser of California is situated in Old Faithful Park and Gardens and is, of course, the crown jewel of the park.

It’s one of only three geysers in the world with “faithful” status, meaning it predictably erupts with regularity. Visitors should expect eruptions every 20 to 30 minutes.

If not, it means an earthquake is likely in the area within a few weeks. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the geyser in different light throughout the day – it’s one of the most photographed scenes in California.

The romantic park also includes gardens, a goat farm, an upscale picnic area with bocce courts, a geology museum, and a gift shop.

1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-942-6463

The Petrified Forest outside Calistoga has been the subject of countless scientific researchers since its discovery by Charles Evans, aka Petrified Forest Charley, in 1870. The 3.4 million-year-old forest was petrified as a result of a massive volcanic eruption by now extinct Mt. St. Helena. Thousands of years of permineralization created the detailed petrified wood visitors see today. Besides numerous academic papers, details of the forest appear in Robert Louis Stevenson’s book The Silverado Squatters, a good pre-visit read (free on Kindle). The Bockee family has managed the property for over 100 years. Visitors can take a docent-led 1.5-hour walk on the two half-mile trails or choose a self-guided walking experience.

4100 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-942-6667

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park (BGMSHP) was once the social activity center for Napa Valley settlers due to its water-powered grist mill. The original mill and 36-foot wheel was built to grind their wheat and corn into flour and mea; it has been partially restored since 1846 and has been declared a State Historic Landmark. The park features Pioneer Cemetery, the first church of Napa Valley, and a two-mile hiking trail that connects to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Guests are welcome to explore the park and participate in historic tours and milling demonstrations on the weekends.

3369 St. Helena Highway North, St. Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-2236

Bothe-Napa State Park sits in the heart of verdant Napa Valley and offers a great place for visitors to camp, swim, picnic, and hike trails. Stunning sets of coastal redwoods, tanoaks, and towering Douglas firs line the hiking trails to create a tranquil setting. Guests are encouraged to take a leisurely stroll of Ritchey Canyon by following the Redwood Trail; they’ll find a natural display of ferns and hear the water trickling down the rugged creek bed. The park also features an on-site swimming pool that’s perfect for warm days and camping options that include historic cabins or funky Yurts.

3801 St. Helena Highway North, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-942-4575

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Italian mural artist Carlo Marchiori is one of the top five muralists in the world. Hailing from Venice, Italy, he bought the land where Villa Ca'Toga now sits 30 years after emigrating to the U.S. He promptly began to recreate the aura of Venice and Verona based on Palladian architectural elements with the construction of the villa. Manicured grounds include a sculpture courtyard of statuary, columns, and gates, grotto and Roman theater, Greco-Roman ruins, a Roman pool, hot tub, and fountains. Inside the villa, guests will find a primary salon and six themed rooms. CA’TOGA art gallery houses Marchiori’s world-renowned art at 1206 Cedar Street. Villa tours are seasonal and only take place on Saturday mornings.

3061 Myrtledale Road, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-942-3900

The Castello di Amorosa is inspired by 13th century Tuscan castles and wineries offering wine tasting experiences and guided tours. It features general admission access that allows guests the opportunity to tour its two floors and enjoy a six-wine reserve tasting menu or a five-wine premium tasting menu. For those looking for a more in-depth experience, they can opt for the guided tour and tasting, which includes a walk through the Armory, Grand Barrel Room, and Torture Chamber followed by a private wine tasting. Castello di Amorosa also offers a Royal Food & Wine Pairing Tour, Cheese & Wine Pairing Tour, and Napa Valley Wine Train & Tour.

4045 Helena Highway, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-967-6272

Sitting along the Silverado Trail at the edge of Calistoga just below the Palisade Mountains is the vineyard known as Brian Arden Wines. Built on a lifelong dream in 2008, this property opened in 2014, producing a heavenly harvest from well-educated wine lovers. Their state-of-the-art building with hospitality center was opened in 2015 and began offering an extraordinary tasting experience featuring their 2008 Cabernet Franc. Now guests are welcome to come in for a 45-minute wine tasting of five to seven of the winery’s most current releases. Visitors gather in the energetic and upbeat Tasting Room with a knowledgeable guide to walk them through the tasting experience.

331 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-942-4767

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is situated in the heart of charming downtown Calistoga, a great place to relax and feel at ease in the beauty of the Napa Valley. This boutique hotel with an upscale spa is perfect for a romantic getaway or wine tasting excursion. Guests can unwind in their renovated modern rooms with in-room kitchenettes before enjoying one of the hotel’s amazing spa experiences. Visitors are encouraged to rejuvenate their bodies in the geothermal mineral pools, de-stress with a volcanic ash mud massage, or indulge in a covered outdoor mineral whirlpool with temperatures that can reach up to 104 degrees.

1006 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-942-6269

The Sharpsteen Museum was created and founded by Ben Sharpsteen, a Walt Disney animator, and producer, who dreamed of creating a space that preserved and told the rich history of the Upper Napa Valley area and Calistoga. Since its opening, it quickly became a must-visit destination in Calistoga and is celebrated for being the home of spectacular dioramas, realistic exhibits designed and painted by Ben Sharpsteen himself, along with a team of expert artists, as well as antiques and artifacts from around the region. See highlights like the Sam Brannan Cottage, the 1860 Calistoga Diorama, and other noteworthy items from the museum’s permanent collection when you visit.

1311 Washington Street, Calistoga, California 94515, Phone: 707-942-5911

Davis Estates is a family-run winery in the Calistoga area of Napa Valley. They are dedicated to providing a sustainable environment and producing premier wines. Visitors are welcome to sit on their outdoor terrace, which boasts stunning panoramic views of the estate and northern Napa Valley. They also offer an array of intimate tasting experiences including the Terrace Tasting, Terrace Wine & Food Pairing, Historic Tour & Tasting, and Library Tasting. The VIP Experience is the perfect tour for serious wine enthusiasts, with a behind-the-scenes look at the property that ends with a platter of seasonal gourmet bites.

4060 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA, Phone: 707-942-0700