Travelers looking for a relaxing vacation in Wine Country should pay attention to the small town of Calistoga. Visitors to Napa Valley’s most northern city can mingle with farmers, grape growers, winemakers, and locals just by walking down the street or stopping by one of the many restaurants or tasting rooms the town has to offer. Sipping wine and relaxing by a geothermal mineral pool are the main attractions, but charming Calistoga has much more to offer.

Staying in Calistoga

Calistoga hotels focus on relaxation. Many boast heated mineral pools warmed from the rich mineral water that runs below the town and on-site spa offerings for ultimate rejuvenation without leaving the property.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs

1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4102

The recently renovated Dr. Wilkinson‘s perfectly blends nostalgic charm with a hip vibe and modern amenities. This modernized retreat offers everything needed for a perfect Calistoga getaway, including luxe rooms with plush bedding and mid-century decor; mouthwatering food and drink at the on-site restaurant, House of Better; healing mineral pools; and a plethora of restorative treatments at the spa. Opt for the signature mud treatment for a true Calistoga experience.

The Inn on Pine

1202 Pine Street, Calistoga, California 94515, (707) 942-6829

The Inn on Pine is surrounded by vineyards but is only a few minutes walk to downtown Calistoga. It offers 13 rooms outfitted with Wine Country inspired decor and plush beds, alongside in-room fireplaces and soaking tubs. Take a dip in their on-site hot tub, or pay a visit to their dry sauna for a relaxing way to end the day.

Wine Tasting in Calistoga

Calistoga is home to wineries of all sizes, and we have a feeling you’ll love tasting your way around this northern part of the Valley.

Bennett Lane

3340 Hwy CA-128, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6684

Known for offering friendly service with its wines, Bennett Lane tasting room offers a variety of tasting experiences, including the Estate Tour Experience where a personal wine expert will lead you around the vineyards, as well as through a tasting of four Bennett Lane wines. If you’re a Cab Sauv lover, you might also be interested in the Ruby Fox Tasting which focuses on two of their Ruby Fox Cabernet Sauvignon vintages.

Frank Family Vineyards

1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-0859

Set within the winery’s original Craftsman house is Frank Family Vineyards’ tasting room, where seated tasting experiences include samples of current release still and sparkling wines—many of which are exclusive to the winery. If Cabernet Sauvignon is your preferred varietal, don’t miss the Wines of Winston Hill Tasting, highlighting single vineyard Cabernets. For something slightly more elevated, book an experience in the winery’s chic new Miller House.

Tamber Bey

1251 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-2100

You’ll notice something a little different about Tamber Bey as soon as you arrive. This winery is home to not only beautiful wines but also beautiful horses! Tamber Bey is a family-run operation of equestrian lovers through and through and their hardwork and dedication comes through in their wide variety of wine offerings. Book their Courtyard Experience which lets you choose your tasting flight of vineyard-designated wines or dig a little deeper in the Collector’s Tasting, a private experience geared towards collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Brunch in Calistoga

Calistoga brunch is a must for visitors looking to go wine tasting in the afternoon. Many restaurants are open for brunch on weekdays, as well as weekends.

Cafe Sarafornia

1413 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-0555

Cafe Sarafornia serves a traditional diner breakfast with a Wine Country twist. Seasonal dishes such as the Brannan Benedict—two poached eggs, avocado, bacon, and their very own gravy sauce on an English muffin—grace the menu, and portions are big, so bring your appetite.

Solbar

755 Silverado Trail N., Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 226-0800

Solbar is a Michelin-recognized hotel restaurant and bar that is trendy yet approachable. Guests are treated to farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients, from breakfast to late-night lounge snacks. While the interior of the restaurant is beautifully designed, it’s hard to beat starting your day with an al fresco meal on the expansive patio. At night, it’s also the place to be to enjoy the 20-foot long fire pit.

Lunchtime in Calistoga

If you are planning early morning or evening adventures in Calistoga, there are no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat midday.

Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery

1250 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4101

The Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery is for travelers who are looking for a casual lunch and a place to grab a beer (refreshing after a day of wine tasting). The outdoor patio with fire pits stretches along the Napa River and all the beer is made in the historic water tower.

Sam’s Social Club

1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4913

Sam’s Social Club is a favorite stop for brunch, lunch, and dinner in the Calistoga restaurant scene, known for its thoughtfully composed seasonal comfort foods. Stop by between wine tastings to try their Seared Ora King Salmon Sandwich or Pork Schnitzel.

Dinner in Calistoga

After a day of exploring northern Napa Valley, it’s time to kick back, relax, and savor the many amazing flavors of the region.

Evangeline

1226 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 341-3131

Evangeline is casual French fare with a Creole twist. Tables are mostly patio seating, so make sure to bring layers when dining here, but it’s worth it to enjoy an al fresco evening sipping an Old Fashioned and noshing on Fried Pickles, Steak Frites, and savory Gumbo Yaya.

Lovina

1107 Cedar Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6500

The sign “Great Food” outside their small patio isn’t just good marketing, it’s a promise to guests to expect nothing but delicious eats at Lovina. Formerly known as the Calistoga Kitchen, Lovina dishes up heart-warming comfort food with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Stop in for dinner (or brunch!) and dig in to a basket of warm sourdough with kale, pistachio pesto butter with their famed Wine Forest Risotto, and if you happen to stop by on a Wednesday night, enjoy discounted bottles of wine from their extensive list of Napa favorites and no corkage fees.

Adventures in Calistoga

There is much more to Calistoga than wine tasting. Travelers from all over the world visit here to experience the mineral pools, unique sites, and bountiful Wine Country shopping.

Plan to visit Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife sanctuary outside of Calistoga. Where else can you find giraffes, antelope, and lemurs in Wine Country? They also offer glamping, for a more comprehensive outdoorsy experience.

Also worth checking out is the Old Faithful Geyser of California, located just north of downtown Calistoga. Get up close and personal as the geyser erupts every 20 to 30 minutes.

Downtown has many local shops with unique gifts. Walk along Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga’s main street, and experience shops owned by locals including Ca’Toga Galleria D’Arte and Copperfield’s Books.

Yountville, a tiny 1.5-square mile town less than 10 miles north of the town Napa, is credited with being home to the first grapevines in all of Napa Valley.

Today, the ritzy enclave is also known for its small-town charm, abundance of world-class restaurants (including the famous Three-Michelin-starred The French Laundry), dedication to the arts, stylish hotels, natural beauty, stunning architecture, boutique wineries, and walkability. The latter actually makes it one of the most appealing destinations in all of Napa Valley, as once you park your car upon arrival, there’s almost no reason to touch your car keys until it’s time to return home.

Read on to discover some of the most indulgent, exciting, and relaxing ways to enjoy yourself while on a getaway to this charming town that bills itself as the Heart of Napa Valley.

Soar Above in a Hot Air Balloon

See Napa from a new perspective while soaring about the vineyards in a hot air balloon. Napa Valley Aloft has been flying above Yountville’s gorgeous landscape since 1978, with baskets that hold 8 to 12 passengers and an option for a post-flight brunch with mimosas. (You can also book a private balloon for special occasions.) Napa Valley Balloons is another acclaimed company for taking in the sights of the region from above and has baskets that carry 6, 12, 16, and 20 passengers, with private flights for two.

Whichever company you choose for your adventure, you’ll arrive before dawn to watch the colorful balloons get inflated and then take off soon after sunrise when the winds are calm, and the temps are cool. As you rise into the sky, you’ll take in views of the Napa Valley floor, Mt. St. Helena, Mayacamas Mountain Range, and on days when the wind cooperates, glimpses of the San Francisco skyline and the Sierras.

Take a Leisurely Stroll to Wine Taste

One of the best things about Yountville is that you can enjoy everything the town offers without ever getting in a car, including one of the best things the town has to offer: over a dozen stroll-able winery tasting rooms.

At the Priest Ranch tasting room, you can try Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as several less common varietals, including Grenache Blanc and a Brut Rosé of Syrah. And while you can pair your tasting with a specialty cheese and charcuterie board, the Bacon & Wine Experience is the way to go… because what other winery tasting room is going to offer you a pairing of four distinctly flavored types of bacon to go with your wines?

Just a few steps from Priest Ranch is Handwritten Wines, a contemporary space with indoor and outdoor seating where you can sample the winery’s proprietary Bordeaux-style blend “Three Worlds,” its Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. If you’re especially fond of Pinot Noir, the Pinot Noir Vertical Experience is a must; you’ll explore the different growing seasons and aging nuances while sipping four vintages from the same vineyard.

It will take you about 10 minutes to walk from Handwritten Wines to Jessup Cellars, known to be one of the friendliest tasting rooms in Wine Country, where the art-covered gallery walls provide the perfect setting for enjoying premium wines fit for aficionados and novices alike. All tastings come with a satiating charcuterie board, but if you know your stomach will be grumbling, there are plenty of amazing Yountville restaurants just a hop and a skip away.

Dine on Locally-Sourced Food at Top Restaurants

Northern California is known for its amazing bounty of fresh ingredients grown and raised by local farmers, and you’ll find ample opportunity to enjoy that farm-to-table dining perfection at several Yountville restaurants.

Enjoy Italian fine dining in Napa at Bottega Napa Valley, a lively restaurant from the late celebrity chef Michael Chiarello, where all of the dishes highlight local, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors.

The French Laundry is on almost everyone’s Napa fine dining bucket list for good reason. Their multi-course dinner is a treat for the senses, but for those looking for a truly unique dining experience highlighting local ingredients, the trick is to order the restaurant’s “Tasting of Vegetables” menu. The French Laundry has a “culinary gardener” on staff whose job is to tend to the 3.5-acre garden across the street from the restaurant, which serves as their main source of produce.

If it’s laidback, yet still locally-sourced cuisine you’re after, look no further than The Kitchen at Priest Ranch. Inspired by the homey flavors of the Midwest and American classics, you’ll find everything from gourmet smashburgers to Italian beef sandwiches—and they serve breakfast all day. To top it off, all of their dishes pair perfectly with Priest Ranch wines. After you’re back home, and no doubt craving the good eats from the Kitchen, you can scroll through their list of recipes listed on their website for culinary inspiration.

Discover Regional Art at the Napa Valley Museum

Take a break from wining and dining to learn a little more about the place from where it all comes. Hop on the free Yountville Trolley (downtown) to the Napa Valley Museum to explore three galleries of West Coast art, a showcase of noteworthy aspects of local culture, and selections that exemplify the region’s history.

Walk the Walk—the Art Walk, That Is

Discover 35 outdoor sculptures (most of which are available for purchase to benefit the Yountville Arts fund) within a mile or so of each other on the Yountville Art Walk. Roam around and see what you find (you can learn more about each piece by scanning the QR code on the plaque), or download the printable map to ensure you see them all.

Sip Your Way Through Nearby Wineries

It wouldn’t be a trip to Yountville without exploring some of the town’s outstanding boutique wineries.

Fans of rock n’ roll will definitely appreciate Cliff Lede Vineyards, where the vineyard’s “Rock Blocks” are named after songs and albums, like “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Light My Fire.” The outdoor patio is gorgeous, but for a truly unique experience, opt for the Backstage Tasting Lounge, where you can sip while enjoying rotating art exhibits.

At Goosecross Cellars, a winery that is close to downtown but feels off the beaten path, you’ll take in views of the vineyards, Yountville Hills, and the Mayacamas Mountain Range while enjoying a diverse portfolio of meticulously crafted wines of all varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Syrah.

Bell Wine Cellars is also worth a visit, especially for those who enjoy single-vineyard or single-clone wines. During their Grape to Glass Tour & Tasting, you’ll go behind the scenes, seeing exactly what it takes to make their carefully curated wines.

Play a Round of Golf

Whether you hit the links often or just enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the greens, check out Vintner’s Golf Club. The championship nine-hole resort course features three different sets of tees, and is an excellent option for an afternoon of golf as it’s welcoming to all levels. Stop by the Lakeside Grill after a round for a club sandwich and beer (or wine) in a picturesque setting.

Napa Valley can be explored by bus, bike, segway, and even tuk tuk, but none of those modes of transportation can compete with the mountain and vineyard views you’ll enjoy — and the photos you’ll capture — from an adventurous, sunrise hot air balloon ride. Soaring over Napa Valley at up to 3,000 feet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be at the top of your Wine Country bucket list, so here’s everything you need to know before you lift off.

What to expect when you’re…flying

Hot air balloon rides take place very early in the morning, for that’s when the winds are calmest. You will be up before sunrise. The good news is that you’ll literally get to rise with it; the lighting is truly incredible and it won’t cut into your wine tasting plans for the day. Some companies offer transportation to and from your hotel and also provide coffee and tea upon arrival. Each balloon company takes off at a different spot throughout Napa Valley, so you may want to choose based on your hotel location (anything for a few extra minutes of sleep, right?).

Your hot air balloon experience will typically last between three to four hours, but the actual flight duration is roughly one hour, give or take. Hot air balloon rides are unpredictable and completely dependent on that day’s flying conditions. Most experiences have the option to add on a post-flight, sit-down brunch, complete with sparkling wine.

Note: Hot air ballooning is not recommended — and sometimes not permitted — for infants and young children (kids must be 48 inches in height or at least six years old), women who are pregnant, or persons with pain, disability, or injury, for you’ll need to be able to stand in the balloon.

Cost

A hot air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which unfortunately means it doesn’t come cheap. Standard flights, which fit up to 22 passengers, start at $275 per person. Thinking of popping the question? A private flight will cost you roughly $1,500 to $2,200 total, but your effort will most certainly be rewarded with a “Yes!”

When to book

Hot air balloon rides are weather dependent and it’s not uncommon for them to get canceled due to rain, heavy fog, or strong winds. Safety is of the utmost importance and the company you book through will call you the morning of if it’s canceled and then usually give you the option to rebook for the next day. Some companies also have additional Northern California lift-off locations outside of Napa Valley that you can take advantage of in the result of cancellation.

The best strategy is to schedule your balloon ride at the beginning of your Napa Valley trip, that way you have the rest of it to keep rescheduling in the case of inclement weather. Last minute reservations are often available, but to be safe, book a few weeks in advance, especially if it’s during peak tourist season (August – October).

What to wear and pack

Layers, layers, layers. Napa Valley has chilly mornings, so no matter the time of year, you’ll want to dress in layers for your ride. In winter it can be downright frigid, sometimes down to the 30s and 40s, in which case you may want to bring a hat, scarf, and gloves. The coldest part of the experience is on the ground before take off. During the flight, the burners that go off in the basket every so often help keep passengers warm. Sunglasses can help lessen the sun’s rays as it rises and it’s advised women don’t wear dresses or skirts, as they have to climb over the basket to get in and out (plus, wind, duh).

Your camera is probably the single most important item to bring. One with a strap is ideal, for obvious reasons.

Where to Book

Most of Napa Valley’s hot air balloon companies have been around since the 1970s and 80s and were not only flying some of the first balloon rides in Napa Valley, but also in the entire country. They offer competitive pricing, but slightly different packages and experiences. You really can’t go wrong, but here are a couple to consider:

Napa Valley Aloft

Owned and continually-operated by the Kimball Family, Aloft maxes out their passenger count at 12, so you’ll likely get a more intimate experience than some other balloon companies. The standard Aloft balloon ride is $280 per person, but they also offer private flights for two people ($2,200 total) or four ($2,600). A champagne breakfast will cost an extra $28 per person. If you’re worried about a possible cancellation, Napa Valley Aloft is a good company to roll the dice with. Though they typically launch out of Yountville at V Marketplace, they have access to a secondary launch location in the secluded Pope Valley, which is prone to less fog than other parts of the valley.

Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.

This is the only company that launches from an actual winery. The standard package price (up to 20 guests per balloon) is $299 per person and a private flight and a sparkling wine toast for two guests costs $2,200. The company also offers a slew of wine and hotel packages to help customize your Napa Valley visit. If you’re staying Upvalley (like St. Helena or Calistoga) you might consider booking with their partner company, Calistoga Balloons. A private flight for two will cost you $2,200.

With near-perfect weather and sun almost year round, Napa Valley beckons wine lovers out from air-conditioned tasting rooms to spend some time exploring the great outdoors — and we don’t just mean frolicking in the vineyards. From hiking and biking to golfing, camping, and even soaking in the hot springs, here’s our guide to Napa Valley’s best outdoor experiences.

Hike

Easy

If wine, wine, and more wine is your priority and you’re looking for a quick and easy hike, consider Westwood Hills Park or Alston Park (the most pup friendly), both located in Napa. In just an hour or two, you’ll successfully get your heart rate up on some steep climbs, plus take in a spectacular view of the surrounding Napa Valley. You can also head north to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Just south of Calistoga, most of the trails here are under two miles. It’s also an opportunity to pay a visit to the historic mill at Bale Grist Mill State Park, which has a trail connecting to Bothe-Napa.

Moderate

The Ritchey Canyon Trail at Bothe-Napa, however, is an eight-mile round trip journey through thick redwoods and over babbling streams. Other longer and moderately challenging hikes can be found at Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa. A hike of the perimeter, which includes a lake and a 1,600-foot summit, stretches for nine miles. The scenic Skyline Trail is a more doable three miles, yet still climbs more than 1,000 feet and circles the lake.

A 15 – 20 minute drive from St. Helena, Moore Creek Park is a bit off-the-beaten-path, but worth it, and is your best chance at spotting wildlife (everything from bald eagles and cattle to mountain lions and bobcats). Combine the Chiles Creek Trail with the Shoreline Trail for a 6.4-mile loop that runs adjacent to the serene Lake Hennessey or push yourself on a heart-pumping three-mile climb up the Moore Creek Trail. At the top, a swimming hole awaits.

Advanced

Napa Valley’s most popular hikes are found north of Calistoga at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, where the revered author spent his honeymoon. The farthest-reaching views of the Bay Area are obtained from over 4,000 feet at the top of the five-mile trail up Mt. St. Helena (10 miles round trip). Most of that hike is on fire road, however, so some hikers prefer hiking the more natural Table Rock and Palisades Trail (eight miles round trip) or even continuing on to the Oak Hill Mine Trail, which extends for 19-miles round trip.

Bike

The eventual goal of the Napa Valley Vine Trail is to complete a 47-mile walking and biking trail system between Vallejo and Calistoga. For now, there is a 12.5-mile section between Napa and Yountville, allowing for 25 leisurely miles round trip. The trail is pretty flat and is a great way to feel less guilty about all of the wine and food you’ll be consuming.

You can rent bikes from Getaway Adventures, or opt for one of their guided bike tours — from Carneros to Calistoga — paired with wine or beer.

Mountain bikers can find trails in Skyline Wilderness Park and Moore Creek Park. Advanced riders can tackle 16 miles over 2,800 feet of elevation along the Oat Hill Mine Trail in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Camp

Camping opportunities in Napa Valley are limited — it’s all about living the life of luxury in Wine Country — but Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has 45 campsites for tents and RVs, or you can glamp in one of their 10 furnished Yurts or fully restored historic cabins. You’ll easily be able to access the park’s hiking trails and there’s even a swimming pool. Skyline Wilderness Park also offers tent camping, RV camping, and horse camping.

Farther out, Lake Berryessa (a 45-minute drive from Napa) has several lakeside camping opportunities. Check out campgrounds like Spanish Flat Resort, Putah Canyon, Steele Canyon Campground, and Pleasure Cove Campground and Marina.

Golf

Despite most of Napa Valley being covered in vineyards, there is a myriad of golf courses in the area. Book a tee time at the beautiful Silverado Resort, which boasts a pair of championship courses and hosts the annual Safeway Open. Note: To play at Silverado, you’ve also got to stay a night, or just know a member. Kennedy Park and the Mount St. Helena Golf courses are the most accessible and beginner friendly. At Skyline Wilderness Park there’s a disc golf course, for a different take on golfing.

At Your Leisure

If you don’t exactly want to work up a sweat on your vacation, there are plenty of more leisurely outdoor experiences in Napa Valley. Board a hot air balloon ride at sunrise — book with Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. or Napa Valley Aloft Balloons. Or, head out to see the Old Faithful Geyser — one of the most-visited attractions in California — erupt in Calistoga, then make your way north to take a stroll through fossilized sequoias in the Petrified Forest. To ease your worries (or sore muscles) away, soak in Calistoga’s natural hot springs at spots like the newly revamped Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs, known as Calistoga’s original wellness resort.

Many wineries get you outdoors too. Explore 1,682 acres of pristine mountainscape during a tour and tasting at Somerston Estate, or opt for the Vineyard Hike with a picnic at Cuvaison. You can play a game of bocce at Trinchero Napa Valley while sipping on their estate-grown Cabernet, and, for something a little more adventurous, the ATV Experience at Hess Persson Estates will have you riding through the vineyards to get an up-close view of the property and its vines.