One hour north of San Francisco, all of life’s greatest indulgences—wine, food, relaxation, and adventure—can be experienced all at once in Napa Valley, one of the top Wine Country destinations in the world.

Thirty miles long and five miles wide, this small slice of heaven is home to more than 500 wineries throughout a collection of six quaint towns: Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga. Each has its own personality and places to discover; from Napa’s urban wine trail to Yountville’s renowned dining scene to Calistoga’s detoxifying hot springs, there’s something for every kind of traveler, whether you’re a oenophile, foodie, adventurist, or self-care aficionado.

There’s also no bad time to visit Napa Valley. While September and October are the busiest and warmest months, offering the chance to experience the annual grape harvest in action, the winter months have their own appeal. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and not too chilly, with temperatures mostly in the 50s and 60s. Plus, many hotels offer hard-to-beat off-season rates. Your best chance of rain is in the spring, but the blooming fields of bright, yellow mustard also make it one of the most Instagram-worthy seasons to plan a trip.

Whenever you do decide to pack your bags and pay Napa Valley a visit, we’ve put together the perfect itinerary for the first time visitor, covering all of the “must do’s” over a long weekend trip.

Day 1

Visit a Historic Winery

You can’t visit Napa Valley without a trip to some of the area’s most historic and famous wineries where this great wine region began to make its mark on the world. From Napa, head north on scenic Highway 128 toward St. Helena, first stopping at Rutherford’s Beaulieu Vineyard, one of the longest continually operating wineries in Napa Valley, before making your way to Louis M. Martini Winery to admire the renovated space while you sip.

Stop at Markham and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, where you’ll be able to taste iconic wines while discovering more about Napa’s winemaking heritage at each stop. Other historically-significant winery stops worth considering include Burgess Cellars, Beringer, Charles Krug (Napa Valley’s oldest winery).

Explore Downtown Napa

After a day of wine tasting, make your way back to Napa, where you’ll be able to explore on foot. Stroll over to the Oxbow Public Market, where you can shop from a myriad of local vendors for souvenirs and gifts, like locally-made olive oils or spirits. You can also grab a pre-dinner snack—think oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co., a mini Sweet S’mores or Chocolate Velvet cupcake from Kara’s Cupcakes, or housemade sourdough bagels from Loveski Deli. Thirsty? Grab a pint at Fieldwork Brewing Company.

Next, it’s time for more wine. Stop into one of the many wine tasting rooms, wine bars, or restaurants for happy hour, such as Arch & Tower for incredible river views and wine tasting, or Cadet, Carpe Diem, or Compline wine bars. Make a reservation for dinner on the Napa Riverfront at the famous Morimoto or the romantic French bistro Angele, or head to The Grove at CIA to dine on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine under olive trees in the garden.

Stay

Reserve a hotel room in Napa so that you can be within walking distance (or just a short drive) to downtown’s many restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms. The urban chic Andaz Napa is at the heart of downtown Napa activity, where loft-style rooms are both stylish and inviting, while Milliken Creek’s peaceful riverfront location offers guests a quieter escape just a few minutes from the downtown scene.

Day 2

Spend your second day exploring the towns that put the “Valley” in “Napa Valley.” The small towns of Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga are referred to by locals as the “UpValley,” so use that term if you want to blend in.

Breakfast in Yountville

For breakfast, head to chef Thomas Keller’s famous Bouchon Bakery in Yountville for pastries and espresso. Most likely there will be a line out the door, but it moves quickly. If you want to double down, you can head to Mini Model across the street. This is a smaller location of the locally-acclaimed Model Bakery. Get the English muffin. It’s so good that Oprah Winfrey actually has them flown straight to her front door. For a more elegant brunch option, head to RH Yountville, where dishes like avocado toast on charred sourdough and black forest bacon are perfectly paired with their signature RH mimosa.

Visit a Boutique Winery

Because you visited some of the oldest, largest, and most popular wineries on Day 1, make an appointment at a boutique or family-owned winery next and compare experiences. A boutique winery can mean several things: a more personalized experience (sometimes with the winemaker or owner), less of a crowd, and super primo wines (especially Cabernet Sauvignon, which Napa Valley is best known for). Some of our favorite family-owned and/or boutique wineries to visit UpValley are Goosecross Cellars, Jessup Cellars, and Cliff Lede Vineyards in Yountville, Clif Family Winery and Trinchero in St. Helena, and Groth Vineyards and Winery in Oakville or Staglin Family Vineyard in Rutherford.

Also in Rutherford is the family-owned Sequoia Grove Winery, where a variety of tasting experiences await. Check out the impressive Taste of Cabernet, where a multi-course menu crafted by Executive Chef Spencer Conaty highlights the marriage between food and wine, or the more approachable (and less filling) Wine + Bites experience to tide you over until lunch. 

Lunch in St. Helena

For lunch, continue to head north and pull over at the original Gott’s Roadside location in St. Helena. Formerly Taylor’s Automatic Refresher, when Gott’s took over, they kept the old, 50s-style roadside building, now a Napa Valley landmark. There may be a line, but the burgers and shakes are a can’t-miss. But, if you simply can’t wait, Clif Family Winery’s Bruschetteria food truck is equally enjoyable, offering a variety of seasonally-driven lunch items that will tide you over until dinner. They’re both located at the gateway of St. Helena’s charming Main Street, so you can walk your meal off afterwards with some window shopping at the local boutiques.

Relax and Recharge in Calistoga

For the better part of the afternoon, drive the eight miles from St. Helena to Calistoga for some spa time. This quirky, little town is best known for its healing mineral waters from natural hot springs, plus mud baths that’ll make your skin as smooth as a newborn. Make an appointment for a spa treatment ahead of time; there are so many local spas to choose from, from luxe resorts like Indian Springs and Solage to hip boutique gems like Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs to more intimate and classically restorative escapes at Golden Haven Hot Springs.

If you have some time after, take a stroll down Calistoga’s main drag Lincoln Avenue and pop into CAMi Art + Wine for a tasting while admiring the contemporary art, or grab a pint at the Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery.

Dine at a World-Renowned Restaurant

For your last supper of the trip, go big and make a reservation at one of Napa Valley’s finest dining establishments. St. Helena is home to the new Violetto restaurant at Alila Napa Valley, Christopher Kostow’s The Charter Oak, and Colin Rupp’s Harvest Table. In Yountville, choose from the late Michael Chiarello’s Bottega, or Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry (if you can get in and money is no issue) or Ad Hoc. Wherever you end up, you won’t leave hungry or disappointed.

Stay

Book a hotel in St. Helena for the second night of your trip. For a true Wine Country getaway among the vines, snag a room at the luxurious (and adults-only) Alila Napa Valley. There may not be vineyard views, but you can’t beat the peace and tranquility of a stay at Meadowood, situated in the hillside just outside of town. For something more contemporary and convenient, check out the Wydown Hotel, located right on St. Helena’s Main Street.

Day 3

Take Flight in a Hot Air Balloon

Schedule your travel plans home later in the day so that you have time for one last hurrah. One of Napa Valley’s most sought-after adventures is a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vines. We promise that the 6 AM wake up call is worth it. Don’t forget your camera!

Check out Napa Valley Aloft to schedule your flight, which often includes a post-flight sparkling wine toast. However, if soaring above the valley isn’t your thing and you’d prefer to fit in another winery visit, don’t miss exploring the caves and distinct wines of Pine Ridge Vineyards, situated in the heart of the Stags Leap District.

While Napa Valley certainly draws visitors for its world-class wineries and vineyard views, there’s much more to Napa than just wine, and nowhere is this more evident than in Calistoga. Located in the northern part of the Napa Valley, Calistoga is a great place to go wine tasting, no doubt, but it’s also home to some truly unique attractions, hot springs spas, local shops and eateries, and some of the most picturesque scenery in the region.

When you’re ready to experience all that this small town has to offer, read our guide to the top eight things to do in Calistoga.

Soak in Thermal Hot Springs

If there’s one word that should be associated with Calistoga, it’s relaxation, and thanks to the area’s numerous mineral pools and spas, it’s easy to make R&R a top priority when visiting. More than just a stress reliever, Calistoga’s hot springs are known for their many therapeutic benefits, including easing sore muscles, relieving arthritis pain, promoting healthy circulation, and calming skin conditions, while mineral-rich mud baths and massage treatments purify toxins to leave you feeling totally blissed out.

When you’re ready to experience the rejuvenating benefits of the area’s mineral waters, you’ve got options. Many of the hotels and inns in and around Calistoga offer access to their own on-site mineral pools, including Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, Solage, and Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort, making it easy to experience Calistoga’s hot springs at your leisure. Or, you can check out the historic, Olympic-sized mineral pool at Indian Springs Resort. While hotel guests get free access to the pool, Indian Springs does offer limited day passes for a fee, available when booking a spa treatment.

Visit a Geyser

Just a few minutes outside of town is Old Faithful Geyser, where one can witness the spectacular sight of water shooting up into the air every 30 to 40 minutes. While the main attraction is the regular eruption of this famed geyser, naturally, a visit offers a more well-rounded experience than one might expect, thanks to picnic grounds with bocce courts and cabanas, a garden area featuring native plants and grasses, an on-site geology museum, and an animal farm, where you’ll find goats, sheep, and llamas. Llamas and pygmy goats and geysers, oh my! It all adds up to a memorable afternoon in Calistoga.

Go On a Hike For Sweeping Views of the Area

When the great outdoors are calling, Calistoga’s Palisade Trail is the spot to go. Though the 10-mile round trip, 2,000-foot climb hike is challenging, experienced hikers will be rewarded with beautiful natural scenery and some of the most spectacular views in all of Napa Valley. Just don’t forget to bring your water, as it can get hot in the sun. For a shortened version, opt to hike along the lower Oat Hill Mine Road, a four-and-a-half-mile round trip trek that provides equally wonderful scenery along the way.

Explore An Ancient Forest

If a unique outdoor experience with the family is what you seek, don’t miss a visit to Calistoga’s Petrified Forest. This preserved ancient forest is a sight to see, featuring a majestic display of fossilized redwood trees—the result of being buried in lava over 3 million years ago. Walk along the trails on your own to explore this ancient phenomenon, or opt for a guided tour for a deeper understanding of how this forest came to be.

Sip & Shop in Downtown Calistoga

It’s easy to get wrapped up in Calistoga’s natural surroundings, but it’d be a shame to not spend some time exploring downtown Calistoga. Calistoga has lots of boutique shops and tasting rooms all within walking distance, which makes it easy to sip and stroll all afternoon.

Plan to peruse the assortment of artisanal goods for the home and garden at Blackbird, shop for antique goods and vintage posters at Rags to Riches, and check out Calistoga Pottery for their selection of handmade pottery. Also downtown is Copperfield’s Books, featuring a wide range of books from local and international authors, Flourish Chocolate, offering one-of-a-kind chocolate creations, and Monastery Books and Gifts (yes, actually located inside a Christian Monastery for women) for a selection of spiritual books, homemade goodies, olive oils, teas, and honey. You’ll also find a variety of art galleries and clothing shops around town that are worth popping into.

When you’re ready to whet your palate with some locally made wine, Calistoga’s tasting rooms offer something for everyone. Located in a vintage 1930s gas station, Tank Garage Winery charms with its hip vibe and limited-edition blends and natural wines, while nearby T-Vine Winery offers a friendly ambiance and single-vineyard wines from some of the last remaining old-vine vineyards in California. Around the corner on Lincoln Avenue, Olabisi features limited production wines from a husband-and-wife-duo.

Visit a Nearby Winery

You could easily stay in town to taste great wine, hopping from tasting room to tasting room, but it’s certainly worth jumping in the car and driving a few miles to explore some of the surrounding wineries.

Just three minutes from downtown Calistoga, Sterling Vineyards offers more than just Napa Valley wines to taste. The winery is perched atop a picturesque hillside, providing visitors with epic views while they taste. What makes this winery unique, though, is that it’s accessible by aerial gondola—and the journey to the top is as memorable as the destination itself.

Also a few minutes from town, but in the opposite direction, is Tamber Bey Vineyards. This winery is unique in that it’s located at a working equestrian facility, and every part of the wine tasting experience reflects the owners’ love of horses and wine. Tour the winemaking facility, which was once a covered riding arena, before sampling wine in the courtyard of the original barn, where you can sip wine while admiring the horses. Be sure to add a picnic lunch or savory cookie pairing to really round out the experience.

At Brian Arden, the best way to experience the great wine and hospitality of this super small, family-owned winery is to book the Chef’s Experience Tasting. You’ll not only get to tour the winery’s picturesque grounds, featuring a culinary garden, chickens, and estate vineyard, but you’ll also be treated to a seated wine and food pairing experience featuring five seasonally-inspired courses.

Another smaller, hidden-gem winery is Canard, which only recently reopened its 25-acre property to visitors. From their sustainably-grown, dry-farmed grapes, owners Rich and Carolyn Czapleski carefully produce nine single vineyard wines to showcase the complexity of their estate’s terroir. Don’t miss the Estate Zinfandel, sourced from the property’s nearly 140-year-old Zinfandel vines.

Finally, serious Cabernet fans won’t want to miss a visit to Larkmead Vineyards, one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Napa Valley. This tranquil winery offers a personalized tasting experience tailored to each group’s preferences, along with an idyllic Wine Country setting looking out at the vines.

Savor Gourmet Fare

Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Calistoga’s restaurants and cafés offer a perfect mix of casual ambiance and good food.

For gourmet coffee and a scrumptious pastry or breakfast sandwich, stop by Sam’s General Store, located in the original cottage of Calistoga’s legendary founder, Samuel Brannan. Or, grab a selection of goods to curate your own picnic lunch later in the day. The long-standing Cafe Sarafornia is another top spot for the breakfast/lunch crowd, where a menu of comforting classics is offered all day from this quaint, casual spot. While the southwestern-inspired breakfast and lunch offerings at House of Better are a delight, it’s worth dining here for the unique homemade pies alone. Green chili apple pie, anyone?

One of the most popular restaurants in town for dinner is Evangeline, a French bistro “with a Creole soul” in downtown Calistoga. The covered outdoor patio makes for a lovely setting to enjoy the restaurant’s French bistro classics and creole-inspired dishes. Down the road Sam’s Social Club is another worthy dining choice, where California focused-cuisine highlights fresh, local ingredients in a playful, creative way.

Go Rogue Sampling Beer

We know, we know… you probably didn’t come to Napa Valley to try beer. But the Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery is a great pit-stop for a brewski. Its Napa Valley Brewing Company was actually the first brewery that opened up post-Prohibition. Today, the brewery puts as much love and care into making their Pacific Pale Ale and Blitzen IPA as if they were fine Cabernets. Sit in their Beer Garden—one of the best outdoor spaces in UpValley—and don’t forget to order up some grub from the Calistoga Inn Restaurant.

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.

Originally inhabited by the Wappo Native American tribe, who believed in the healing power of the hot springs that defined the region, Napa Valley’s town of Calistoga has long had a magnetic pull for those seeking rest and rejuvenation. In the late 1800s, developer, entrepreneur, and Calistoga founder Samuel Brannan saw the tourism potential for these hot springs, ultimately opening the Calistoga Hot Springs Hotel on the land he purchased in the area.

In time, Calistoga became known for these natural hot springs, and a wellness destination was born, with unique therapeutic treatments to go with it, such as the famous mud bath—a now-iconic spa treatment that, according to one spa-goer, “feels like you’re simultaneously floating in mid-air while an elephant is sitting on you.” Think cozy-weighted-blanket-meets-breezy-hot-air-balloon-ride. It’s incredible.

Take a load off after your Wine Country adventures at one of these seven soothing spas in Calistoga.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs

One of the early pioneers of Calistoga’s wellness scene, this longstanding property has been helping people take a load off for more than 70 years, when chiropractor and onetime Calistoga mayor Dr. John “Doc” and his artist wife Edy Wilkinson first founded the hotel and launched Calistoga’s original mud bath in 1952. Guests can enjoy the spa’s extensive selection of mud baths, geothermal mineral pools, mineral baths, falling water treatments, and massages, along with a broad suite of unique add-ons like CBD enhancements, aromatherapy, hot-stones, and sound therapy.

Treatment to Note: Go big or go home during your Napa spa getaway with The Works. This signature experience was a founding treatment back in 1952 and is still offered today. First, immerse yourself in a 107-degree mud bath made from mineral-rich volcanic ash, Canadian peat, and mineral water (along with Doc’s secret formula). Then, shower off and soak in a mineral water hydrotherapy pool, enjoy a cleansing steam, wrap up in a cool blanket, and take in a massage.

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

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Located in downtown Calistoga, this hotel and spa is the perfect home base for your Napa Valley wellness getaway. Guests can enjoy a range of services from Swedish and deep tissue massages, mud, mineral, and steam baths, and reflexology, as well as access to a fitness studio, including yoga, Pilates, boot camp, and TRX classes. Spa guests also have access to the hotel’s four geothermal pools, ranging from 80 to 104 degrees.

Treatment to Note: Experience the healing properties of dirt in the signature Volcanic Ash Mud Bath treatment, an ancient ritual said to detoxify the body, improve joint and muscle pain and circulation, and replenish the soul.

1006 Washington Street, Calistoga, California, 94515, (707) 942-6269

Indian Springs

Simply reclining by the Buddha Pond as you sip cucumber-citrus water and enjoy the soothing water sounds of the geyser-fed pond is zen enough at Indian Springs Resort. However, there is much more on offer at this historic Napa Valley retreat. In addition to their iconic Olympic-sized hot springs mineral pool, Indian Springs features an enormous selection of classic and personalized wellness treatments, including CBD and deep-tissue massages, specialized facials for men, women, and teens, mud baths, scrubs, and even a luxurious Pure Goat Milk and Rose Bath experience.

Treatment to Note: The Holistic Facial, exclusive to Indian Springs, incorporates sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls, Ayurvedic Marma point therapy, Gua Sha stone facial massage, and a decadent regimen of natural and organic masks, serums, and moisturizers designed to restore the natural biome of the skin.

1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 709-8139

Spa Solage at Solage Calistoga, Auberge Resorts Collection

A member of the ultra-luxurious Auberge Resorts Collection, no detail is overlooked at Solage Calistoga. The hotel’s expansive spa and wellness facilities comprises 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space centered on Calistoga’s mud and mineral water therapies. Visitors can experience a full spectrum of temperatures in Spa Solage’s geothermal pools, from Wim Hof-style cold to soothing bathwater warm; detox in an infrared sauna or eucalyptus steam room; get pampered with one of many massage, facial, or mud therapy treatments; take a class at the state-of-the-art fitness center; or simply enjoy an environment of calm on the gorgeous Solage grounds. 

Treatment to Note: The Solage Signature Mudslide is an absolute must. This three-part treatment features a mineral-enriched mud treatment, a dip in a private soaking tub with geo-thermal mineral waters, and a rest in one of Spa Solage’s unique sound chairs. Once you’re feeling on top of the world, kick back with a fireside craft cocktail at Solbar. 

755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515, (866) 942-7442

Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort

Nestled in the heart of Calistoga, Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort is a true oasis of rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, from massage and aromatherapy, to facials, mud and mineral baths, and couples’ experiences, all set amidst Napa Valley’s splendor. Staying overnight? Take the spa experience to your room in one of the resort’s Splendido Suites, complete with Roman Spa-like bathrooms, two-person whirlpool tubs with geothermal waters on tap, and in-room dual fireplaces.

Treatment to Note: Sink into a luxurious Mineral Bath, filled with geothermal water that flows from deep in the earth below the spa. Once you’ve applied a clay mask and exfoliated your stress away with a sugar scrub, rinse off and marinate in your new sense of well-being in the relaxation room.

1300 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4441

Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort

Specializing in spa treatments for couples and friends, Golden Haven is the perfect spot for a quick getaway to reconnect with a loved one over some rest and rejuvenation. This Calistoga spa offers a wide range of treatments, from massages and facials to mud and herbal mineral baths. If you prefer to extend your bliss, Golden Haven offers overnight accommodations in one of their 28 rooms, all of which include complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee, tea, bottled water, and bike use. Some even feature an in-room hot springs spa for a little extra pampering.

Treatment to Note: Golden Haven has treatment rooms that can accommodate up to four people at the same time. Book one of the various Couples and Friends Spa Packages and bond over a combination of mud and mineral baths, cool down wraps, and massage treatments together.

1713 Lake Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-8000

MoonAcre Spa & Baths at Calistoga Motor Lodge

If it’s vintage vibes you’re going for, check in to MoonAcre Spa for a relaxation experience unlike any other. Part of the charming Calistoga Motor Lodge, a pet-friendly, retro-style motel, MoonAcre is a playful take on the classic Calistoga bathhouses of the 1880s. Hotel and day guests looking for an easygoing communal experience laced with fun and a bit of whimsy can enjoy one of the many treatments on MoonAcre’s extensive spa menu, from seven different types of massages, to facials, to mud bath and mineral soak experiences, and even private wellness classes for individuals and small groups. MoonAcre Spa also prides itself on the use of organic and locally-sourced products as part of its commitment to sustainability and holistic wellness.

Treatment to Note: The CBD Mineral Soak is said to be the perfect hangover cure, which may come in handy after a day of wine tasting in Napa. Let all your cares melt away as you luxuriate in a restorative bath infused with organic CBD and a blend of lavender and bergamot essential oils.

1880 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-0992

Known as Napa Valley’s Main Street for its ritzy flare, chic boutiques, pioneering wineries, and contemporary art galleries, St. Helena is a dreamlike destination for epicures the world over.

Getting to this wine lovers’ paradise is an easy 90-minute drive from both San Francisco and Sacramento, California—a sophisticated-yet-charming spot situated between Calistoga and Yountville, just 18 miles north of Downtown Napa.

Regardless of the time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of sights and activities to explore in St. Helena. So, when you’re ready to discover all the top spots to get pampered, cultured, wined, and dined in the viticultural Napa Valley hotspot that is St. Helena, here’s our guide to the best things to do.

Visit a Winery

Whether you want to visit a winery, do a wine tasting in one of Napa’s many tasting rooms, stroll through the vineyards, or take a Wine & Dine tour, historic St. Helena is a prime place to do it.

Perhaps one of Wine Country’s most famous wineries, Beringer Vineyards, owned by Treasury Wine Estates, is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley, founded in 1876. Tour their historic Rhine House, then reserve a private wine tasting at St. Helena’s gorgeous Fantesca Estate & Winery, located a short drive out of town in the Spring Mountain AVA. With its stunning surroundings, intimate tasting experience, and top-notch wines, it’s no wonder this family-owned winery is one of the best wineries in Spring Mountain to visit.

Back in town, Duckhorn is another great option. While you’ll love strolling the beautiful gardens and enjoying the vineyard views from the wrap-around veranda, a visit is all about the renowned wines. And for the Port lovers, Prager Winery & Port Works is a mustn’t miss destination in the heart of Napa Valley. From Tawny Ports to White Ports, it’s the next best thing to tasting in Portugal.

Get Cultured

Experience contemporary art outside of San Francisco in a world-class wine setting at Napa Valley’s HALL Winery. Recognized for its iconic 35-foot chrome rabbit named Bunny Foo Foo leaping out of the vineyards at its entrance, St. Helena’s HALL Winery offers signature tours in its award-winning modern art gallery.

When you’re finished sipping HALL’s storied Cabernets, take a tour of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, just off Main Street in downtown St. Helena. Loved by bibliophiles across the globe, Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish writer best known for his novels, Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His namesake museum in downtown St. Helena offers the world’s largest collection of Stevensoniana on public display.

Get Pampered

After a long day of Napa wine tasting, unwind with a soothing facial, therapeutic massage, or healing soak with detoxifying beverage in hand at the Spa Alila at the Alila Napa Valley hotel on Main Street in downtown St. Helena. Not in the mood for a rub-down? You and your crew can also book private yoga experiences, personalized meditation sessions, and astrology readings at this adults-only Wine Country oasis in Napa Valley.

Overnight guests at Meadowood Napa Valley can visit the award-winning spa for therapeutic massages, organic facials, body scrubs, and other wellness offerings, such as sound therapy, reiki, and mindfulness. Guests can also book the private Tree House Retreat room with a gorgeous hammered copper tub for sumptuous custom baths—milk, mustard, or pure sea salt.

Enjoy a Winery Food Pairing

Snack and sip yourself to a state of blissful oblivion with some of the best food and wine pairings you’ve had all year in St. Helena, Napa, and beyond.
Clif Family Winery and organic farm is one of Napa Valley’s hidden gems. Each week, the Clif team harvests crops from their five fruitful acres and uses them to create seasonal dishes for their on-site food truck and culinary curiosities for their wine tasting menus. There’s even a Farm Elixir Mocktail Flight for a non-alcoholic food pairing in the heart of Wine Country.

Hop on over to Merryvale Vineyards Napa Valley for a selection of hearty, delicious food and wine pairings. Book a delightful brunch with their Seasonal Quiche & Wine Pairing, lunch with the Vino & Pizza Experience, or a hearty Burger Butler Experience with wine and burgers brought in from St. Helena’s famous Gott’s Roadside.

Trinchero Winery is another St. Helena favorite offering delectable culinary bites paired with their signature wines. This elegant experience includes a tour of their Napa Valley winery and vineyards, as well as the barrel room.

Eat at an Award-Winning Restaurant

You don’t have to be in San Francisco or another big city to dine at Michelin-quality restaurants with renowned chefs. Napa Valley, including quaint St. Helena, is inundated with award-winning eateries and institutions, such as the famed Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

Grab your girlfriends and head to the Acacia House restaurant in Alila Napa Valley’s restored Georgian farmhouse—the perfect setting for a breezy Wine Country brunch on its white-pillared wraparound veranda. It also serves up some of the best dinner fare in the area.

Celebratory, family-style California cooking is on full display at The Charter Oak restaurant in St. Helena, just down the road from Yountville and Calistoga. Led by chef Christopher Kostow (of the former three-Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood), The Charter Oak serves brunch and all-day fare with crops from its 3.5-acre culinary garden in St. Helena.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, Senses by JCB is permanently closed

Close your eyes and envision your perfect Napa Valley day. Does it involve fine wine, gourmet food, pampering at the spa, followed by a little boutique shopping? Thanks to SENSES by JCB, all of that is now totally possible within one small block of Yountville.

Equal parts spa, fashion boutique, beauty shop, and fragrance emporium, SENSES is the latest luxury offering from Jean-Charles Boisset (JCB), proprietor of St. Helena’s Raymond Vineyards and also the JCB Tasting Salon, Salon Privé, and Atelier Fine Foods – all located in the JCB Village off Washington Street in Yountville.

“[JCB] wanted to make this a whole day experience for people to go through the entire village and tap into every market they’re looking for,” said Austin Dahn, Assistant Manager for SENSES by JCB. “You’d typically have to go to different places throughout the day to get that full experience.”

Moreover, with the holiday season upon us, SENSES is also a one-stop-shop for luxury brands and gifts for everyone on your list (while you treat yourself, of course). We’ve sprinkled our top suggestions throughout so that you can do Santa’s work in one fell swoop.

Hit the Spa

On the second floor of SENSES is the medi-spa, a bright, white, and luxurious space that’s perfect for some rest and relaxation, but is not your typical Napa Valley day spa. You won’t find any massage options on the menu, but you will find qualified and intensely-trained aestheticians who offer waxing, eyelash extensions, and lash and brow tinting. At SENSES, facials are the specialty with 12 different types on offer, aimed at reducing signs of aging, sun damage, controlling acne, and more.

The SENSES spa is hyper-focused on quality, utilizing the best, medical-grade products and equipment – from microdermabrasion to microcurrent technology – to perform the most advanced and cutting edge treatments. It’s one of the few places in Wine Country to offer the hydrafacial, which extracts, exfoliates, and rejuvenates with a high-tech wand. All of the spa treatments are designed to produce long-lasting effects and in many cases, instant results.

Downstairs, there’s a beauty room carrying both medical-grade and organic skincare lines. The iS Clinical products, for instance, are especially exclusive; only five percent of their distribution can be to non-medical offices, one of those being SENSES.

What to gift: Book mom an age-defying facial or non-surgical facelift. Treat your husband or dad to the curated Gentleman’s Facial.

Create Your Own Perfume Blend

SENSES carries a wide array of high-end perfumes, including two made by Jean-Charles himself, but it also offers the opportunity to create your own signature scent. Sit down at the interactive perfume organ, a display of base scents that mimics the workstation of a nose (another word for perfumer). Take a whiff of individual scents to get a feel for how they come together to make a single fragrance. The next step is the blending experience, where you’ll blend base fragrances with essences of your choice and go home with your own custom bottle of perfume.

What to gift: Book the perfume blending experience for you and mom, your sister, or a friend – it’ll make for a perfect girls day activity. Or, create your own unique blend for yourself or gift the bottle to someone special.

Get Ready for a Night Out in Yountville

Always impeccably dressed, JCB hands down has the best fashion sense in Napa, not to mention the California wine industry, and the retail portion of SENSES reflects his exquisite taste. With the exception of shoes, SENSES has everything you need to style yourself for a fun night out in Napa Valley. Start by shopping for designer threads (for both men and women), which have been hand-selected from luxury fashion brands, mainly based in New York and Paris. If you’ve always wanted a fancy fur coat, this is the place to splurge on your dream one.

Next, accessorize. SENSES has a vintage handbag wall – look for the giant unicorn head – featuring unique, limited-edition pieces from the most in vogue 90s brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton), all priced below market value. The boutique also carries new luxury handbags and jewelry pieces to complete any outfit.

What to gift: Purchase a gift card and allow the recipient to pick something chic out for themselves, or choose a vintage handbag for them to unwrap. They’ll likely be the only one around town carrying that purse.

The Full Napa Valley Experience

Located within the JCB Village, you can spend a full day here indulging in the ultimate Napa Valley experience. Before or after your spa treatment, sit down for a tasting of sparkling and still wines while you shop for luxury goods at the JCB Tasting Salon, a one-of-a-kind tasting room and retail store featuring custom-designed jewelry, candles, and more. Or, for a more private experience, book an appointment at Salon Privé. Nosh throughout the day on epicurean delicacies sourced from all over the world – from caviar to truffles to an impressive international cheese selection – at Atelier Fine Foods. When it’s time to go out for the evening, Yountville’s incredible fine dining establishments and resorts are all within easy walking distance.

What to gift: A bottle of sparkling wine from the JCB Tasting Salon and a tin of caviar from Atelier make for a killer combo. Gift this to the host of your holiday party.

On a recent trip to Wine Country, I was convinced to go not only to sip on the best cabs and pinots Napa Valley had to offer, but to get down and dirty with a mud bath spa treatment from MoonAcre Spa and Baths at the Calistoga Motor Lodge.

Framed by vineyards and bike trails, with underground, geothermal hot springs of mineral water, Calistoga has a renowned history as a place of healing. Over half a century ago, members of the Wappo tribe were the first to discover a natural volcanic hot spring near the foot of Mount St. Helena. The rest, as they say, is spa-history, with patrons coming from far and wide to partake in the curative powers of Calistoga, by relaxing in a mineral hot spring or a volcanic mud bath.

The latter was what I had signed up for, though upon arrival, I was informed that enjoying MoonAcre’s ‘mudocracy’ was less a mud bath than it was a playful, mix-your-own mud bar. The new take on an age-old health ritual fit right in with MoonAcre’s updated and unbuttoned aesthetic and vibe. Still, it relinquishes none of the luxe factors you’d want in a spa, such as a selection of massages, facials, luxurious products, as well as specialty treatments starring Calistoga’s famed mineral water.

Modeled after a classic bathhouse, MoonAcre Spa and Baths puts a quirky spin on mineral springs and therapies from around the world. The spa features seven treatment rooms, and several, such as the changing room and the steam room, are covered in a soothing palette of soft mint and deep blue pool tiles, encouraging a deep-seated relaxation no matter your chosen experience.

Just outside the changing rooms, I sip a cold glass of lemon-cucumber water and admire the wall of words that advises snake oil and other restorative libations. The tongue-in-cheek signage tickles my writerly fancy (elsewhere, in a similarly tiled soak room with four standalone clawfoot tubs, a sign labeled ‘Pool Rules’ advises patrons ‘do not attempt duet event without partner’), though it is perhaps not for anyone who can’t laugh a little at life.

The MoonAcre spa itself is set serenely away from the bustle of the lodge, in a secluded area of the property. The spa is larger than it looks from the outside, with a large enclosed garden and patio area, with plenty of lounge furniture for quiet sunning. I catch a glimpse of the egg-shaped Acapulco and imagine myself lounging on it in the sun with one of MoonAcre’s mimosas or glasses of mulled wine, before reminding myself that I’m here to draw the toxins out, not imbibe them in.

A spa attendant arrives to escort me and my spa-mate to the outdoor sink, where she has set out two pails of dirt. What I learn, however, is that this isn’t just any garden variety dirt — this stuff is from France, and when mixed properly, becomes Green French Clay and White Caroline Clay.

She reiterates that this won’t be a traditional mud bath. I don’t particularly mind, since those require me to be neck deep in a tub full of ash, peat, and mineral water, waiting for the heat — generated by my own body and insulated by the mud — to draw out the toxins in my skin. To be absolutely transparent, I’ve never done a traditional mud bath, but I vastly prefer this DIY mud bar experience, since the mud is created in small, fresh batches, and I can still enjoy a full range of motion while waiting for my skin to purify.

Patiently, the spa attendant instructs us on how to properly cover ourselves with the clay. The White Caroline is for the face and neck and other sensitive areas, such as under our arms or behind our knees, an area of skin that, up until this very moment, I had given zero consideration. The green clay is for everywhere else, and we’re encouraged to really coat it on.

She shows us to the steam room, since the winds outside make it too cold to lay out in the darling patio garden. Inside, the air is a visible, white mist, and we giggle as we start smearing white clay on our faces, unsure if we are doing it right. We realize that we have been given permission to cover ourselves with mud and commit with enthusiasm. The white clay is fine and goes on smoothly, like an expensive night cream. The green clay is chunky and cool and gloriously gloopy, and we slather it onto ourselves before laying down, mud-side up, basking in the eucalyptus scented steam. My spa-mate immediate zones out with a cool towel over his eyes, so I am left to amuse myself. I check to see how the clay is doing, and in lifting my legs, discover that the color of the clay on my skin matches the beautiful green pool tile. I say as much to my spa-mate, and get nothing in response. My fingers slip and slide, redistributing the mud and coloring my legs, an experience remarkably like the fingerpainting sessions of my childhood.

After ten or so minutes, we go outside to rinse off the mud in the outdoor showers, where the spa attendant has also set fresh bowls of clay for us to paint our front sides. By now, the wind has died down considerably, so we opt to paint ourselves out in the enclosed patio. We take turns, each one laying face-down on the teal pool chairs as the other literally paints on the clay. It’s fun and whimsical in a way I hadn’t expected, taking a clean paint brush and using long brush strokes to color my spa-mate’s back, wrist up, wrist down, coloring inside the lines of my fellow mud-adventurer’s silhouette.

When both of our backs are coated with clay, we lay on our towels, ready to bake. It takes surprisingly little time for the mud to harden, and soon the back of my arm looks like it has developed an advanced state of Greyscale. Back into the eucalyptus mist we go, laying on our stomachs, and I watch as the baked clay on my arm slowly rehydrates over the course of our second steam session. Feeling utterly relaxed, I look out at the garden through the glass doors, and note dreamily the quality of the world through the condensation-heavy panels. The steam room meditation ends all too soon, as there is another pair that has booked the mud bar experience after us, but I can hardly complain because I am zen.

After a luxurious wash in the rainfall shower (make sure it’s a good one — the clay ends up in rather unexpected places), in which I use all the in-house, grapefruit-scented products, it’s time to head home, driving through Napa Valley but already dreaming about my next Calistoga spa trip.

1880 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, 94515, (707) 942-0991