There is so much to do in Napa, Sonoma, and beyond! We of course recommend wine tasting (see our list of where to go), but if that’s not your thing or you’re wined out, below is a list of great hikes, points of interest, restaurants, day trips and more to check out while you’re in the area. A few things to keep in mind about visiting the area:

Always take a jacket with you when you kick around. Even if it gets to 95 degrees during the day, it will get to 50 degrees after dark. And even on the hottest days it can be windy and cool by the ocean. Locals always have a jacket, fleece or sweatshirt handy when out and about. Visitors from the east are too often shocked to find themselves unprepared. The party after the wedding will go late and it will get cool/cold. Bring something warm to wear while you party. You’ll want it!

Bring your sunscreen and a hat when hiking or kicking around.

Calistoga Spa Day

Calistoga is historically a spa town, famous for its abundant hot mineral geysers. Interestingly, the name is a combination of California and Saratoga (think Springs). Steve (Scott’s dad) can tell you much more about the history of Calistoga (or visit the Sharpsteen Museum for lots on the history of Calistoga and Napa). Mud baths are a regional specialty, but there are many opportunities for treatments, massages, and other ways to pamper yourself. Indian Springs is a longtime family favorite and where we go for a slightly higher-end experience. Dr. Wilkinson’s is another classic, they recently remodeled and it’s apparently a bit more stepped-up these days. All the higher-end resorts also offer massages and more.

Calistoga Sights

A walk up and down Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga’s main drag, will take you to most of the sights in town. Here are a couple of places you won’t find on this stroll, however, that are well worth seeing:

Sharpsteen Museum: This is Calistoga’s local history museum. Free and open from 11 to 3 every day, it will orient you to the history of the town and area. It’s on Washington Street just past the Police Station. You only need 30 minutes to visit. Look at the display of the Palisades Mine. This mine was in the canyon next to ours below the iconic Palisades cliffs. And don’t miss the iron pot used by the Donner Party to ….

Ca’toga Villa and Art Gallery: Local artist Carlo Marchiori has transformed 5 acres on the outskirts of town into a Venetian palace with Greco-Roman ruins and a Trojan Horse. Really! On Saturday mornings at 11:00 am you can tour the villa ($50). It’s a wonder of Calistoga. Buy your tickets in advance at the Ca’toga Art Gallery (also worth a look) at 1206 Cedar Street. Or call 707-942-0212.

Bicycling on the Vine Trail: The bike shop on Lincoln in Calistoga rents bikes. There is a new bike path called the Vine Trail that starts in Calistoga and goes all the way to St. Helena. It is supposed to be complete by the date of the wedding. It’s a nice way to see the vineyards and it passes a number of wineries that are open without reservations.

Susie’s: Calistoga’s dive bar and the only place to get a late night drink in town. An easy place to meet locals and get in trouble.

Special Events

There are two special events happening in the area during the time of the wedding. Both are great fun!:

Concerts in the Park: In the summer, Caistoga turns out for concerts in our park bandstand—every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30. Hundreds of people turn out—young and old—and spread out their picnic dinners and bottles of wine on the grass and boogie. Every week it’s a different genre. On Thursday, August 1, it’s Bautista, a dynamic band known for their eclectic mix of samba rock, Latin rock, funk rock, and jazz fusion. On Thursday, August 8, it’s The Boys of Summer Eagles Band hailing right from Southern California. Think “Eagles.” So, if you’re arriving in Calistoga early or hanging around later in the week, don’t miss the summer jam. Free! The park is on Cedar just north of Lincoln.

Sturgeon’s Mill Demonstration Run: Sturgeon’s Mill is a 100+ year old steam powered sawmill deep in a canyon full of old Redwoods. It is a working museum that is open four weekends a year to the general public. On these weekends historians, gear heads, steam heads and students of California history come to “Step back into History” and watch as volunteers crank up the historic mill. It is epic! You’ll see a side of California history few get a chance to see. One of the coolest things that Felicia and Steve have ever done in the area. We’re lucky that one of the demonstration runs is happening August 3 and 4, from 10 am to 3 pm (lunch break from 12 pm to 1 pm). Sturgeon’s Mill is just under an hour from Calistoga. If you go early on Saturday you can make it back to Calistoga in time for the wedding. If you recover early enough on Sunday after the wedding party, you can make it to Sturgeon’s Mill at 1:00 pm after their lunch break. Learn more at https://www.sturgeonsmill.com.

Local Hikes

Hiking in the area is magnificent! Bring along lots of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Hike early in the day as temperatures can make hiking unpleasant or even dangerous by noon or early afternoon. A couple family favorites include:

Deiss Trail: This trail is a private single-track trail on our family property. On Sunday morning, following the wedding, Steve will lead a hike on this trail. (Details will be announced in the wedding program.) From our vineyard, it’s a 4 mile hike that ascends 1000 feet to a peak with a 360-degree view of the Palisades and the northern end of Napa Valley. The trail is well marked so if you want to hike it on your own, we can direct you to the trailhead.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: The park is just a couple miles from Calistoga. We love walking along the creek bed in the shade of redwoods or for something a bit more challenging head up the ridge to Coyote Peak for a nice view. The walk meanders along a creek past towering Redwood trees. If you’ve never seen a Redwood tree, this is your chance.

Oat Hill Mine Road: This is a family regular on a well-maintained fire road. It starts just outside of Calistoga on the Silverado Trail at the one and only stop sign. It’s up, up, up with nice views along the way. You can go as far or as long as you like.

Table Rock Trail: At the top of the Palisades, you can catch a great view and nice picnic spot on Table Rock. It’s a windy drive up the mountain, but a great and popular out-and-back trail. The trail is located in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To access the trail, drive up Highway 29 past our vineyard towards Middletown. At the top of the mountain pass, there is a parking area on the right of the road. The trail starts there. If you start to descend the mountain, you’ve passed the parking area.

Lake Hennessey Reservoir Shoreline Loop: This is a pretty hike along the shore of Lake Hennessey, Napa’s reservoir. If you want to keep it flat, simply stay on the trail that follows the lake shoreline.

If none of these are your fancy, there are TONS of hikes in the area and many guides to help you find them. Enjoy!

Local Sights

There are a variety of sights in and around Calistoga.

St. Helena

Saint Helena is historically where the wealthy lived in Napa Valley. Its Main Street is a pleasant stroll with a number of galleries and shops. Woodhouse Chocolates should not be missed if you are a chocoholic.

Bale Grist Mill

Located between Calistoga and Saint Helena, the Bale Grist Mill is a fun visit on weekends. It’s a fully restored working mill and on weekends it operates. In its heyday, during the California Gold Rush, the mill furnished flour to the miners in the Sierra Nevada.

Petrified Forest and Old Faithful Geyser

These two visitor attractions have been operating in the area for over 100 years. They sound more exciting than they actually are. Robert Louis Stevenson summed up Petrified Forest pretty well in Silverado Squatters, his book about his visit to Calistoga and Napa Valley: “Doubtless, the heart of the geologist beats quicker at the sight; but, for my part, I was mightily unmoved.” The same could be said about Old Faithful.

Safari West Wildlife Preserve

Who would imagine you could go for a wildlife safari near Calistoga? If you always wanted to see a giraffe in the “wild,” and can’t afford a trip to Kruger, you might consider Safari West. Tickets well in advance are a must. It’s hugely popular.

Restaurants

Eating well in Napa is not a problem. However, choosing where you’d like to go and getting a reservation can take a little research and advanced planning. From tacos to roadside burgers to elevated dining – we got you.

Inexpensive and Tasty

El Taco Feliz: Calistoga’s favorite taco truck (and one of our wedding caterers). You’ll be sampling the tacos at the wedding, but if you don’t get your fill, you can visit the truck on Lake Street near the stop sign at the end of town to get more.

Cafe Sarafornia: Classic big breakfasts. Named after the parts of words left over when Samuel Brannan coined the name of the town by combining “California” and “Saratoga.”

Sam’s General Store: Not to be confused with Sam’s Social Club, Sam’s General Store is a café in the the Brannan Cottage Inn on Wappo just off Lincoln. It has great garden seating for hanging out and is an excellent spot for morning espresso drinks with small quiches and frittatas. The frittatas and salads there work for lunch as well.

Lincoln Avenue Brewery (LAB): On Lincoln behind the Calistoga Creamery, the lab is the place to go for beer and BBQ.

Sushi Mambo: More expensive than the quick spots above, but an incredible deal for excellent sushi. A local favorite. Order from the card with the crazy roll names or order the nigiri sushi if you are a purist. Leave your usual roll order for your sushi spot back home. My dad always starts with the Mt. Hula Hula and asks José to go light on the sauce.

Bella Bakery: On Lincoln in Calistoga, although not technically a restaurant, you can get a great fresh pastry and espresso drink here. If that’s your morning routine. They are making our wedding cake.

Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena: Classic drive-in with a gourmet twist, so it’s more expensive than Burger King. Very popular. There can be long lines.

Nice, But Not Too Nice

There are a lot of restaurants in Calistoga and St. Helena (and farther afield), but these are some of the family recommendations. Restaurants are ordered by proximity to downtown Calistoga.

Calistoga Inn: Excellent food and a large menu. The outside seating is perfect on summer days or evenings. They also brew their own beer.

Sam’s Social Club: Excellent food at the Indian Springs resort in Calistoga. Reservations on weekends recommended, or look for a space at the bar. Very good ceviche and octopus and brussels sprouts.

Lovina: Another local favorite. Has great vegan/vegetarian fare.

Pico Bar: This is the pool bar at the Solage Resort on the Silverado Trail at the edge of town. Pico Bar has a menu with great Mexican bar food—high end tacos and ceviches—and features a large selection of mezcals and tequilas.

Brasswood: On Highway 29 between Calistoga and St. Helena, Brasswood has a big menu and all the choices are good. Excellent ribs and pastas. They’ll tell you about their mozzarella. Order it!

Goose & Gander: Nice outside patio for summer dining. Good bar downstairs. Classic local hangout for folks in the wine biz.

Cook: Small Restaurant on Main Street in St. Helena. Known for their pastas.

Market: Perhaps the most varied manu around so you’ll be sure to find something you like. Favorites include the Fish and Chips and the Pork Chop. Excellent bar.

Farmstead: Farmstead has their own farm at Long Meadow Ranch and the food is always good. Usually seats at the bar if you don’t have reservations.

R+D Kitchen: In Yountville, R+D is a good stopping point on your drive north from the airport in San Francisco. We always go for the chicken sandwich.

Bravas Bar de Tapas: Excellent taps and drinks in Healdsburg. Combine with a day trip. See Day trips below.

Madrona Hotel: Nice cocktails on a beautiful outdoor patio in Healdsburg. Reservation likely needed for dinner but walking in for a cocktail and snack shouldn’t be a problem.

Fine Dining

Explore these options online and be sure to make reservations. Reservations at the bottom three may be hard or impossible to get, and virtually impossible less than a month out but we have seen a couple very rare cases with last minute openings...

Solbar: Fine dining at the Solage Resort in Calistoga. Reservations are recommended, but seating is often possible without. There are usually seats at the bar if nothing else is available. Tell Carly you are a friend of Felicia and Steve’s.

Auro: This is the exclusive restaurant that offers a tasting menu at the Four Seasons Hotel on the outskirts of Calistoga. They only have a few seats so get a reservation asap if you want to go. Expensive, but a great meal

Au Berge du Soleil: The one Michelin-star Restaurant at the original Au Berge resort is what put northern Napa Valley on the map. Beautiful terrace dining in one of the country’s most beautiful restaurants. Reservations are a must.

Press: In Saint Helena, Press features a tasting menu that is expensive, but excellent. Reservations shouldn’t be a problem. Fine wine list.

Hazel Hill: Located at the Montage Resort in Healdsburg, this restaurant offers terrace dining with beautiful views. Make a reservation. The drive from Calistoga is about 40 minutes but beautiful.

Cyrus: An experience if you are looking for a dinner you can talk about for years. Ends with a chocolate waterfall. Read about it online. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Calistoga. Has a Michelin star.

French Laundry: World famous three Michelin-star restaurant in Yountville. Hard to score a reservation. If you eat here, you can brag to your friends at parties. It’s the restaurant that almost got Gavin Newsome impeached, so be careful if you have political ambitions.

SingleThread: Three Michelin-star restaurant in Healdsburg. Reservations are released on TOCK on the first of every month for the following month at 9 am PT. You’ll be lucky if you score a reservation.

Day Trips

If you are staying in the area long enough to day-trip, here are some great options.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong is a one-hour drive from Calistoga near the Russian River. It’s a pleasant drive. At Armstrong, you can see giant Redwood trees without the crowds and parking jams of Muir Woods. From Armstrong, you can continue down the Russian River for a visit to the Sonoma Coast. Goat Rock State Beach is a great place to access the water.

Alexander Valley and Healdsburg

Healdsburg is the center of Sonoma County wine country. The town has great restaurants, a classic town square, upscale shopping and lots of tasting rooms. It’s a good place for a lazy day if your ambition is low. Lunch on the patio of Bravas, a Spanish tapas restaurant, is a family favorite. Great cocktails as well. Valette’s is another family favorite restaurant. The drive from Calistoga to Healdsburg is beautiful and takes you through Knights Valley and the Alexander Valley. There are multiple excellent wineries in the Alexander Valley. A visit to Medlock Ames’s Bell Mountain Ranch is a great way to spend an afternoon. We relate to them because of their commitment to land stewardship—and their excellent wines. They have a tasting room in Anderson Valley as well if you are looking for a fast wine experience on your drive. Hanna, Soda Rock, Stonestreet, Silver Oak are all on the route to Healdsburg and can be visited without reservations.

Sonoma Coast and Bodega Bay

We love driving Highway 1 along the Sonoma/Marin Coast. Windows down, cruising. It’s the California dream! There are a number of cute towns to explore, beaches to wander, and hidden redwood groves to find. Our favorite lunch spot is right on the water at Fisherman’s Cove in Bodega Bay, a charming crabbing town. A nice driving loop is to head from Calistoga through Sebastopol (great ice cream at Sceamin’ Mimi’s) onwards to Bodega Bay on the coast then looping back home through Guerneville.

Point Reyes National Seashore

On the coast, Point Reyes National Seashore is a fabulous place to hike and experience the Pacific Ocean. There are many hiking opportunities from the relatively flat Bear Valley trail to more ambitious hikes. It’s best to look at all the options online at the official park site. The town of Point Reyes Station near the park on Highway 1 is one good place for lunch.

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