This California Town Has Medieval Castles, Mud Baths, and Creative Corners That Feel Unexpected

There is a quiet charm in places that celebrate calm moments and thoughtful details. Mornings unfold gently with soft light, leafy streets, and welcoming corners that invite visitors to slow down and take it all in.

In Calistoga, medieval style castles, soothing mud baths, and creative local spaces come together in ways that feel both surprising and restorative. This listicle highlights the top things to do and see that make this California town such a memorable and unexpected escape.

Table Of Contents

1. Explore Castello di Amorosa’s Medieval Castle and Tastings

A smiling couple poses in front of the medieval-style stone tower of Castello di Amorosa under a bright blue sky. Inside, the castle’s grand dining hall boasts colorful murals, wooden beams, and an ornate chandelier, while another photo shows the couple enjoying a wine tasting in the cozy stone cellar. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Step into a full-scale Tuscan-style castle complete with towers, a drawbridge, and a dungeon. Wine tastings are offered in several rooms, and there’s grape juice for kids or anyone skipping alcohol. You can book a guided tour if you want the full backstory on the castle and winemaking process.

2. Ride the Gondola to Sterling Vineyards

Two wine glasses are held up in a toast with the scenic Sterling Vineyards and rolling Napa Valley hills in the background. Nearby, the couple stands on a scenic overlook, and another image shows the branded Sterling gondola used to reach the hilltop winery. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Start your visit with a scenic aerial tram ride over the vineyards at Sterling Vineyards. At the top, you’ll find a modern tasting space, art installations, and panoramic views of Napa Valley. The experience blends wine, architecture, and landscape all in one stop.

3. Watch Nature Perform at the Old Faithful Geyser of California

A smiling couple poses in front of the Old Faithful Geyser of California as it erupts, with goats, sheep, and a llama at a nearby petting zoo, showcasing family-friendly things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

You can catch the geyser erupting every 30 to 40 minutes, usually with just a short wait in between. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a mini animal farm and shaded seating nearby. The eruption is loud, fast, and easy to photograph up close.

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4. Discover Wine History at Chateau Montelena

The grand, ivy-covered stone facade of Chateau Montelena stands proudly with flags and stacked wine barrels outside. Another image shows a serene pond on the property, while inside, a couple clinks glasses during a cozy tasting. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Explore a stone estate surrounded by gardens, a pond, and plenty of wine history. Chateau Montelena helped put Napa Valley on the global map after the 1976 Judgment of Paris. The Chardonnay still stands out, and the setting is quiet and scenic.

5. Visit the Historic Calistoga Depot

Three vibrant train cars at Calistoga Depot transformed into themed lounges and dining areas with eclectic decor, highlighting unique and historic things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This 1800s train depot has been restored and now includes small shops and a distillery. You’ll still see original woodwork and railcar details throughout the space. It’s a quick stop that shows off Calistoga’s history without feeling like a museum.

6. Sip Something Strong at the Calistoga Depot Distillery

Inside Calistoga Depot Distillery, copper stills and a horseshoe-adorned bar center the rustic space, offering a spirited experience among the top things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Inside the depot, you can try small-batch spirits like gin, vodka, and whiskey in a clean, modern tasting area at Calistoga Depot Distillery. If you’re looking for something besides wine and want to sample local craft spirits in a unique setting, come here.

7. Experience Vintage Vibes at Tank Garage Winery

A woman in a red dress poses between vintage-style gas pumps outside Tank Garage Winery, housed in a retro service station. Inside, the tasting bar features eclectic decor with the words “LUBRICATION” and “TANK” on the walls, and the couple enjoys tasting wine in the laid-back space. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This tasting room is set in a 1930s gas station and pours bold, small-lot blends with fun labels. Inside, you’ll find vintage decor, neon lights, and a relaxed setup that’s easy to enjoy. You can also browse merch while you sip.

8. Soak in Natural Baths or Book a Mud Bath Treatment

A view of Indian Springs Resort featuring its historic natural bathhouse, a steaming geyser, and signage for Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs, ideal for wellness-centered things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Calistoga’s spas tap into natural geothermal waters, offering mineral soaks, steam rooms, and classic mud baths at Indian Springs or Dr. Wilkinson’s. Treatments vary depending on where you go, but most places offer single sessions or full packages. It’s a local wellness tradition that’s easy to book ahead.

9. Taste Handcrafted Sweets at Earth & Sky Chocolates

An elegant chocolate shop display at Earth & Sky Chocolates showcases rows of glossy confections, including pineapple caramel and dark citrus lime, plus a close-up of an abstractly painted bonbon in a paper cup. A boutique chocolatier experience that secures its place on the list of the 17 best places to eat in Napa Valley. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This shop focuses on small-batch, high-end chocolates made in-house. You’ll find unique flavors, clean design, and packaging that’s gift-ready.

10. Snap a Photo at the ‘I Love Calistoga’ Sign

A wooden fence mural in downtown Calistoga reads “I ♥ Calistoga” in bold letters, making it a perfect photo op and a fun thing to do in Calistoga for visitors. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

You’ll spot the sign right off the main road with a clean, open backdrop that makes it easy to take a quick photo. It’s simple to access and doesn’t draw big crowds, so you can get your shot and keep moving.

11. Browse Eclectic Art at Ca’ Toga Galleria

Inside Ca’ Toga Galleria, vibrant artwork and painted ceiling frescos fill the eclectic space, making it one of the best cultural things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This gallery features the work of one artist, Carlo Marchiori, and covers everything from murals to sculpture to painted masks. The style is bold, colorful, and theatrical. If you’re into offbeat art with personality, we definitely recommend it.

12. View Local Works at the Calistoga Contemporary Arts Gallery

Contemporary sculptures and abstract installations displayed in the minimalist Calistoga Contemporary Arts Gallery, offering artsy things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This gallery rotates exhibits regularly and focuses on artists from the Napa region and beyond. You’ll see everything from paintings to small sculptures in a bright, walkable space. It’s free to enter and doesn’t take much time to explore.

13. Dine Tip-Free at Lovina

A smiling couple enjoys wine and appetizers at Lovina, a cozy, rustic restaurant in Napa Valley with brick archways and stone walls. One of the 17 best places to eat in Napa Valley, Lovina is perfect for a romantic, intimate dining experience. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Lovina serves comfort food like pasta, seasonal salads, and mains inside a restored Victorian house. The no-tipping policy is built into the menu prices, and service still feels attentive. It’s a relaxed spot with covered outdoor seating and a cozy neighborhood vibe.

14. Recharge at House of Better

Outdoor seating area and sign for House of Better, a local eatery serving food, drinks, and pie, perfect for relaxing and dining among things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This wellness-focused café serves herbal teas, grain bowls, and vegetable-forward plates in a clean, modern setting. The layout is open and quiet, making it a solid choice if you want something lighter in the middle of the day. It’s connected to a small resort but open to everyone.

15. Sip a Golden Latte at Sam’s General Store

The charming exterior of Sam’s General Store in Calistoga alongside a steaming cup of coffee with its branded cup. A peaceful morning stop and one of the 17 best places to eat in Napa Valley for coffee lovers and pastry hunters alike. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This café offers coffee, tea, and house-made drinks like turmeric golden lattes. You’ll find indoor seating and a few shaded tables outside. It’s quick to order, and the pastries are made fresh.

16. Try Flavorful Dishes at Calistoga Thai Kitchen

A beautifully plated Thai stir-fry with veggies and chicken served next to a heart-shaped mound of brown rice, garnished with a carved flower. This charming eatery is one of the 17 best places to eat in Napa Valley for flavorful Thai cuisine. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This small restaurant serves classic Thai dishes like curry, fried rice, and noodles made fresh and full of flavor. Orders come out fast, and portions are generous. Good for takeout or a low-key sit-down meal.

17. Walk the Indian Springs Labyrinth for a Peaceful Pause

A stone labyrinth at Indian Springs invites visitors to walk and unwind, providing a meditative and peaceful thing to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

You’ll find this circular path behind the historic Indian Springs resort. The walk is short and meant for slow, quiet movement.

18. Shop Local Finds at Blackbird of Calistoga

Interior of Blackbird of Calistoga boutique featuring handmade ceramics, textiles, and local goods, highlighting unique shopping as one of the things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This boutique stocks clothing, ceramics, books, and home goods from local and regional makers. Everything is carefully displayed and well curated.

19. Hunt for Designer Bargains at Rags to Riches

The exterior of Rags to Riches, a charming antique boutique in a white Victorian house with vintage crates and garden decor, offering treasure hunting as one of the top things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This high-end consignment shop offers designer labels like Vince, Rag & Bone, and Theory at reduced prices. Items are well organized and in good condition. If you like secondhand shopping with a luxury angle, visit this shop.

20. Stop by the Calistoga Welcome Center for Insider Tips

Inside the Calistoga Welcome Center featuring visitor brochures, maps, and local merchandise under a neon “Relax, You’re in Calistoga” sign, making it a smart first stop on your list of things to do in Calistoga. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Pick up free maps, guides, and event info from people who actually live in town. Staff can help you build a plan based on what you like to do or where you’re headed next. It’s right in the middle of town and easy to find.

21. Indulge in Cappuccino Almond Ice Cream at Mis Raíces

A generous scoop of nutty, coffee-colored ice cream sits in a compostable bowl with fun zig-zag patterned spoons. Mis Raíces brings bold Latin flair to dessert time and lands a spot among the 17 best places to eat in Napa Valley. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This small shop makes rich, creamy ice cream with unique flavors like cappuccino almond. Scoops are made in small batches, and the texture is smooth and dense.