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Calistoga’s Storied History:
There’s more to Calistoga than its hot springs, world-class wines and relaxed charm. This northern Napa Valley town’s natural and cultural history adds another dimension to the wine country experience.

Much of the region’s history is still alive in Calistoga, from authentic Victorian architecture to the city’s famous mineral hot springs. In fact, its historic roots are so intact that the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Calistoga a “Distinctive Destination”. It recognizes Calistoga as one of an elite group of American communities dedicated to preserving its town’s character and sense of place.

An excellent short article on Calistoga, its History, and some famous residents is available on Wikipedia.

Weather:

Calistoga is blessed by distinct seasons with a high proportion of sunny, smog-free days. Nights range from crisp and cool to pleasantly warm in the summer. Annual temperatures range from an average summer high of 92 to an average winter low of 36. Annual rainfall can reach 36 inches.

Statistics:

Population: 5,088 (2020 census).
Median age: 47
Area: 2.5 square miles, or 1,620 acres.
Location: 365 feet above sea level at Longitude W122°35′, Latitude N38°35′.
Time zone: UTC-8, PST. Distance from San Francisco: 75 miles
Part of the first Congressional District of California, represented by Mike Thompson (D).

In 2001, the National Trust for Historic Preservation selected Calistoga as one of twelve Distinctive Destinations.

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The Napa Valley was once the home of a significant population of indigenous people, those in the Calistoga area being called the Wappo during the Spanish colonial era of the late 1700’s. The Wapoo were part of the now extinct Yukian language group. The name Napa means “plenty” in Yukian. Photo: Brannan Cottage Inn, one of Sam Brannan’s original resort cottages.

In the Spanish era, the Napa Valley was controlled by the Mission San Francisco de Solano located in the what is now the city of Sonoma, California. Following Mexican Independence, mission properties were secularized and disposed of by the Mexican government with much of the Napa Valley being partitioned into ranchos in the 1830’s and 1840’s.

The first American settlers began arriving in the 1840’s, with several taking up lands in the Calistoga area. Samuel Brannan was the leader of a settlement expedition on the ship Brooklyn landing in Yerba Buena (what would become San Francisco) in 1846. He published San Francisco’s first English language newspaper, the California Star.

Sam Brannan purchased 2000 acres in 1885 to develop a spa reminiscent of Saratoga, New York. His resort (originally located where Indian Springs Resort is today) opened to California’s rich and famous in 1862. With the completion of the railroad in 1868, Calistoga became not only a destination but the transportation hub for the upper Napa Valley.

The town’s name comes from Brannan’s tipsy malapropism that he would make this the Saratoga of California, which came out as the “Calistoga of Sarafornia.”

John Waters, Jr. in collaboration with the Sharpsteen Museum has written a book that’s available online through Google Books, called Images of America: Calistoga. The first 30 pages are available as a free preview by clicking here.

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Please give us a call at (707) 942-6333 to help plan your visit to Calistoga! 

Below are some of the most popular questions we at the Welcome Center are asked by visitors:What is there to do around here? Check out our current events.

Where’s a good place for lunch/dinner? Check out our restaurant scene.

What winery do you recommend we visit? Check out our winery listings.

Where is Bothe Park?

Is there a place to ride horses/kayak/hike?

Do you have a map of Calistoga? Yes! See our map and directions.

What is there to do other than wine tasting? Lots! Find out more HERE

Where can I purchase a swimsuit/trunks? HERE

What can we do here with only a few hours to explore? Call (707) 942-6333 and an expert will happily assist you!

What exactly is a mud bath and hot springs, and where can I purchase mineral-rich mud? You can purchase mud at Indian Springs Resort in the spa. Find out more about mud and hot springs HERE

Do you sell postcards? Yes! Stop by the Welcome Center and take a look!

We are visiting for 3 days and want to know what “not to miss”. Call (707) 942-6333 and an expert will happily assist you!

Where is Old Faithful Geyser?

We promise you a warm welcome and a personal touch when you visit Calistoga. Planning a trip? Contact us through the form below!

Hours
The Calistoga Welcome Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday & Saturday. The Center is closed on major holidays. Come by and visit us!

Via Post
You may address any inquiries in writing:

Calistoga Welcome Center
1133 Washington Street
Calistoga, CA 94515

Via Phone
Feel free to call us regarding ANY questions you have about Calistoga, Hot Springs, Where-to-Stay, the Napa Valley. We’ll be happy to assist you.

1 (707) 942-6333 or TOLL FREE 1 (866) 306-5588

Via Fax
1 (707) 942-9287

Via Web
https://calistoga2024.wpenginepowered.com

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