Calistoga blends rustic charm with luxury living in Napa Valley
Calistoga is a small town surrounded by rolling vineyards and forested hills at the northern tip of Napa Valley. It’s famous for its geothermal hot springs and mud baths, housed in local spas and boutique resorts at the center of the city. Its rustic downtown area is another draw — historic Western-style storefronts are filled with farm-to-table restaurants, inns and wine shops. Because of its valley location, locals enjoy sweeping mountain views from just about every corner. “Calistoga has a more rustic, agricultural vibe than some of the towns south of there, like St. Helena and Napa, but it's started coming into its own," says Austin Dreosch, marketing specialist at Engel & Volkers Napa Valley, a longtime area resident. "Our agents will tell you it’s a budding, luxury destination. Some of the region’s best resorts are in Calistoga."
Spas, tasting rooms and restaurants line Lincoln Avenue
Downtown Calistoga offers an eclectic mix of shops, tasting rooms and restaurants in a bucolic, small-town setting. Historical buildings, situated along Lincoln Avenue, are occupied by high-end and contemporary eateries, bars and cafes. Sam’s Social Club is a local mainstay for wood-fired American fare, craft cocktails and outdoor dining, while Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere with California cuisine and house-made beer. Calistoga’s renowned spas and resorts, like Indian Springs Resort and Spa and Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, bring in thousands of visitors for mud baths, geothermal pools and luxury accommodations. The town is surrounded by world-famous Napa Valley vineyards and wineries. “Ranches, vineyards and large estates are all around Calistoga,” Dreosch says.
Calistoga homes range from historic cottages to luxury builds
Calistoga’s leafy, residential streets are dotted with homes ranging from century-old cottages to Craftsman bungalows, ranch-style homes to custom builds. “We’re seeing more and more that it’s becoming a place of luxury and second homes,” Dreosch says. Walkable, tree-lined avenues extend out toward the expansive vineyards, hills and mountains, offering beautiful views of the countryside from many homes. Lot sizes are small, but big enough for gardens, landscaping and backyard get-togethers. The town is small enough that most residents can easily walk or bike to downtown restaurants and shops. Prices range from around $650,000 to $2 million for smaller, older homes. Luxury estates with land are also available, listing from around $2.5 million to upward of $5 million.
Wildfires in Napa Valley
Calistoga is at a high risk for wildfires. The community had to be evacuated in 2020 during the Hennessey Fire, which burned more than 300,000 acres in the area. Napa County officials have taken steps to protect the valley from fires by regularly clearing vegetation in some areas, adding additional evacuation routes and requiring residents to create 100-foot clear zones around some homes.
Parks, trails and a historic speedway offer outdoor fun
Outdoor lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Calistoga, from community parks to nearby mountain trails. Pioneer Park, tucked away in the downtown district, features a gazebo, playground and picnic area beneath a lush canopy of trees. During the height of summer, locals cool off at Calistoga Community Pool. For a rugged excursion, the Napa Valley Vine Trail offers nearly 50 miles of paved trails that cut across the vineyards, hills and forests outside town. Challenging hikes and biking routes are found close by at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, including magnificent views from the top of Mount St. Helena. The Calistoga Speedway is the town’s other claim to fame — this half-mile dirt racetrack was built in 1937 and still hosts regular sprint races several times a year, including the Louis Vermeil Classic.
Calistoga schools earn B ratings and boast high graduation rates
Students start their education at Calistoga Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through sixth grade. The next step is Calistoga Junior/Senior High School for seventh through 12th grade. Both schools earn B ratings from Niche. Calistoga Junior/Senior High School has a 96% graduation rate, putting it well above the statewide average. The school is nearing the completion of a brand-new STEM building that will house the school’s science, technology, engineering and math classrooms. The $14 million addition is planned to open before the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
Santa Rosa and Sonoma County Airport are a short drive away
Calistoga is bordered by state Route 128, which takes residents south to Napa. Santa Rosa, the nearest major city, is about 17 miles away. Public transportation options include the Calistoga Shuttle, local bus service, and The Vine, a regional bus route. The nearest airport is Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, about 20 miles away. Adventist Health St. Helena, a major regional hospital, is 10 miles away.
Photography Contributed By
Sheldon Steere
