While visitors often flock to Calistoga for its hot springs and world-class wineries, there’s a whole other side to our charming town that many don’t even know about. Beneath the layers of vineyard views and mineral-rich pools lies a rich, colorful history shaped by pioneers, visionaries, and even a few eccentric characters. Whether you’re strolling past 19th-century storefronts, standing amongst ancient petrified trees, or listening to the whispered legends of haunted hotels, Calistoga’s past is as vibrant as its present. Our Napa Valley Lodging is the perfect home base for venturing out on a guided or self-led tour. If you love uncovering the stories behind a place, this guide will take you through the best historic walking tours and must-see landmarks in Napa Valley’s most fascinating town.
Walking Tours That Bring History to Life
The Historic Calistoga Tour is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the town’s rich past, showcasing landmarks like the Calistoga Depot (believed to be California’s oldest surviving railroad depot), historic 19th-century storefronts, and old bathhouses that once drew visitors seeking the region’s famed mineral waters. The tour provides fascinating insights into Sam Brannan’s vision of creating a resort town modeled after Saratoga Springs, New York, and offers a glimpse into how Calistoga evolved from a small frontier settlement into a world-class wine destination. Self-guided tours allow you to wander through town while stopping at landmarks that catch your eye.
For a spookier take on the town’s history, the Calistoga Ghost Tour offers a unique way to learn about the town’s fascinating history. You’ll hear tales of mysterious figures, old saloons, and haunted hotels. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the guides ensure a fun experience, and their stories give a rare glimpse into Calistoga’s past residents and their lives.
Tours on Wheels
Side Car Memories is probably the most unique way to experience Calistoga. Guests sit in the sidecar of a vintage motorcycle while their guide cruises them through town, sharing intriguing stories about Calistoga’s past. In addition to sightseeing tours, they offer a wine-tasting tour that takes you to two local wineries, a three-hour tour and tasting at Storybrook Vineyards, and a tour and tasting experience at Mt. Olivos Grove, Napa Valley’s oldest olive grove. You can even create your own customized tour itinerary so you can ride in style as you see all of the landmarks on your Napa Valley bucket list.
This beautifully restored vintage Napa Valley Wine Train takes you on a scenic journey through the heart of wine country, rolling past vineyards, historic wineries, and picturesque landscapes while you indulge in gourmet dining and world-class wines. The experience is a moving tribute to Napa Valley history, offering a glimpse into the region’s storied past as you relax in elegant, early 20th-century Pullman railcars.
For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, you can take in the sights of Calistoga and get some fresh air on a bicycle tour. The Calistoga Sip & Cycle Tour takes you on a scenic ride through wine country, stopping at historic wineries and landmarks along the way. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll learn about Calistoga’s winemaking heritage while enjoying plenty of tasting opportunities.
Another great option is Calistoga Bike Shop’s Guided Tours, which offer a variety of cycling experiences for all skill levels, from wine tours and road tours to more advanced mountain biking tours. The mountain biking tour is challenging but the views looking down on Calistoga from the Oat Hill Mine Trail are so worth it.
Must-See Historic Landmarks in Calistoga
The Petrified Forest: A Prehistoric Wonder
A visit to The Petrified Forest will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time; way back. This unique site, located just outside Calistoga, is home to some of the world’s largest petrified redwood trees, preserved from a volcanic eruption over 3 million years ago.
Castello di Amorosa: A Medieval Escape
You can’t visit Calistoga without a trip to Castello di Amorosa, a stunning 13th-century-inspired Tuscan castle built with authentic medieval techniques. While technically a modern creation, its design is historically accurate, featuring moats, drawbridges, and grand halls filled with antique furnishings. Beyond its stunning architecture, the castle is also home to one of Napa Valley’s most immersive wine-tasting experiences.
Lincoln Avenue: The Heart of Historic Calistoga
A stroll down Lincoln Avenue is like stepping back in time while still enjoying all the charm of modern-day Calistoga. This lively main street is lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, historic hotels, and inviting cafés, each with a story to tell. At its heart stands the Calistoga Depot, built in 1868, once a bustling stop on the Napa Valley Railroad. Back in the day, visitors from San Francisco arrived here in search of the town’s famed hot springs, and today, the depot is being transformed into a vibrant space with boutique shops and dining.
The Sharpsteen Museum: A Window into Calistoga’s Past
If you want a deeper dive into Napa Valley history, make time for the Sharpsteen Museum. This local gem was founded by Ben Sharpsteen, an Academy Award-winning animator for Walt Disney. The museum houses an impressive collection of historic artifacts, photographs, and detailed dioramas that bring 19th-century Calistoga to life. It’s a great place to learn about Sam Brannan, the Gold Rush entrepreneur who turned Calistoga into a hot springs resort town in the 1860s.
Old Faithful Geyser of California
One of only three geysers in the world designated as “faithful” due to its regular eruptions, the Old Faithful Geyser of California is a natural wonder that has been attracting visitors for generations. It erupts every 15 to 45 minutes, sending steam and water high into the air (up to 60 feet), an impressive display of Napa Valley’s geothermal activity. Historically, early settlers and indigenous people alike marveled at its power, believing in the land’s restorative and mystical qualities.
The History of Wine Way Inn
The Wine Way Inn and Craftsman Inn are an important part of Calistoga’s rich history. The building that now houses the Wine Way Inn, located at 1019 Foothill Boulevard, is believed to have been constructed at the turn of the 20th century, with ties to none other than Leland Stanford, the railroad tycoon and founder of Stanford University. While no official records confirm that Stanford owned the property, local lore suggests that the inn was originally built for him, and its timbers (American white pine shipped from South Carolina around Cape Horn) reflect the grand craftsmanship of the era. The building transitioned from a private residence to a bed and breakfast in 1978, making it the oldest inn in Calistoga.
Leland Stanford was no stranger to Calistoga. He owned land in the area, including what is now the Indian Springs Resort, and even considered building Stanford University here before ultimately choosing Palo Alto. His work in horse breeding and motion photography, in collaboration with photographer Eadweard Muybridge, played a key role in early motion picture technology. Given his influence and presence in the area, it’s easy to imagine Stanford’s connection to the property that would later become the Wine Way Inn.
Experience the History of Calistoga for Yourself
Calistoga’s historic sites and walking tours let visitors and locals alike connect with the town’s rich past while enjoying its modern charm. Whether you’re wandering through ancient forests, sipping wine in a medieval-style castle, or strolling past Victorian storefronts, Calistoga’s history is alive in every corner.
After a day of exploring, make your getaway complete with a stay at Wine Way Inn or Craftsman Inn, where you’ll find charming accommodations that reflect the warmth and character of historic Calistoga. Book your stay today and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Napa Valley’s most storied town.