The gentle splash of water against your paddle. Sunlight dancing across rippling currents. A great blue heron taking flight just yards away. While most visitors come here to chase the perfect cabernet, savvy travelers know that some of Napa Valley’s most intoxicating experiences don’t come in a glass; they unfold on our region’s spectacular waterways. Guests staying at our luxurious Calistoga Inns often ask us about unique things to do in the area beyond wine tasting. The Russian River and Napa River offer unforgettable outdoor adventures that showcase the landscape from a whole new perspective.
Why stay in Calistoga when Kayaking or Paddleboarding in the Napa Valley?
Calistoga will surprise you. We are just 30 minutes from some of Northern California’s most scenic beaches and waterways along the Russian River. Our charming wine country town offers the best of both worlds. Spend your day on the water, then retreat to Calistoga for well-deserved relaxation. Soak in natural hot springs, and soothe tired muscles, sip world-class wine, and enjoy farm-to-table dining, all within a walkable, small-town setting. With amazingly comfortable beds at our inn, spa experiences in town, and stunning vineyard views from our wineries, Calistoga turns a paddle trip into a rejuvenating getaway.
Where to start your adventure?
Russian River: A Natural Playground
Just a scenic 30-minute drive west of Calistoga, the Russian River offers crystal-clear waters and stunning redwood-lined shores. This beloved waterway is one of the premier destinations for river tubing in California, with gentle currents and beautiful scenery.
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Adventures
From Healdsburg to Forestville, there are countless ways to explore the river. Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach offers a family-friendly spot with gentle currents, perfect for beginners, and is located about 30 miles from Calistoga (approximately a 40-minute drive). Families looking for things to do in Calistoga with children often make the short journey here for a day of splashing and floating. Steelhead Beach provides a more secluded experience with beautiful surroundings, great for intermediate paddlers looking to explore. Located in Forestville, it’s about 35 miles from Calistoga.
Mom’s Beach near Guerneville has earned its reputation as a local favorite with calm waters, ideal for families with young children, and approximately 38 miles from Calistoga. Sunset Beach offers gorgeous late afternoon light for those sunset paddle sessions, located near Forestville, about 35 miles from town. Del Rio Woods provides a peaceful spot with easy river access and typically calm waters near Healdsburg, about 28 miles from Calistoga. Riverfront Regional Park features a lovely 2-mile paddling loop around Lake Benoist, located near Windsor, approximately 25 miles away.
For rentals and guided tours, check out Russian River Paddle Boards, specializing in Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) rentals and guided tours designed to showcase the best of the area. River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe offers affordable rentals and expert advice, making it easy to plan your own Napa Valley adventure on the water.
The Ultimate Lazy-Day Adventure
The two-mile stretch from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach offers the perfect lazy-day float and takes about 4.5 hours with the river’s gentle summer flow. To make your journey seamless, if you’re able, bring two cars and park one at Sunset Beach, then drive the other to Steelhead Beach to start your trip. For a hassle-free experience, you can also park at El Molino High School and catch the Regional Parks River Shuttle. It runs every 30 minutes on summer weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tickets are only $5 round trip and provide convenient access to both Steelhead and Sunset Beaches.
Want to keep things simple? Rent a tube from Russian River Tubes at Sunset Beach, then drift your way down river basking in the California sun.
Exploring the Napa River
The Napa River provides a completely different but equally captivating adventure, winding through our valley, offering peaceful paddling with vineyard views and wildlife sightings. This waterway represents one of the most overlooked things to do in Calistoga and surrounding areas. The river stretches 55 miles from Mount St. Helena to San Pablo Bay, with several convenient access points that make for excellent Napa Valley activities right outside your door.
For the most convenient access, Kennedy Park in southern Napa offers ample parking and well-maintained facilities. Another great option is Trancas Crossing Park, a serene spot with a convenient kayak/canoe launch located about 20 miles away, also the Riverside Drive Boat Launch provides a simple put-in point popular with locals, located in Napa.
For a guided experience, consider Napa Valley Paddle, which offers eco-tours focused on local wildlife and the area’s unique ecology. Enjoy Napa Valley provides guided kayak tours with historical commentary about this important waterway. Napa Native specializes in sunset paddles, one of the most romantic Napa Valley activities for couples.
When to Paddle: Timing Your Adventure
Every season offers something unique for paddling and river tubing in Napa Valley. Spring often brings higher water levels and vibrant greenery along the shores. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for swimming breaks during your paddle. It’s the best way to cool off after paddling all morning. Fall means less crowded waters and beautiful autumn colors, providing a more serene experience.
Mornings between 7–10 am offer the calmest waters and the best chances for spotting local wildlife. Mid-day is perfect for tubing when the temperature rises, creating a refreshing break from wine tasting. Evening paddles provide spectacular sunset views, especially on the Napa River.
When planning your itinerary, consider how much time you will need to be fully immersed in the experience. Short excursions require 2-3 hours for a leisurely paddle between access points, fitting easily into a day filled with other things to do in Calistoga. Half-day adventures spanning 4 to 5 hours give you time to explore, swim, and picnic along the shore. If you want to plan a full-day journey, consider taking a paddling trip from Healdsburg to Guerneville (8 miles) and exploring the charming rustic downtown area and the towering Redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
Important Safety Tips
Both rivers have specific considerations to keep in mind when planning your time out on the water. For Napa River, the southern portions are tidal, so check tide charts and plan to paddle with the tide rather than against it for an easier journey. Afternoon winds can pick up, especially in summer, making morning paddling often calmer and more enjoyable. The river widens considerably in southern sections, so stay oriented with landmarks to navigate effectively.
For the Russian River, always verify current conditions, especially in spring when water levels may be higher and create stronger currents. The open river offers little shade in many sections, so proper sun protection is essential when enjoying river tubing in California. When planning your route, consider arranging one-way trips heading downstream when possible and organizing shuttle transportation back to your starting point for a more relaxing day of Napa Valley activities.
Make sure to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, a waterproof bag for valuables, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), light snacks or picnic supplies, water shoes or sandals that can get wet, and a change of clothes to return comfortably back to your home away from home in Calistoga.
A Perfect Complement to Your Wine Country Stay
After enjoying all of the things to do in Calistoga, like wine tasting and spa treatments, a day on the water offers a refreshing change of pace. When you stay at the Craftsman Inn or Wine Way Inn, our comfortable accommodations provide the perfect place to relax and recharge. Both historic properties offer a distinctive Napa Valley lodging experience that will complement your active day with peaceful evenings.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful solo paddle, a family-friendly outing, or an active adventure with friends, Napa Valley’s waterways offer something for everyone. Ready to make a splash in wine country? Book your stay and plan an unforgettable day on the water. With so many memorable things to do in Calistoga and the surrounding area, your wine-country getaway will be an adventure to remember!