Calistoga Is a Walkable Town in Northern California Known for Its Rejuvenating Hot Springs and Mud Baths

Everyone loves to talk about California’s cute little towns, but all too often, they list the same ones: Carmel, Del Mar, Solvang, Sausalito, and Nevada City. Each of these is worth a visit, but there are so many more!

With a population that hovers around 5,000, Calistoga is a charming small town near Santa Rosa that has been quietly making a name for itself. Yet, few out-of-towners realize just how special this NorCal community is! With its rolling green hills dotted with vibrant vineyards and flush with sunny California beauty, wine is the first thing that comes to mind when driving through Napa Valley, but this gorgeous community nestled in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains has way more than just grapes up its sleeve.

Thought to be a blend of "California" and "Saratoga" (referring to the famous Saratoga Springs in New York), Calistoga's unique history dates back to the local Wappo tribe, who discovered the area's geothermal wonders here over 500 years ago.

Namely, the "Old Faithful Geyser of California."

This natural wonder erupts approximately every 30 minutes or so, shooting hot water up to 60 feet into the air. But while the geyser is a major tourist draw, that's not all that's going on under the surface of this small town! This volatile geothermal activity is also responsible for the numerous natural hot springs and mineral pools that Calistoga is known for, which attract visitors from all over the country.

The town's first hot springs resort was built in 1859, and since then, gorgeous spas and dreamy, ultra-soakable destinations have popped up all over town. Today, while Main Street Calistoga looks exactly as you would expect a former mining town to look with its quaint storefronts, you'll also find plenty of modern, rejuvenating spots to kick back and let earth's natural minerals do their work. Starting with one of the area's most popular spa treatments: mud baths.

These aren't your typical spa treatments, though, because Calistoga's mud is not your average mud.

It's a unique blend of volcanic ash from Mt. Helena, clay, and natural minerals from the area’s hot springs. This miracle mixture is renowned for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, and — while it seems counterintuitive — is a luxurious way to pamper your skin, whether you opt to have it painted on or take a full-body plunge.

Indian Springs Resort, a stunning 17-acre slice of Golden State paradise, is perhaps the most iconic spa in Calistoga. The setting here is pure, unadulterated California, with shady palm trees, lush landscaping, and an Olympic-size mineral pool (fed by the resort’s own natural geothermal springs, of course), along with private mud bath treatments in its signature Mud Bath Sanctuary. Here, you can spend some time in muddy bliss, take a dip in your own private hot spring tub, immerse in head-to-toe warmth in the infrared sauna, and then wrap up in a soft flannel robe before heading to the Buddha Pool — it's all part of the ritual!

Not sold on the mud thing yet? You'll also find plenty of other heavenly (and unexpected) spa treatments here as well, like the Goat Milk and Rose bath, herbal massages, and even oxygen-infused facials. *swoon*

Another well-known spa haven in town is Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. This resort offers multiple hot pools of varying temperatures to marinate in, each rich in minerals like lithium, potassium, and sodium, which contribute to the water's therapeutic effects. There's a full-service spa here as well, with a full menu of volcanic mud baths, Swedish massages, and even steam wrap options.

Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs is Calistoga's original spa destination, and as such, it definitely doesn't skimp on the extras! This historic getaway features its own collection of natural hot mineral pools, including a serene creek-side pool, a family-friendly pool, a relaxing soak pool, plus a brand new spa garden with beachy poolside seating and cabanas. Dr. Wilkinson's also offers mud baths in addition to its pools, as does the more casual Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa and the always-luxurious Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort. Take your pick, they're all phenomenal!

Bonus: nearly all of these (literal) hotspots mentioned offer spectacular luxury overnight accommodations as well, so you can keep the good vibes rolling for as many days as you like, whether for a girl's weekend or a lavish getaway for two.

Calistoga is a town where wellness and rejuvenation often take center stage, but there's a lot of other fun to be had here beyond the facials and soaks. This is Napa Valley after all! In addition to traditional wine tours, wine trolleys and limos, and delicious tastings, you can also choose to soar above the valley in a hot air balloon, pay a visit to the Bale Historic Grist Mill, or even visit the Petrified Forest.

With so much to see and do (and taste!) in this vibrant small town, Calistoga is much more than a tourist stop for hot spring lovers; it's also a phenomenal romantic getaway or casual day trip destination! However you choose to spend your time here, you'll walk away feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your week.