Weekend in Calistoga
My husband and I were looking for a small babymoon getaway near the Bay Area last month and ended up having the most lovely, relaxing getaway weekend in Calistoga. Less than two hours north of San Francisco, this sleepy little town offers up restorative natural hot springs, wine tasting, fine dining, and an adorable downtown !
We stayed at Indian Springs Calistoga, known for its natural hot springs that keep pool temperatures a balmy 82-102˚F year-round. These warm waters have been supplying the mud baths, spa, and pool facilities onsite since 1861 ! Indian Springs boasts fine casual dining, lush mountain views, and recently remodeled bungalows, cottages, and accommodations. The ambiance is relaxed, leisurely, and family-friendly - filled with hammocks, games, and palm trees. It’s easy to enjoy an entire weekend here without leaving the premises. We also loved the complimentary bike cruisers onsite to navigate the property or bike into town.
The main mineral pool is Olympic-sized and one of the largest in California. It’s open to everyone and usually kept ten degrees hotter than the smaller pool, which is reserved for adults only. The temperatures vary depending upon the season, and I loved that when we visited the large pool was around 93˚F which felt like a hot bath (but not too warm for a pregnant lady to enjoy) and the smaller one was perfect for cooling off in the summer sun !
The Olympic-sized mineral hot springs pool. Love the retro styling of the clock !
Plenty of cozy corners to relax around the property
Flowers surrounding the smaller “adult” pool
Where to Eat
Sam’s Social Club - Located on the Indian Springs property, Sam’s Social Club serves up farm-fresh California cuisine with a relaxed, casual atmosphere; we especially loved enjoying our brunch on their outdoor patio. They specialize in “candy cap churros,” rolled in cinnamon and sugar with a side of dulce de leche cream, which taste like an upscale version of your carnival churro - and you’d never guess they’re made with sweet mushroom caps instead of traditional dough ! 1712 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga.
Churros made with “candy cap mushrooms” for brunch !
Evangeline - We had our favorite meal of the weekend at Evangeline, a casual French bistro with a Southern Creole twist. Their outdoor patio area is brimming with green foliage and romantic outdoor lights. They offer up fresh, seasonal ingredients - and bring innovative combinations to classics. 1226 Washington St, Calistoga.
Seasonal fig salad, duck confit, and a hand-made pasta with fresh shaved truffles
Solbar - On a friend’s recommendation we enjoyed lunch at Solbar, located at the luxurious Solage resort, which is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. The outdoor patio is lovely, shaded by trees and with a stellar view of the pool. Everything on the menu feels fresh and seasonal, with an attention to detail. If you’re looking to do a weekend splurge, you might consider staying here ! 755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga.
Gorgeous landscaping on the luxurious Solage premises, hope to stay here another visit !
Cafe Sarafornia - A cute downtown diner that will fill you up with breakfast classics like eggs benny, belgian waffles, and a slice of apple pie. Cafe Sarafornia is family-run and filled with decor that will fill you in on the personal history of the owners and the diner itself. 1413 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga.
You can’t ever go wrong with Belgian waffles and fruit !
Downtown
The main strip isn’t very long, but it’s filled with charming boutique shops, cafes, wine tasting, and restaurants. It’s less than a 5 minute bike ride or drive from Indian Springs. Bop into the Calistoga Sugar Train for a sweet treat for dessert, or Copperfield’s Books for the kind of bookstore you just don’t see very often anymore, supplemented with gifts, toys, and story time events.
Had I not been pregnant, I would most definitely have stopped in here or one of the other little wine tasting shops !
