Indian Springs is the classic Calistoga stay, a resort with deep roots in the town's hot-springs history and the feel of an old California spa given a stylish modern polish. It sits at 1712 Lincoln Avenue, at the quieter end of Calistoga's main street, on grounds of palm trees, lawns, gardens and steaming geothermal vents, and the town's restaurants and shops are a short walk away. The centerpiece is the pool: one very large geothermal mineral pool fed directly by the resort's own springs, kept warm year-round and big enough for laps as well as lazy floating, with mountain views and loungers on the surrounding deck. It is one of the oldest continuously operating pools in California and a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The spa is known for its mud baths, made with volcanic ash from the property mixed with hot spring water, and for a menu of massages and treatments booked individually. Accommodation ranges from rooms in a mission-style lodge to freestanding bungalows and cottages, some with kitchens, which suit families and longer stays. The resort's restaurant and bar, along with outdoor fire pits, bocce and lawn games, make it easy to spend a whole day on site, and bikes are a good way to explore town. Prices sit in the upper-middle range for the valley — more than a spa motel, well below the luxury resorts — and the atmosphere is relaxed, social and slightly retro. Expect weekend minimum stays and a lively pool on summer afternoons. For anyone who wants Calistoga's hot springs at their most atmospheric, it is the first place to look.
A piece of Calistoga history. The springs here were used long before the town existed, and the resort traces its spa history to the nineteenth-century development of Calistoga as a hot-springs destination. The large pool and the bathhouse have welcomed generations of visitors, and the property still makes its own mud from volcanic ash on site, which few spas can claim. Walking the grounds, you see steam rising from vents and geysers on the property, a reminder that the whole town sits on a geothermal system.
Making the most of it. Treat the pool as your living room: swim in the morning, nap on a lounger after lunch and return for a soak under the stars. Book the mud bath ahead, as weekend slots go early, and schedule it on a day when you are not tasting heavily. From here it is ten minutes to Castello di Amorosa and a short drive to Sterling Vineyards and the wineries of the northern valley; Safari West is over the hill toward Santa Rosa.
Who should stay. Couples and friends who want a social, sunny resort with history, families in the bungalows and cottages, and anyone for whom the pool is as important as the wine. If you prefer hushed luxury and vineyard views, choose an Upvalley luxury hotel; if you want the lowest price, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs down the road is cheaper. Confirm current room types, resort fees and age policies for the pool and spa when booking.
Why stay here
- ✓Large spring-fed geothermal pool
- ✓Mud baths with on-site volcanic ash
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Lodge rooms, bungalows and cottages
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Fire pits and lawn games
- ✓Walk to Lincoln Avenue
- ✓Palm-lined gardens
Good questions
What is special about the Indian Springs pool?+
It is one very large geothermal mineral pool fed directly by the resort's own springs, kept warm year-round and among the oldest continuously operating pools in California.
Does Indian Springs offer mud baths?+
Yes. The spa makes its mud from volcanic ash on the property mixed with hot spring water; book treatments ahead, especially on weekends.
Is Indian Springs walkable to town?+
Yes. It is on Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga's main street, a short walk from restaurants and shops.
