Old Faithful Geyser of California - WHILE HIKING WE STUMBLE INTO THESE PIECES OF WOOD FORMING AN ATTACKING MOMENT
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Old Faithful Geyser of California

3.9
·2k reviews·Calistoga, United States

A predictable geyser in Napa Valley, offering eruptions every 15-30 mins, plus a petting zoo and museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Every 15-30 minutes

Catch an eruption

CrowdMedium
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Old Faithful Geyser of California - WHILE HIKING WE STUMBLE INTO THESE PIECES OF WOOD FORMING AN ATTACKING MOMENT

Old Faithful Geyser of California

Best Time

Every 15-30 minutes

Catch an eruption

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A predictable geyser in Napa Valley, offering eruptions every 15-30 mins, plus a petting zoo and museum.

3.9
(2k reviews)

"A fun and interesting experience for the whole family, with predictable eruptions and animal encounters."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Geyser Schedule Check

Eruptions are frequent, but check the exact timing upon arrival to plan your visit.

🐐 Feed the Animals

Purchase food to feed the friendly goats and llamas – a fun experience for families!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Erupting Geyser

The Erupting Geyser

Main Geyser Area

Witness nature's spectacle as water and steam shoot skyward every 15-30 minutes.

TikTokInstagram
Petting Zoo Encounters

Petting Zoo Encounters

Petting Zoo Area

Interact with friendly goats, llamas, and sheep – a hit with all ages!

InstagramReddit
Geology Museum

Geology Museum

Museum Building

Discover the fascinating geological history of the area and the geyser's unique properties.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Eruptions occur every 15-30 minutes, so check the schedule upon arrival. Arriving a bit before an eruption means less waiting and more time to explore the petting zoo or geology museum. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the Geyser

While the geyser is the main draw, don't miss the petting zoo with goats and llamas, the geology museum, and the gift shop. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy while you wait for an eruption. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Every 15-30 minutes
Why
Catch an eruption
Crowd
Medium
When
Morning
Why
Less crowded, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Old Faithful Geyser of California in Calistoga - 58 of 100 things to see in #california - #napavalley #oldfaithfulgeyser
@californiathroughmylens
1.6K likes • 28.1K views

🎯 Geyser Schedule Check

Eruptions are frequent, but check the exact timing upon arrival to plan your visit. TikTokInstagram

🐐 Feed the Animals

Purchase food to feed the friendly goats and llamas – a fun experience for families! InstagramReddit

Old gold faithful and journey. #travel #oldfaithful #reel #funny #splinterlands #california #sundayvibes #geyser #calistoga #oldfaithfulgeyser #oldfaithfulgeyserofcalifornia #traveling #journey #80smusic #gold #explorepage #travelcalifornia #napa #winecountry #napavalley
goldmatters_
6 likes • 142 views
Did you know there is another Old Faithful in the United States? — Old Faithful Geyser of California 🌴 A hidden gem in Calistoga that should not be missed! This captivating geyser (located in the heart of Napa Valley) offers visitors a mesmerizing display of eruptions every 15-30 minutes 💦 Along with this enchantment, enjoy the other wonderful amenities such as: 🪴 stroll through the natural g...
the_restlessblonde
0 likes • 891 views

🧺 Picnic Spot

Bring a picnic to enjoy while waiting for the geyser's next show. Reddit

🎟️ Ticket Deals

Look for ticket discounts on platforms like Groupon for potential savings. Reddit

Experience nature's wonder at Old Faithful Geyser of California in Calistoga! 🦄💖💄👗🧜🏻‍♀️💗🕶️🦩🌵🌸⛱️🌈🍬 Though smaller than Yellowstone's, this spectacular geyser erupts every 15 to 30 minutes, offering a dramatic display. While waiting, enjoy a peaceful picnic, explore the petting zoo with llamas, horned sheep, and mountain goats, and visit the Geology Museum to learn about geysers. Open daily, the...
tamaramcphd
13 likes • 290 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Geyser Schedule Check

Eruptions are frequent, but check the exact timing upon arrival to plan your visit. TikTokInstagram

🐐 Feed the Animals

Purchase food to feed the friendly goats and llamas – a fun experience for families! InstagramReddit

🧺 Picnic Spot

Bring a picnic to enjoy while waiting for the geyser's next show. Reddit

🎟️ Ticket Deals

Look for ticket discounts on platforms like Groupon for potential savings. Reddit

👟 Wheelchair Friendly

The site is accessible for wheelchairs, making it enjoyable for everyone. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Old Faithful Geyser of California to be a charming and predictable natural attraction, perfect for a quick stop in Napa Valley. The frequent eruptions, petting zoo, and educational museum are highlights, offering a pleasant experience for families and individuals alike. While some reviews mention occasional litter, many praise the site's cleanliness and accessibility.

"If you are looking for a place to relax with friends or just want to see something new, stop at this scenic site. Old faithful geyser is a hot spring that will burst out water like a fountain. It’s only for a few minutes, but it is beautiful to see. There are other activities on site including a geology museum, a petting zoo, and a bocce ball court. There is also a gift shop as well. Although it was not expensive, there are tickets on Groupon. It is children wheelchair friendly.
Bring a picnic and sit down while you wait for the next eruption (around every 45 min). Enjoy 💕💕"

Tayna Labissiere

"This is the 3rd largest Geyser in the world and originally owned by a badass Woman Olga Kolbek, who observed the Geysers activity in relationship to seismic activities. The Geyser is active every 40 minutes, I'd recommend staying for at least 2 showings. It's a beautiful space, with chairs and benches to enjoy a snack and a beverage. There's a little museum with history on the earth and of Olga and her amazing life. There's also some sweet goats, llamas and horses to visit. Got there around 10am and stayed about 2 hours."

Alexa Severtsen

"This was a lovely experience. It takes about 30-40 minutes between each. While you wait you can visit the pony’s and feed the goats. There’s also a tiny museum where you can spend time in. Free coffee was nice to have because we visited after a heavy lunch 😅"

Lawrence Taur

What People Like

Predictable geyser eruptions
Interactive petting zoo
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional litter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Located in Calistoga, California, the Old Faithful Geyser of California is accessible by car. It's situated in Napa Valley, a popular wine region. Many visitors combine a trip here with wine tasting tours. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is parking available at the geyser site. It's generally sufficient for visitors, especially if you arrive a bit before an eruption. Instagram

Absolutely! Old Faithful Geyser of California is a great day trip from San Francisco, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive. It's often combined with other Napa Valley attractions. Instagram

Driving is the most common way to reach the geyser. If you plan on wine tasting, consider a designated driver or a ride-sharing service. Instagram+1

Public transportation options directly to the geyser are limited. It's best to drive or arrange private transport. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The geyser operates continuously with eruptions every 15-30 minutes. The surrounding grounds and facilities typically have operating hours, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information. Instagram

Admission prices can vary, but it's generally considered affordable. Some reviews mention looking for deals on Groupon. It's recommended to check their official site for current pricing. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not required for general admission, as eruptions are frequent. However, for special events or group visits, it's wise to inquire. Reddit

Yes, it's a family-friendly attraction. Children often enjoy the geyser eruptions, the petting zoo, and the interactive elements. InstagramReddit

Yes, some visitors have reported finding discounted tickets for Old Faithful Geyser of California on Groupon. It's worth checking before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

An eruption typically lasts for a few minutes, shooting water and steam upwards. InstagramReddit

Beyond the geyser, you can visit a petting zoo with goats and llamas, explore a geology museum, enjoy a picnic, and browse the gift shop. InstagramReddit

Yes, the site is designed to be wheelchair friendly, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the attractions. Reddit

Yes, bringing a picnic is encouraged, and there are seating areas available. It's a great way to enjoy the surroundings while waiting for an eruption. Reddit

Indeed, it's one of only three 'Old Faithful' geysers in the world, making it a unique natural phenomenon. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there isn't a full-service restaurant on-site, visitors are encouraged to bring picnics. There is a gift shop that may offer some snacks or beverages. Reddit

Calistoga and the surrounding Napa Valley offer a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, especially if you're visiting during wine country season. Instagram

Yes, you can purchase food on-site to feed the goats and llamas at the petting zoo. InstagramReddit

Some visitors have mentioned receiving free coffee, particularly if visiting after lunch. It's a nice touch for those waiting for an eruption. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Anytime during an eruption is photogenic! Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more dramatic lighting. TikTokInstagram

The area around the geyser itself offers the best vantage points. The surrounding gardens and the petting zoo also provide charming photo opportunities. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at natural attractions to ensure safety and preserve the environment. It's best to check the site's specific regulations. Instagram

A camera with a good zoom lens can be helpful to capture the height of the eruption. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the geyser in its scenic surroundings. Instagram

Be prepared for steam and water spray, so protect your lens. Capturing the anticipation before an eruption and the peak of the spray makes for dynamic shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Faithful Geyser of California is a fantastic spot for families. The predictable eruptions are exciting for kids, and the petting zoo with goats and llamas is a guaranteed hit. Don't forget to bring snacks or a picnic to enjoy while waiting for the show! InstagramReddit

The site is wheelchair accessible and offers a small geology museum that can be educational and engaging for younger visitors. It's a relatively short visit, making it perfect for keeping children's attention spans in mind. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers from the Bay Area

If you're looking for a unique day trip from the San Francisco Bay Area, Old Faithful Geyser of California is an excellent choice. It's about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, making it manageable for a single day. Instagram

Combine your visit with a scenic drive through Napa Valley, perhaps stopping at a winery or two, or exploring the charming town of Calistoga. The geyser itself is a quick but memorable stop, perfect for breaking up a longer excursion. Instagram

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

While the geyser is the main attraction, its location in Napa Valley makes it a perfect addition to a wine-tasting itinerary. Many visitors stop by Old Faithful Geyser of California before or after visiting local wineries. TikTokInstagram

Consider visiting in the morning before your wine tours begin, or in the late afternoon as a unique natural interlude. The geyser's predictable schedule means you can easily fit it into your wine country plans. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Science Behind the Spectacle

Old Faithful Geyser of California is a hydrothermal feature, meaning it's powered by underground heat. Water seeps into the earth, gets superheated by magma, and then is forced back to the surface under pressure, creating an eruption. This particular geyser is known for its predictable eruption schedule, occurring every 15 to 30 minutes. TikTokInstagram

Interestingly, some believe this geyser can act as a predictor of seismic activity. Reports suggest that deviations in its eruption patterns, such as delays or diminished activity, might indicate an impending earthquake within a 500-mile radius. This unique characteristic adds another layer of fascination to this natural wonder. Instagram

The geyser is situated in an area that was once an active volcano, with the last eruption occurring approximately 3.4 million years ago. This geological history contributes to the unique hydrothermal activity observed today. Instagram

A Unique Family Experience

Old Faithful Geyser of California offers more than just a geyser show; it's a well-rounded family destination. The petting zoo is a major highlight, featuring friendly goats, llamas, and sheep that children (and adults!) can feed and interact with. This hands-on experience is often a favorite part of the visit. InstagramReddit

Complementing the natural attractions is a small geology museum that provides educational insights into the earth's processes and the history of the geyser. This can be a great way to engage curious young minds. The site also offers ample seating areas and is wheelchair accessible, making it comfortable for families with strollers or mobility aids. InstagramReddit

Many visitors recommend bringing a picnic, as there are pleasant spots to relax and enjoy a meal while waiting for the next eruption. This adds to the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere of the attraction. Reddit

Exploring Calistoga and Napa Valley

Old Faithful Geyser of California is nestled in the heart of Calistoga, a charming town in the renowned Napa Valley. This location makes it an ideal stop for those exploring California's wine country. Visitors often combine their geyser visit with wine tasting tours, as many wineries are just a short drive away. TikTokInstagram

Calistoga itself offers a relaxed atmosphere, known for its hot springs and mud baths. Beyond the geyser and wineries, you can explore local boutiques, art galleries, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley. The proximity to other attractions makes it easy to create a full day or weekend itinerary. Instagram

When planning your trip, consider the best time to visit Napa Valley for wine enthusiasts, which is typically during the harvest season (late summer to fall) for vibrant vineyard views and activities. However, Old Faithful Geyser of California is a year-round attraction. Instagram

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