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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch an eruption
Old Faithful Geyser of California
Best Time
Catch an eruption

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A predictable geyser in Napa Valley, offering eruptions every 15-30 mins, plus a petting zoo and museum.
"A fun and interesting experience for the whole family, with predictable eruptions and animal encounters."
🎯 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Erupting Geyser
Main Geyser Area
Witness nature's spectacle as water and steam shoot skyward every 15-30 minutes.

Petting Zoo Encounters
Petting Zoo Area
Interact with friendly goats, llamas, and sheep – a hit with all ages!
Geology Museum
Museum Building
Discover the fascinating geological history of the area and the geyser's unique properties.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Geyser
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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!
🧺 Picnic Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy while waiting for the geyser's next show.
🎟️ Ticket Deals
Look for ticket discounts on platforms like Groupon for potential savings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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!
🧺 Picnic Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy while waiting for the geyser's next show.
🎟️ Ticket Deals
Look for ticket discounts on platforms like Groupon for potential savings.
👟 Wheelchair Friendly
The site is accessible for wheelchairs, making it enjoyable for everyone.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is parking available at the geyser site. It's generally sufficient for visitors, especially if you arrive a bit before an eruption.
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.
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.
Public transportation options directly to the geyser are limited. It's best to drive or arrange private transport.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, it's a family-friendly attraction. Children often enjoy the geyser eruptions, the petting zoo, and the interactive elements.
Yes, some visitors have reported finding discounted tickets for Old Faithful Geyser of California on Groupon. It's worth checking before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
An eruption typically lasts for a few minutes, shooting water and steam upwards.
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.
Yes, the site is designed to be wheelchair friendly, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the attractions.
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.
Indeed, it's one of only three 'Old Faithful' geysers in the world, making it a unique natural phenomenon.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Yes, you can purchase food on-site to feed the goats and llamas at the petting zoo.
Some visitors have mentioned receiving free coffee, particularly if visiting after lunch. It's a nice touch for those waiting for an eruption.
📸 📸 Photography
Anytime during an eruption is photogenic! Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more dramatic lighting.
The area around the geyser itself offers the best vantage points. The surrounding gardens and the petting zoo also provide charming photo opportunities.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚗 Day-Trippers from the Bay Area
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.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Spectacle
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.
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.
A Unique Family Experience
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.
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.
Exploring Calistoga and Napa Valley
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit