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12 Underrated Hot Springs in California [with Map]
California is known for its unique hot springs, incredible sights, and breathtaking natural beauty. Several hotels and resorts offer excellent accommodation facilities along with these beautiful natural hot springs. Several natural hot springs in California are highly popular, including Indian springs, travertine hot springs, Esalen hot springs, Miracle springs resort, and many more.
Geothermal water can bubble from just below the surface at several locations, making it easy to find the hot springs in California. Many geothermal mineral pools have been constantly used by people for healing purposes due to the sulphur-rich natural hot springs by going for pleasant and relaxing mineral baths.
Hot springs are the best way to relax by taking a steam bath, going into private soaking tubs or mineral baths, or going for the hot springs spa services. The hot springs in California are the best way to spend your weekend and feel fully relaxed.
As it is already known that California is home to many natural hot springs, the tourists here always make sure to experience natural therapy through these natural hot springs in California. Some of California’s best natural hot springs include Wilbur Hot Springs, Travertine hot springs, Esalen hot springs, Indian springs, Benton hot springs, and many more. After all, soaking in a heated soaking pool is regarded by many as one of the best massage and beauty treatments. In California, you can easily find hot tubs overlooking scenic beauty to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Several hot springs resorts in California are incredibly famous with travelers worldwide. Hot springs in California range from luxurious hotels to the hot springs that are only accessible through hikes. Below is the list of all the best California hot springs known for their incredible body treatments, natural therapy, and many more.
List Hot Springs in California
Wilbur Hot Springs, California
Wilbur Hot Springs are located in Northern California and are historic natural hot springs, personal retreat, health sanctuary, and a natural reserve in Williams, Northern California. The Wilbur Hot Springs come up on the ground near Bear Creek. The flow in the hot spring is about 30 gallons per minute, and the varying temperatures in the Wilbur Hot Springs range from 140 degrees to 152 degrees F.
What is unique about it?
Wilbur Hot Springs are in a nature-preserved area with bathing pools and are clothing optional. There is a famous history of the Wilbur Hot Springs. It is said that a very wealthy social activist General John Bidwell 1983, was searching for gold when one of his men got sick. With the help of local lore, he reached Wilbur Hot Springs, which was considered to cure deadly diseases. After this, the activist returned to San Francisco and told everybody about the healing water in the hot spring.
It has become fashionable and common for people to go to hot springs in California and stay at hot spring resorts. As a result, the mineral-rich hot springs in California became famous, especially in the 19th century.
The Wilbur hot springs resort and spa has become a perfect place for a getaway.
Location
Beverly Natural Hot Springs, California
LA’s only 100% natural mineral-rich hot springs spa, Beverly Hot Springs, is exceptionally famous for treating both mind and body with its fantastic steam bath, hot water pool, private tubs, soaking pool, spring-fed swimming pool, and many more. The Beverly Hot Springs are located 10 minutes from downtown and around 15 minutes from Beverly hills. The spa has varying temperatures from 96 to 105 degrees F.
What is unique about it?
The hot spring was rediscovered in 1984, and the Beverly Hot Springs were built after that. According to a chemical analysis, the mineral pools in Beverly Hot Springs have many essential chemicals that help cure diseases and release stress. As a result, Beverly Hot Springs is considered to be one of the best California hot springs.
Beverly Hot Springs is a natural geothermal sunny Southern California hot spring. Beverly Hot Springs offer its guests a complete spa which includes massages and body and skin care treatments. In addition, it consists of a hot spring pool, cold plunge pools with natural mineral water, a dry sauna, lounge areas, hillside hot tubs, private hot tubs, and many more.
Location
Deep Creek Hot Springs
The Deep Creek Hot Springs are located in the Northern Mojave Desert section of San Bernardino national forest, Southern California. Deep Creek Hot Springs are famous natural hot springs in California located in the deserted foothills of the Mojave river. This place is considered the best natural hot spring for people who love hiking.
What is unique about it?
The Deep Creek Hot Springs consists of six to seven natural hot pools, which are the best to relax, along with the clothing-optional facility. To reach the Deep Creek Hot Springs, the travellers must cross a cold river where the temperature is set according to the time of the year.
Deep Creek Hot Springs are primarily famous for daytime visitors who prefer to hike. Hiking to the hot springs starts from the trailhead near Bowen Ranch, a 50-mile drive from San Bernardino. The path to reach the hot springs is rugged and not very smooth. The deep creek hot springs contain various hot springs of varying temperatures.
Location
Vichy Springs
The Vichy Springs Resort was first opened in 1854, and since then, it has continued to provide a soothing and relaxing escape to many people, including several famous figures like Mark Twain.
The Vichy springs resort is located 120 miles away from the north of San Francisco. It is located on 700 acres of private reserve, a two-hour drive from San Francisco. The location is absolutely spectacular and allows you to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing experience like never before.
What is unique about it?
This hot spring in California has three original cottages and a house for overnight visitors. Other mountain view stays and accommodations were built in the late 19th century. The unique attraction of the Vichy springs resort is that it has naturally carbonated Vichy baths, which are dubbed “Champagne Springs”.
These Vichy baths are heated soaking pools at a temperature of 90 degrees F, where water flows from beneath the earth’s surface into the private soaking tubs. The Vichy Springs Resort, along with the accommodation facilities, also provides an in-ground hot pool, a Vichy Springs Resort pool set at the base of a waterfall, and an unheated Vichy Plunge open only for the summer months.
Location
Sierra Hot Springs
The Sierra Hot Springs are known for their healing powers and natural therapy and are considered a must-visit hot spring in California. The Sierra Hot Springs are perfect for relaxing and resting amidst pristine forests and woodland.
The Sierra Hot Springs Resort and Spa is a non-profit resort only focused on healing and natural therapy, spread over 700 acres of land.
What is unique about it?
The hot springs pools are family-friendly and clothing optional. The location of Sierra Hot Springs is a 90-minute drive from Lake Tahoe and about a five-hour drive from San Francisco. Unfortunately, the resort doesn’t entertain day guests, and to experience the hot springs, people have to stay for at least 24 hours at this resort.
There are several spiritual lecturers and healing practitioners sessions, along with a relaxing time in the hot springs. The resort has two main hot springs, including the Temple Dome area, where the pool is heated between 105 degrees to 110 degrees F. In addition, it has a large sundeck with a warm pool, dry sauna, and cold plunge pool.
The Sierra Hot Springs have another outdoor meditation pool surrounded by a seasonal private pool and rock tiles called Phoenix baths.
In the hot springs and staying in one of the best California hot springs, people also go mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and many more. With so much to experience and enjoy, it is regarded as one of the best natural hot springs in California.
Location
Calistoga Hot Springs
The Calistoga Hot Springs are a must-visit in California. It is considered one of the best hot springs in California, and even the city is one of the most beautiful places. The Calistoga Hot Springs is situated in the small town of Napa Valley and are known as the “Spa capital of Northern California”.
What is unique about it?
In this town, the people can experience the local hot mineral water springs, which are at a temperature of 104 degrees F and can also have mud baths and volcanic ash baths. The Calistoga spa hot springs also provide their guests with a fitness centre where they can practice yoga or Pilates.
Calistoga is known for its best natural hot springs and mineral pool experiences. Along with relaxation, these natural hot springs are known for healing and therapeutic properties with the help of mud baths, mineral baths, and many more. The Calistoga Hot Springs has been operating since the early 1900s and provide their guest’s wellness centre and spa services.
Four smaller geothermal mineral pools include a soaking pool at 100 degrees F, a wading pool for children, a multi-lane lap pool at 80 degrees F, and a covered whirlpool qat 104 degrees F. Patios and day beds surround all the collections for the guests to relax.
Location
Desert Hot Springs
The Desert Hot Springs have the most extensive collection of natural hot springs in the United States. Desert Hot Springs is known as “California’s Spa City” and are located in Riverside County, California, the North of Palm springs.
What is unique about it?
It is famous for producing hot water from an underground aquifer for bathing and cold water for drinking. In addition, the Desert Hot Springs contain water sulphur free, unlike other natural hot springs, and people don’t experience the whiff or smell of rotten eggs inside the hot spring.
Desert Hot Springs are a famous place amongst people visiting Coachella Valley and are considered the home to several boutiques and the best hot springs. The cold mineral spring aquifers in the Desert Hot Springs ensure no shortage of cold water for drinking.
A secondary option in the Coachella Valley for custom-designed teak tubs of mineral water, which naturally refreshes after 24 hours, can be the adult-only wellness resort Two Bunch Palms. Another option can be El Morocco Spa and Inn with 13 rooms. Downtown Palm Springs is nearly 20 minutes from almost all the hot springs.
Location
Tecopa Hot Springs Resort
Tecopa Hot Springs Resort is a modern resort located near Death Valley National Park’s southeast corner. The Tecopa Mud Hot Springs are an oasis in the desert. It is free hot springs, and clothing is optional for all. The Tecopa Hot Springs is located about 85 miles west of Los Angeles and is usually open between mid-October till the beginning of June.
What is unique about it?
The hot springs in Tecopa provide proper relaxation and experience of the sunrise and sunset over a desert landscape near the Death Valley National Park. People can also go for star gazing along with relaxing hot water sessions.
Tecopa Hot Springs Resort also makes people experience desert life, including craggy mountain peaks, dry rivers, ancient lake beds, and home to creatures like pupfish, geese, cranes, and many more.
This hot springs resort consists of 12 rooms motel, a campground, five private hot tub rooms, and four cabins. Natural mineral water flows through the tubs, and the temperature of the hot springs tub is around 104 degrees F. It is regarded as one of the best hot springs in California.
Location
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Avila Hot Springs
The Avila Hot Springs are not just a place with the best hot springs but are considered a complete water park. The Avila Hot Springs is located 9 miles from San Luis Obispo and are a family-friendly hot springs resort with enough opportunities to relax, rest, and play. Avila Hot Springs are the centre of attraction on California’s central coast.
What is unique about it?
Two different pools are given access with the day-use entry fee. People also rent bikes, go mountain biking, enjoy movie nights, and experience the new feeling of being in an oversized heated pool. The resort has a mineral-rich hot spring pool 2 ft deep and heated around 104 degrees F.
Along with the experience of one of the best California hot springs, people can also opt for the on-site Avila Massage Spa, where they will be given different massage services, which are included in the complimentary entry to the hot springs pools for the day.
In addition, there are dry camping tent sites available in Avila Hot Springs, which is the best for people who want adventure. It is regarded as one of the best California hot springs and attracts travellers worldwide.
Location
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa are located in Sonoma Valley’s heart. It features stylish and trendy accommodations, an award-winning spa centre, and geothermal swimming pools.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission inn has its own ancient thermal mineral spring, which flows from 1100ft below the earth’s surface.
What is unique about it?
The inn has access to a championship golf course at Sonoma Golf Club. It was historically revered for its healing powers by Native Americans. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, located north of San Francisco, provides exceptional spas, body care and skin care treatments, wellness offerings, and daily docent-led hikes.
Location
Orr Hot Springs Resort
The Orr Hot Springs Resort is surrounded by unique forests of Northern Carolina and is located on a country road between Mendocino and Ukiah. It is a well-established resort where guests can relax and enjoy all the facilities.
What is unique about it?
Orr Hot Springs Resort is a small resort with 27 acres of hot springs and beautiful landscapes at the headwaters of the big river. The mineral water in the hot springs is known for its healing properties and therapeutic sessions.
The resort provides all the facilities for spas and healing treatments, for which the guests need to make prior reservations, even if it is only for a day trip.
The Orr Hot Springs Resort built its private cabin spas in the early 1930s. Resort’s central bathing area consists of two communal pools, one with a constant temperature of 107- 108 degrees F and the other with a temperature of 104-105 degrees.
Location
Sespe Hot Springs
This is one of the perfect California hot springs place for people who like trekking. The Sespe Hot Springs are located in the Sespe Wilderness and are the hottest California hot springs.
The Sespe Hot Springs were formed from the sulfurous hot water coming from the walls of the hot springs canyon, surrounded by cacti and rocky outcroppings.
What is unique about it?
There are three different hiking trails through which the Sespe Hot Springs can be accessed, all of which are complicated for multi-day trips. The best season to visit the springs is early spring or late winter. However, summers can be brutally hot to see the Sespe hot springs.
The Sespe Hot Springs is located in a remote mountainous area in Los Padres National Forest and is used by local people for its healing properties and warmth.
After hiking for some time, people find this warm and sulfurous hot water very relaxing and calming when they reach this hot spring.
Location
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
Also known as Crowley Hot Springs, Wild Willy’s hot springs are located in the Mammoth Lakes area near the hot creek geothermal area. The springs are easily accessible from Benton Crossing roads and Highway 395 and have a 2-mile hike of an elevated wooden walkway.
What is unique about it?
The Crowley Hot Springs have two hot pools. The first pool is a warm, relaxing spring 10 ft wide and 3 ft deep. The other is a heart-shaped hot pool slightly more prominent and hotter than the first.
As a result, people can experience breathtaking mountain views, relaxing pool baths, and therapeutic sessions.
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is considered one of California’s best and most unique hot springs. It is a must-see place for people going on California road trips or exploring Mammoth Lakes.
Location
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
The Glen Ivy Hot Springs are located at the mouth of a cold water canyon beneath the towering Santa Ana Range. It consists of geothermal mineral pools and is a natural sanctuary drawing people’s attention because of its healing powers for over 150 years.
What is unique about it?
The Glen Ivy Hot Springs provide guests various services, including a dry sauna, a cold plunge pool, a unique eucalyptus steam room, spa services, and massages. In addition, the resort has 19 geothermal pools with sulfur-rich water of 104 degrees F.
The resort has bathhouse changing rooms with Roman-style pools, bordered by stone colonnades. It provides facilities including a lounge, heavy saline pools, lap pools, cold plunge pools, and vista pools.
Location
Harbin Hot Springs
Harbin Hot Springs is located 90 miles north of San Francisco and is a non-profit centre that offers several short days and long day shifts. This centre provides facilities for the visitors to reflect and rest in a calming sanctuary and on-site camping trailers called “Caravans”.
What is unique about it?
These springs are located north of Calistoga and around 10 miles from Clear Lake. Three springs here are known as Iron, Arsenic, and Sulphur springs.
These springs come up near a ravine towards the west of Putah Creek. The hills near Harbin Springs feature steep slopes and offer scenic views.