Stewart Mineral Springs Retreat
Stewart Mineral Springs Retreat is located near Mt Shasta, about a five-hour drive north of San Francisco, close to Oregon. The retreat is situated in a valley with natural mineral springs, with a clear river running through it. The water here is considered to be one of the most therapeutic and energetic waters in the world. However, the special mineral water here is not hot; it is cold when it emerges from the ground. The retreat has pipes to bring the water into each small bathhouse and heats it simultaneously. There is a natural small swimming pool enclosed by the nearby river, and the river water is icy cold. Many people soak in the hot springs in the small bathhouse and then run to the outdoor pool, alternating between hot and cold, which is said to be beneficial for the skin and health. For those who can't stay idle, there are plenty of activities nearby to make your holiday enjoyable—hiking, skiing, golfing, hot air ballooning, and more.
Sierra Hot Springs
The hot springs and an indoor hot spring (including a sauna) are open 24 hours a day but will be closed during cleaning periods (detailed schedule available on the official website). They claim to be a non-profit hot spring provided by a few local residents out of hobby. Despite the vintage and exquisite decor, it is not particularly expensive to enjoy. The hotel also offers 15 different massage services, with the specialty being Watsu underwater shiatsu massage. If you visit over the weekend, there are national forests nearby for biking and hiking, and skiing is naturally a must.
Orr Hot Springs Resort
If you like rugged coastlines, if you prefer more primitive areas, and if you enjoy a hippie yet Bohemian style, then you must visit Orr Hot Springs. The resort features 3 hot spring pools, 5 private indoor hot tubs, 2 outdoor hot tubs, and 1 sauna, offering massage services and open from 10 AM to 10 PM. For accommodation, Orr Resort offers cabins, yurts, cottages, and camping options. However, the total number of people in your party may limit your accommodation choices, so it is necessary to consult in advance and make online reservations. Additionally, you need to bring your own towels and toiletries.
Vichy Springs Resort
Vichy Hot Springs may not be very famous in California, but the Glass Beach, which is an hour's drive away, is quite well-known. Many people stop by here to enjoy the hot springs on their way to Glass Beach. The secluded environment is like a paradise. The hot springs have 6 suites, each with 2 pools. Outside, there are 4 individual open-air pools. The water is only 90 degrees, not very hot, but you can clearly see small bubbles forming on your skin. The price for soaking is $30 for 2 hours, $50 for a day, and accommodation ranges from $135 to $390 per night.
Wilbur Hot Springs
If you want a getaway from reality, you can try Wilbur Hot Springs because there are no TVs and no mobile phones... The hot springs at Wilbur Hot Springs come from geothermal resources, so they don't need heating in the summer. There are three hot spring pools with different temperatures, a cold water swimming pool, and a dry sauna. The spring water is rich in natural sulfur and other minerals, which have certain effects on skin diseases. The hot sulfur springs are particularly beneficial for women's diseases, asthma, neuralgia, rheumatism, and pain in the shoulders, neck, and wrists. This hot spring sanctuary, located two hours north of San Francisco, is the closest to a Japanese-style hot spring on the West Coast of the United States. Couples can consider participating in Guest Chef Weekends for a romantic candlelight dinner.
Harbin Hot Springs
Geographically, Harbin Hot Springs is closer to Napa Valley than Wilbur Hot Springs Resort, and the prices are reasonable, so it attracts relatively more tourists. The water at Harbin is colorless and odorless, even the only super-hot pool with a sulfur smell is clear. There are five pools of various sizes plus a swimming pool. You can jump directly into the super-hot water, then walk a few steps to the cool pool, or find a long bench under a tree for a nap. Note that Harbin is a clothes-optional hot spring, with about 98% of visitors choosing not to wear clothes. Additionally, there are two restaurants and a café, making the facilities relatively complete.
Calistoga Hot Springs
This is a well-equipped hot spring resort with hot tubs and a dedicated children's pool. In addition to the gym and massage parlor, it is worth mentioning that the hotel offers volcanic mud baths. The banquet hall can accommodate up to 40 people for events and has facilities such as a bar and outdoor barbecue. The hotel is located in Napa Valley, the main wine-producing region of California, surrounded by many famous wineries and restaurants. The aforementioned geyser is just a 7-minute drive from the hotel. It is also worth mentioning that the Michelin-starred restaurant Solbar is nearby.
Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort
The most distinctive feature of the resort is a SPA pavilion with a strong European atmosphere. The mud therapy bath in this pavilion combines volcanic ash, peat, and extracts from local hot spring mineral water resources, making your dry skin instantly smooth and tender. Of course, in addition to this, guests can also enjoy the beautiful scenery in the romantic garden nurtured by the Mediterranean or have a nice soak in the geothermal bath.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa
The luxurious Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is located in Sonoma County, adjacent to Napa Valley. It features an on-site 18-hole championship golf course and a full-service spa and wellness club. In terms of hot springs, the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont resort draws inspiration from natural elements such as air, water, earth, trees, and fire, and integrates renowned local spa traditions to provide guests with an authentic experience and exceptional hot spring enjoyment.
Benton Hot Springs
Located next to Yosemite National Park in East Sierra/Mono County, there are several secluded hot spring areas. It is 'said' that there are the purest hot springs in the world, and Benton Hot Springs is one of them. The hot spring pools are small open-air baths. There are 3 outdoor hot spring pools in the garden outside the hotel. Each independent cabin has a private hot spring pool. The remaining 10 private hot spring pools are distributed in 10 independent camping sites. The small pools are exquisitely built, with emerald green hot spring water surrounded by mountains and forests. It is said that you can soak in the hot springs and watch the stars at night! The cost for soaking in the hot springs is around $50-$60, and accommodation is about $160-$180 per night. The buildings here are quite historic.
Mono Hot Springs Resort
The Mono Hot Springs pools are well-constructed, allowing you to soak in the hot springs while enjoying the views of the Sierra Nevada. This semi-open mountain forest resort lets you step out of your room to enjoy the outdoor hot spring pools within the hotel, followed by a relaxing massage service. Additionally, there are 12 natural hot spring pools scattered in the nearby forest, which you can explore if you have enough energy and time. For accommodation, the resort offers rental cabins and pre-set tent houses, but you need to bring your own bedding; you can also book a campsite. Regardless of the accommodation type, shared toilet and shower facilities are required.
Keough Hot Springs
Keough Hot Springs, established in 1919, is the largest natural hot spring pool in the Eastern Sierra. Approximately 600 gallons (2271 liters) of water flow out of the ground here every minute. To get there, head south on Scenic 395 from Bishop and turn west onto Keough Hot Springs Rd after 7 miles. However, it feels a bit like a paid swimming pool rather than a place for everyone to soak in hot water during winter. There is a campground and lodge nearby, with camping, cabin, and RV rates ranging from $23 to $135.
