Are you looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in California? Then look no further than a visit to one of the natural hot springs found throughout The Golden State! From resorts with spa treatments to rustic oases surrounded by rugged wilderness, these are some of the best natural hot springs in California ready for you to explore!

The most healing hot springs are the ones that are carbonated, read more here

 

1. McCloud Hot Springs

A stunning mountain trail retreat located in northern CA near Mt Shasta city limits and offers primordial pools filled with naturally heated mineral water from underground geothermal activity that has been bubbling up since Mount Shasta began forming 400 million years ago! Soak in the view from the sun-kissed decks or relax away your stress poolside

2. Vichy Springs Resort & Spa

Vichy Springs Resort & Spa is a unique hot spring destination located in Ukiah, California. Situated on the banks of the Russian River, this resort offers visitors a luxurious spa experience. This is one of the few carbonated hot springs in the world! The natural mineral waters of Vichy Springs are known for their healing and therapeutic benefits, making it one of the most popular hot springs destinations in California. Guests can enjoy soaking in tranquil pools while admiring breathtaking views of lush vineyards and rolling hillsides. For those looking to relax even further, Vichy Springs also offers massage treatments, steam rooms, and saunas - all designed to soothe your mind and body!

3. Sykes Hot Springs at Big Sur River

This magical place has a long and fascinating history, stretching back thousands of years. It is believed that the Chumash Native Americans were the first to discover and utilize the warm mineral waters of Sykes Hot Springs. For centuries, these springs have provided healing and comfort to those in need. In recent years, the hot springs have become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the stunning scenery of Big Sur River and its surrounding mountains. The area is known for its unique geothermal activity, with temperatures ranging from the low-90s to over 190 degrees Fahrenheit! While soaking in one of the many pools or bathtubs, visitors can enjoy unparalleled views of nature and views of some of California’s most iconic coastlines. Over time, Sykes Hot Springs have developed into an adventure hotspot for campers, hikers and nature lovers alike as it offers breathtaking vistas, unique thermal activities and plenty of relaxation opportunities!

4. Esalen Institute Hot Spring

Located in the Big Sur area of California and has been a place of healing for centuries. The site's spring-fed thermal pools have provided natural warmth and relaxation for many years, with hot springs believed to be used as far back as the Native American settlements of the area from over 1,500 years ago. The natural warm mineral waters offer many health benefits, including relieving muscle tension, improving circulation and stimulating detoxification. With temperatures ranging from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Esalen Institute Hot Spring provides a perfect environment for visitors to carry out a variety of therapeutic activities including yoga, meditation and massage treatments. In addition to its natural beauty and healing powers, the facility also offers guests numerous spiritual workshops and educational programs that focus on exploring topics such as philosophy, ecology and psychology. As one of California's oldest hot springs resorts, Esalen Institute Hot Spring remains an oasis of tranquility where visitors can connect with nature while enjoying the healing power of its thermal waters. 

5. Travertine Hot Spring

A unique geological formation located along the banks of the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California. The hot spring has been around for centuries and was once used by Native Americans as a source of healing and relaxation. Today, it remains one of the most popular spots to visit in Yosemite due to its stunning beauty and therapeutic properties. Travertine Hot Spring gets its name from travertine, a type of limestone that forms when calcium carbonate-rich water evaporates from springs or geysers like this one. This natural wonder offers visitors breathtaking views of cascading pools surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs - making it an ideal spot for soaking up some sun and taking in nature's beauty! In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Travertine Hot Spring is also known for containing high concentrations of minerals such as magnesium sulfate which are believed to have healing benefits when absorbed through the skin. So if you're looking for an unforgettable experience deep within Yosemite National Park, look no further than Travertine Hot Springs!

 6. Orr Hot Springs

Located in Ukiah, California, is one of the oldest hot springs resorts in the state. Established over a century ago by Dr. Robert Orr and his family in 1876, this natural thermal pool has been providing healing waters to visitors for generations. The mineral-rich waters contain high concentrations of sulfur and other minerals that are believed to have therapeutic benefits when absorbed through the skin. Over time, it has become known as an oasis of tranquility where people can come to relax while enjoying nature's beauty and marveling at its healing powers. These days, guests can choose from a range of activities including soaking in one of three pools or taking part in yoga classes held onsite. With its stunning views and unique geothermal activity, Orr Hot Springs remains an unforgettable experience for all who visit!

7. Wilbur Hot Springs

Located in the beautiful Colusa County, California, and has been a popular destination for those seeking natural healing and relaxation since the late 19th century. It was founded in 1876 by Dr. Robert Wilbur, who established the hot springs resort based on its natural healing properties. The hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic mineral waters that contain high concentrations of sulfur and other minerals known to have healing benefits when absorbed through the skin. Since its opening, Wilbur Hot Spring has provided visitors with an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking views of nearby mountains and canyons with the therapeutic properties of its natural warm springs. Visitors to Wilbur Hot Springs can choose from various activities such as soaking in one of three pools or taking part in spiritual workshops. With temperatures ranging from 95 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, this unique geothermal wonder offers something for everyone - from those looking for relaxation to those seeking adventure! Over time it has become known as an oasis of tranquility where people can come to rejuvenate and recharge while enjoying majestic views of nature's beauty. A visit to Wilbur Hot Springs promises true relaxation and a memorable experience like no other!

8. Baker's Warm Springs

Located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and has been a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and healing since its discovery in 1864. The hot springs were originally discovered by gold prospectors looking for a place to warm up after working outside in the cold mountain air. Since then, Baker’s Warm Springs has become known as an oasis of tranquility where visitors can come to enjoy its therapeutic mineral waters while taking in spectacular views of nearby mountains and canyons. The natural spring contains high concentrations of magnesium sulfate that are believed to have healing benefits when absorbed through the skin. Today, guests can choose from various activities such as soaking in one of several pools or taking part in yoga classes held onsite - making it an ideal spot for anyone looking for some restorative time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

9. Indian Wells Lodge and Mineral Pools

Located in Calistoga, California, have been providing healing and relaxation since the late 19th century. It was originally founded by Dr. Robert Wilbur in 1876 when he discovered the natural thermal pool's therapeutic properties during a gold mining expedition. The hot springs are renowned for their mineral-rich waters, which contain high concentrations of sulfur and other minerals that have long been believed to have healing benefits when absorbed through the skin. Over time, Indian Wells Lodge has become known as an oasis of tranquility where people can come to relax while enjoying breathtaking views of nearby mountains and canyons. Today, visitors can choose from a variety of activities including soaking in one of three pools or taking part in yoga classes held onsite - making it the perfect destination for anyone looking for some restorative time away from the hustle and bustle of life. In addition to its unique geothermal activity, Indian Wells Lodge also offers a variety of spa treatments to help guests fully relax and rejuvenate. With its stunning views and healing powers that have drawn people here for generations, Indian Wells Lodge continues to provide an unforgettable experience for all who visit!

10. Borax Bill's Harrison Station

Borax Bill's as a long and storied history. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, it was originally discovered by gold prospectors looking for a place to rest after a long day of panning for gold. The natural hot springs on the site were renowned for their healing properties, so much so that the station became known as ‘The Hot Springs' and Borax Bill, who once owned the station, was known as ‘Man of the Hot Mineral Waters’. Over time, people have flocked to Borax Bill’s Harrison Station seeking respite from ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, and other ailments. Today, visitors can enjoy soaking in one of four mineral pools that range from 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit or take part in yoga classes held onsite - making it an ideal spot for anyone looking for some restorative time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life! What makes this unique geothermal wonder truly special is its stunning views of nearby mountains and canyons which make it hard to believe you're only minutes away from civilization. With its healing powers and stunning views, Borax Bill's Harrison Station offers an unforgettable experience like no other!

The Top 10 Hot Springs in California List 

1. McCloud Hot Springs

2. Vichy Springs Resort & Spa

3. Sykes Hot Springs at Big Sur River

4. Esalen Institute Hot Spring

5. Travertine Hot Spring

6. Orr Hot Springs, Ukiah

7. Wilbur Hot Sprigs

8. Baker’s Warm Springs

9. Indian Wells Lodge and Mineral Pools

10. Borax Bill’s Harrison Station