Top Northern California hot springs you can't miss

Grab your camera, a towel, and good company – Travertine Hot Springs near the town of Bridgeport boast not only mineral water hot springs for you to soak in but also an epic view of the Sierra Nevada mountains. While these hot springs aren’t exactly off the beaten path (don’t expect to be the only ones there), they’re worth a visit by all means. There are several natural pools to choose from but make sure to dip your toe in first to check the temperatures, as some are too hot to get in. The soaking pool near the parking area is known to be quite hot, but the ones near the rock formations have the best temperatures. The travertine that makes up these hot pool terraces gives the springs their name. People constructed wood and concrete enclosures to hold the hot waters, rock pools, and channels to redirect the hot water and regulate the temperature of the water, making the springs themselves safe. To get the most tranquil experience, head out to Travertine Hot Springs on a weekday earlier in the morning. These hot springs are a great place to include in your itinerary if you’re visiting the Mammoth Lakes – a drive to Bridgeport takes less than an hour.

If you’re in the mood for an outdoor hiking adventure that rewards you with beautiful views and stunning natural mineral water pools at the end, head to Sykes Hot Springs near Big Sur. Closed for five years due to storm damage in 2017, the trail that leads to the Sykes Hot Springs is finally open again! To visit these remote warm pools surrounded by a rocky forest landscape, you’ll have to hike for approximately 10 miles first (note that the round trip is 20 miles) on the Pine Ridge Trail. The path has its challenging parts, but with the right hiking boots and attitude, you’re in for a memorable experience. What’s better than taking a dip in a mineral water pool after a long hike that’ll recharge your body and soul?

For over half a century, the Esalen Institute near Big Sur has welcomed guests looking to experience harmony and healing in a nature-inspired tranquil environment. Founded by Stanford graduates, this idyllic location helps people tap into their undiscovered potential through workshops, meditations, etc. Honestly, the view alone is worth a million bucks. 120 acres of fruitful land nestled between mountain and ocean, with hot mineral springs bursting out of a seaside cliff. This place is renowned for its Esalen hot springs available to guests who’ve booked a stay and are participating in the workshops. Public access to Esalen hot springs night bathing in the spring water pools is only available between 1 AM and 3 AM and must be booked early in advance on the same day.

One of the most popular spa hotels in Napa Valley, Indian Springs in Calistoga offers a combination of laid-back luxury complete with soothing amenities like mud baths with volcanic ash, as well as an Olympic-sized geothermal swimming pool, where the water temperature ranges from +33 to +38 degrees Celsius. Enjoy beautiful views of the valley’s hills and steam rising from active geysers that also feed the naturally-heated pool. One of California’s original hot spring spas dating back to 1910 knows how to make guests feel right at home after a day of exploring the wine country. The resort has everything for a modern-day feeling while still managing to create an atmosphere where time stands still. You can easily get to Indian Springs from San Francisco – it takes approximately an hour and a half.

The thermal spring water, rich in minerals, of the Sierra Valley delivers a chance to unwind in the funky Sierra Hot Springs Resort, complete with well-maintained pools and various accommodation options. The hot springs resort is a sister property to the Harbin Hot Springs. Both resorts are run by a non-profit organization called the New Age Church of Being. Sierra Hot Springs can pride itself on a beautiful location near the edge of the Tahoe National Forest and overlooking the awe-inspiring Sierra Valley. This Californian resort is renowned for its hot spring water Temple Dome Pool – a truly meditative experience! To cool off, you can take a quick dip in one of the cool plunge pools after. Outside the dome, there is a warm pool maintained at slightly lower temperatures than the dome pool, and an adjacent sun deck for you to enjoy the epic natural surroundings.

An unlikely sigh when compared to other hot spring resorts in Northern California, the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center is all about zen vibes in a rugged landscape. The oldest Japanese Buddhist Sōtō Zen monastery in the United States opens its doors to day and overnight guests from Memorial Day to Labor Day (May 30 to the first Monday in September). This harmonious place is located in central California, in a secluded valley in the heart of the Ventana Wilderness area of the Los Padres National Forest inland from the Big Sur coast. When visiting you can enjoy the natural hot springs in Japanese-style baths in a truly tranquil setting. The bathhouses have separate areas for men and women, and there are spaces in each where clothing is optional. After sweating your worries away in the steam room, dip in the plunge pool before heading out to enjoy the sundeck. You can leave all your worries behind as there is no internet or cell reception here – a perfect opportunity to take a break from daily technology.

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