25 Best Hot Springs in Northern California 2023 [Ultimate Guide]

Looking for the best hot springs in Northern California?

Then you’ve come to the right place. These mineral and silica-rich hot springs are ready to help you relax and nourish your body. 

A visit to any of these natural hot springs in California is sure to help you unplug from the pressures of life and let you unwind in a serene environment. 

Whatever your reason for visiting, this list of the best Northern California hot springs has got you covered.

25 Best Hot Springs in Northern California

As California locals that love to explore the Golden State, we made it a mission to discover the best hot springs for a relaxing soak in the region surrounding our home in Northern California.

The good news is we found some gems where you can escape the crowds and relax your muscles after a day of hiking or enjoying the outdoors.

This is our list of the best natural and resort-style hot tubs in the north half of the state. 

Natural Hot Springs in Northern California

1. Travertine Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes

• Type: Natural Hot Springs
• Cost: Free
• Clothing Etiquette: clothing-optional
• Highlights: 5 hot pools
• Google Map Location

The Travertine Hot Springs is one of the most famous free hot springs in Northern California. 

Located just between Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes, this would be a great stop when you’re driving and visiting these two beautiful landmarks. 

This natural hot spring is not difficult to get to, and because of its accessibility, it can get a little crowded. 

Soaking in its waters has become a favorite after-work or weekend activity among locals looking to hang out, sip a few cans of beer, and enjoy the views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. 

Also, bathing here is clothing-optional, so you might end up finding groups of people chatting while in the nude. 

The water in its small cement tub near the parking lot is warm at 100° F while the other four, more rustic, rock-bottomed tubs clock in at about 98° F. 

2. Buckeye Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes

• Type: Natural Hot Springs
• Cost: Free
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-optional
• Highlights: 2 upper natural pools, 4 semi-natural pools (can be considered as one as its mainly divided by makeshift rock dividers)
• Google Map Location 

Buckeye Hot Springs is a free, clothing-optional hot spring spa with panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra wilderness. 

The descent from the access trail in the parking lot to the creekside hot springs can be a little steep in some places so make sure to wear sturdy water shoes like these or sandals for the hike down. 

There are two upper pools and four semi-natural pools with waters ranging from 100-110° F and are just about 2 feet deep, which is enough to sit in, lie down, or float. 

If you make your way further down, you will find the semi-natural springs fed by the constant flow of hot water from the source above. 

It creates a cascading look, almost like waterfalls trickling down its hot pools. 

You can alter the temperature here by moving some rocks and allowing the cold waters from the adjacent Buckeye Creek to enter and cool it down.

3. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes

• Type: Natural Hot Spring
• Cost: Free
• Clothing Etiquette: clothing-optional
• Highlights: 2 hot spring pools
• Google Map Location

At the edge of a wooden boardwalk, just about a 0.25-mile hike one way, you will find the largest of the Mammoth Lakes hot springs – Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, also known as the Crowley Hot Springs. 

Open all year round, its two pools are easily accessible via the almost flat boardwalk, with the mountains of Sierra Nevada and Glass Ridge Mountain Ridge serving as its backdrop. 

The temperature in its two pools varies between 95-105° F depending on the time of day or the season, but the second pool, the “Heart Pool”, though smaller, is relatively deeper and hotter than the main pool. 

The clothing here, like in most of the natural hot springs in Northern California, is optional, but discretion is advised as this is also frequently visited by families with kids. 

There are two smaller pools nearby: Crab Cooker, Rock Tub Hot Springs (also known as Whitmore Tub), and Shepherd Hot Springs.

If you’re staying in Mammoth Lakes, it will take you about an hour to get here.

4. Benton Hot Springs, Benton

• Type: Hot Spring Tub
• Cost: from $75 to $85 per night, depending on the hot tub site
• Clothing Etiquette: clothing-optional
• Highlights: 12 hot tub sites
• Google Map Location | Website

The Benton Hot Springs, privately owned and managed under The Inn at Benton Hot Springs, offers its visitors rustic inn accommodations in a 1940s historic building. 

Guests of the inn share three semi-private outdoor soaking tubs, but the area itself actually has 12 hot tub sites, each with its own private tub separated by privacy fences and fed by natural hot spring water. 

When you rent out a hot tub site, you can pitch your tent or park your camper/trailer and enjoy soaking, clothes-free, in your warm hot spring tub. 

The water in its source is very hot at 140° F but cools significantly down to around 102° F as it’s piped into the tubs. 

The Inn is equipped with some modern amenities but the hot tub sites are “unplugged” and are powered by a generator for a limited number of hours in the morning and in the evenings.

5. Sykes Hot Springs, Big Sur

• Type: Natural Hot Springs
• Cost: Free
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-optional
• Highlights: 3 natural springs
• Google Map Location

When looking into natural hot springs in California, keep a lookout for Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur, especially if you’re an avid hiker. 

Nestled deep in the Ventana Wilderness, access to this natural hot spring involves hiking a moderately challenging trail that’s 21 miles roundtrip. 

The trek begins at the Big Sur Ranger Station, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from San Francisco.

The trail gradually ascends before going downhill again as you near the river where the hot spring is located about half a mile downstream. 

You might have to scramble your way around and look for the hot springs, though it’s not that hard to miss, as locals have been known to remove signs to keep more visitors from finding their way. 

The temperature of the three natural springs in the area is around 100°F, varying on the time of year you visit. 

Hike-in campgrounds are located near the area if you don’t want to hike out and back in one day. Or you can also drive from Carmel if you decide to stay in that area.

This is definitely a great way to immerse in nature if you’re visiting Big Sur.

6. Feather River Hot Springs, Twain

• Type: Natural Hot Springs
• Cost: $15 per person for a two-hour soak ($10 if you’re a member of Friends of Feather River Hot Springs)
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits are required during daylight hours
• Highlights: 2-sided cemented tub
• Google Map Location | Website

The Feather River Hot Springs is the only hot spring resort in Northern California that offers two types of rich mineral water in its soaking tub. 

The tub itself is divided into two sides, one side is lithium-rich, while the other is sulfur-rich. This is accomplished by using two hot springs resources. 

Water temperature in the tub range from 99-104° F and the day-use fee is only for a two-hour soak which should still be long enough for you to be able to try each side. 

There is also a seasonal, rocky footpath that leads to natural hot springs located on the river itself, aside from the only two-sided tub in the resort. 

Cabins are also available on-site as well as campgrounds where fees already include use of the hot springs. 

Make sure to call and book for availability at least 24 hours before your planned visit.

Hot Springs Resorts in Northern California

7. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, Calistoga

• Type: Mineral Pools
• Cost: free for guests who booked rooms, an additional $50 for massage treatment guests 
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: 4 geothermal pools, massage treatments, mudbaths, spa packages 
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs provides its guests with a full resort and spa experience in downtown Calistoga in Upper Napa Valley. 

It has four geothermal mineral pools with water temperatures ranging from 84-104°F. 

However, access to these pools is only available for resort guests and for those who booked massage treatments at the spa and paid an additional $50 for pool access. 

If you happen to just be in downtown Calistoga, this resort is not difficult to find as it’s located just near Main Street. 

Avail of their spa services, especially their volcanic ash mud baths, then finish it off with a soak at their pool after a day out exploring the wine country. 

If you happen to be in the mood for a nice hot spring retreat, the best time to visit this Napa Valley region is in the Fall.

And it’s all the more reason to book accommodations in this Northern California hot springs resort.

8. Indian Springs Resort, Calistoga

• Type: Mineral Pool
• Cost: free for resort guests, an additional $50 for day spa guests who book a 50-minute spa service
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: Olympic-size mineral pool, Adult Pool, massages, salt therapy, mud rooms
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

Indian Springs Resort is not only one of the best hot springs near San Francisco, but more importantly, it’s the oldest continuously operating pool and spa facility in California. 

This 17-acre resort has olive trees, palm trees, roses, and lavender, beautifully planted across and around historic cottages and Mission Revival-style buildings. 

It gives a feel of old luxury and warmth reminiscent of 1910s Hollywood. Its Olympic-size swimming pool was actually built in 1913 and replaced the original “old plunge” of the resort. 

Water temperature range between 92-102°F and is fed by four on-site geysers. 

It is cooled down before directing it to the main pool, where it is enjoyed by guests of all ages. 

The pool is open until midnight, so you can soak all you want and float under the Napa Valley stars.

If the main swimming pool is too crowded for you, they have an Adult Pool which is 10 degrees cooler than the main pool and offers more intimate swimming and soaking experience.

9. Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, Calistoga

• Type: Mineral Pools
• Cost: Varies on the type of room, spa packages start at $169
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: 3 mineral pools, 8 mineral baths, 4 mud baths, CBD and aromatherapy experiences, outdoor treatments rooms in the spa garden
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs has been a place for relaxation and wellness for the last 70 years.

It was updated with a more modern and contemporary design when it was sold to new owners in 2019. 

However, it still retains the “Doc’s” recipe for mud baths, which made its name as one of the top relaxation resorts in California. 

Its reimagined wellness spa now has three mineral pools, eight mineral baths, four mud baths, and a variety of spa services built up from Doc and Edy’s timeless treatment regimens. 

Whether you’re booking rooms or spa packages here, you’ll surely feel more relaxed and rejuvenated than when you checked in. 

10. Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort, Calistoga

• Type: Natural Hot Springs
• Cost: free for overnight guests, free for one hour before and after for day spa guests 
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: 1 pool, 2 jetted spas, couples and friends mud baths, massage, herbal facials
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort is one of the few California hot springs resorts specializing in spa treatments for couples and friends. 

This makes it the perfect place to book a romantic getaway or a relaxing girls’ weekend. 

The mineral hot springs pool and two jetted tubs are heated to temperatures ranging from 85-104°F. 

The pool water is kept relatively cooler than the jetted spas but is still very steamy and inviting with a hint of sulfur in the air. 

Access to all of its facilities, including the hot spring pools and mud baths, is included if you book overnight stays in the resort. 

However, if you and your party are only here for the day to avail their many spa packages, you’re still free to access their pools and jetted spas, but only for an hour before and after your spa treatments.

11. UpValley Inn & Hot Springs, Calistoga

• Type: Mineral Pool
• Cost: Varies on the type of room
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: 1 mineral pool, 1 mineral whirlpool, dry sauna, steam room
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

This laid-back wine country getaway hotel boasts itself of upholding a longstanding Calistoga wellness tradition: the waters. 

Its mineral pool and whirlpool are 100% fed by authentic Calistoga mineral waters from their on-site hot springs well, allowing its guests to immerse themselves in its healing waters that took millions of years in the making. 

UpValley Inn & Hot Springs assures the authenticity of its soaking experience by the natural mineral spring water’s green or yellow hue, proof of its high mineral content. 

Even their dry sauna and steam room have been carefully crafted to promote healing and relaxation. 

To maximize your UpValley experience, they suggest you do the steam, rest, soak, and repeat. 

Complete a 15-minute dry sauna session, rest for about 5 minutes, soak in the geothermal mineral pool, then repeat the process until you’re satisfied and feel completely refreshed.

12. Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort, Calistoga

• Type: Hot Spring Tub
• Cost: Varies on the type of room, hot springs spa services start at $209/person
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: 2 hot pools, 1 hot tub, mud baths, spa treatments, massages, custom-designed packages
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

When looking into splurging for a stay at one of the best hot springs resorts near San Francisco, it would be remiss not to consider the Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort. 

Established in 1975, this resort never fails to move with the times and updates its services and packages to cater to the ever-evolving appetites of resort guests. 

If you enjoy your hot spring with some warm loving, book their famous Splendido Suite with Jacuzzi Tub. 

It’s the perfect romantic hot springs getaway for two with a two-person Jacuzzi tub filled with geothermal water direct from the source in your luxurious suite. 

The resort also has an outdoor hot pool with water kept between 92-96°F and an indoor pool and outside hot tub that stays relatively warmer at 100-103°F.   

13. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma

• Type: Mineral Pool
• Cost: $49 (resort guests), $149 (non-resort guests, waved if availing Spa services Mondays to Thursdays costing a minimum of $199)
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: 5 mineral pools, indoor Bathing Ritual, Roman-style bathhouse, halotherapy sauna, aromatherapy steam room
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is known as one of the most luxurious resorts and spas in the Sonoma area. 

The Fairmont Spa was built on top of an ancient thermal mineral spring, which feeds its five thermal mineral pools and its Roman-style bathhouse. 

Here you will find a Roman soaking pool and hot tub, a Halotherapy Sauna, and an Aromatherapy Steam Room. 

Its mineral pools and soaking tubs maintain their waters at 92-102°F and are open for access to both resort guests and those who purchase spa day access. 

Make sure to arrive early for your spa appointment so you’ll get the most out of Fairmont’s Bathing Ritual.

This features an exfoliating shower, access to mineral water soaking pools, and an aromatherapy steam room, a halotherapy sauna, and cool-down showers.

14. Tassajara Zen Center, Carmel Valley

• Type: Natural Hot Springs
• Cost: Currently limited to guests in the Student Program
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-optional
• Highlights: communal showers, 2 hot plunges, steam room, private bath, sundeck with creek access
• Google Map Location | Website

If you’re a practicing Buddhist or you’re looking into becoming one, Tassajara Zen Center may be something you’re familiar with. 

This Zen Center is more of a school for those who want to attend monastic training periods or Zen student programs. 

However, they open access to the general public during the summer season for those who’d like to break away from society and modern technology. 

As this place is remote and a bit off the grid, reservations are strictly required for those who’d like to explore its surroundings, especially its hot springs. 

They have developed the natural hot springs into clothing-optional Japanese-style baths with separate men’s and women’s areas. 

The water temperatures in the baths maintain temperatures between 100-140°F. 

If you experience staying here, respect and practice their monastic ways, whether in clothing, eating, or habits.

*2023 Update: Currently closed for overnight reservations and visits. 

15. Esalen Institute, Big Sur

• Type: Hot Spring Tub
• Cost: Varies based on the type of room, Esalen Massage visitor pass for $345
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-optional
• Highlights: 4 large communal tubs, individual tubs, massages, workshops and open classes, The Art Barn and Meditation Hut, pool
• Google Map Location | Website

The Esalen Institute, if anything else, is an experience rather than a location. 

With views of the ocean and access to natural hot spring waters, this is easily one of the best hot springs in Northern California.

The price tag for its workshops and stays doesn’t come cheap, though.

However, if you avail of their Esalen Massage visitor pass, not only will you get a relaxing 75-minute massage treatment, but you’re also given access to its hot springs. 

They keep their hot spring water tubs at a warm temperature of 119°F, perfect for a long and relaxing soak. 

They also have individual tubs if you want more privacy but they are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

More Hot Springs in Northern California

16. Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown

• Type: Mineral Pool
• Cost: starts at $33 (must have at least one member on your party, membership starts at $10 for one month trial)
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-optional
• Highlights: 8 pools with varying temperatures, sundeck, dry sauna, massage
• Google Map Location | Website 

Harbin Hot Springs is located about a 2-hour drive from Sacramento and San Francisco.

It is owned and operated by a non-profit retreat center that helps its guest pull away from the noise and pollution of modern life to find peace and balance with nature. 

This humble and quiet hot springs resort features eight different mineral pools fed by different-temperature springs located on the 1,700-acre property. 

Water temperatures of its pools range from intensely hot (Hot Pools) to just right (Warm Pools), then to chillingly cold (Cold Plunge). 

Consistency in the water temperature of its pools is achieved by blending, heating, or cooling the water from its source until the ideal temperature is achieved. 

In line with unburdening one’s self, this place is primarily clothing-optional, and they even have clothing-optional sunbathing as one of its guests’ favorite activities.

RELATED: Discover more hot springs near Sacramento that you can visit.

17. Vichy Springs Resort, Ukiah

• Type: Mineral Pool
• Cost: starts at $35 per person
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: 4 outdoor mineral baths, 10 indoor mineral baths, in-ground hot pool, falls pool 
• Google Map Location | Website

Vichy Springs Resort is a 150-year-old resort and California Landmark famous for its “champagne baths,” believed to have remarkable healing properties. 

It’s aptly called a champagne bath because once you dip in any of its carbonated mineral pools, you will find your skin covered in tiny carbon dioxide bubbles. 

These bubbles penetrate your body to produce many health benefits and bring you to a relaxed state. 

Its fourteen mineral baths, or “Vichy” baths, have a water temperature usually around 90° F, while the in-ground hot pool is a toasty 104°F. 

This resort is a favorite among long-time guests for its “Vichy” baths and because it retains its charm as a country inn with three cottages built in 1852 that are still in use today.

18. Wilbur Hot Springs, Williams

• Type: Natural Hot Springs
• Cost: $59 day use fee (weekdays), $65 day use fee (weekends and holidays)
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-optional
• Highlights: 3 indoor hot spring flumes, 1 outdoor hot mineral flume, 1 spring-fed outdoor pool, 1 cold plunge, dry sauna
• Google Map Location | Website

Wilbur Hot Springs believe in the healing powers of its hot mineral springs and utilizes the architectural style and technology of a Japanese-style onsen “Fluminarium.” 

This style channels its waters into three long flumes with water temperatures averaging between 100-109°F. 

An outdoor hot mineral flume, a spring-fed outdoor swimming pool, a dry sauna, and a cold plunge also enhances the guest’s overall experience in a seemingly cohesive manner as it complements the indoor “Fluminarium.” 

Upon arriving at the resort, you will notice how it gives off a feel more akin to a classic Japanese hot springs resort than a Western one which is also evident by its lack of modern amenities and comforts. 

Instead, Wilbur strives to work with and for nature by opting for a more eco-friendly approach, even putting the resort strictly under solar power.

19. Orr Hot Springs Resort, Ukiah

• Type: Natural Hot Springs
• Cost: $50 per person day use fee
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-optional
• Highlights: 6 private indoor hot spring tubs, outdoor tub, natural hot spring pool, large communal kitchen
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

Orr Hot Springs Resort located between the towns of Ukiah and Mendocino, is a small resort with cabins reminiscent of that of the 1930s era. 

The area became a popular resort destination for then-city-dwellers looking to experience the healing powers of its waters. 

Its waters were believed to relieve arthritis, rheumatism, blood, kidney, and even liver disorders. 

These days, the resort houses six private indoor hot spring tubs, an outdoor tub, and a natural hot spring pool. 

All its tubs have warm water temperatures around 105°F, while the pool is relatively cooler at 85°F degrees. 

For a more relaxing experience, they have rooms, yurts, cottages, and even camping if you plan to stay overnight.

Reservations are required for a day visit and make sure to pack in your bath towels, robes, slippers, toiletries, and food during your visit here. 

This hot springs resort near San Francisco is only a 2.5-hour drive from the city. 

It’s preferred to visit this place alone or with a group of adults as this is a clothing-optional facility.

20. Sierra Hot Springs, Sierraville

• Type: Hot Spring Tub
• Cost: $30 per person day use fee (at least one person in your party must be a member, membership starts at $5 for 30 days)
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-optional
• Highlights: 3 hot pools, 2 cold plunges, sundeck, dry sauna
• Google Map Location | Website | Book Here

The Sierra Hot Springs is a clothing-optional, non-profit retreat center that boasts itself of silky smooth spring waters and pools that will surely give any guest a very relaxing experience. 

Enclosed in its Temple Dome Area is The Hot Pool with water temperatures ranging anywhere between 105-110°F. 

Outside you will find the Warm Pool, around 98-100°F, with a large sundeck and dry sauna. 

Also outdoors is the Meditation Pool, which is the perfect place to soak in and enjoy 98-100°F waters under the beautiful evening skies. 

Though the resort does not discourage bringing kids along, all of Sierra Hot Springs’ swimming areas are clothing-optional so keep that in mind if you plan on visiting this resort with your family.

21. Mercey Hot Springs

• Type: Individual Hot Spring Tubs
• Cost: $50
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-Optional in certain areas
• Highlights: Individual soak tubs, swimming pool to cool off, cabin rentals
• Google Map Location | Website

Mercey Hot Springs is an oasis in the desert outside of Fresno offers a chance to soak in individual tubs that you can fill to your desired temperature.

The water is naturally heated by the sulfur springs in the area, and the water will leave your skin feeling nice and smooth.

They offer two areas to soak, including clothed and nude options for those that are less inhibited. 

The property also includes a swimming pool, a dry sauna, and access to trails that lead to the Panoche Hills.

As the resort is way off the beaten track, there are no amenities in the area, but they do offer the option to camp under the large shade trees, or you can book a cabin.

If you visit during the spring, you will be treated to views of the green hills that will be covered with the seasonal wildflower bloom.

22. Franklin Hot Springs

• Type: Man made mineral pool
• Cost: $10 All Day Pass
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: Water temperature ideal for all ages, mineral dense spring water 
• Google Map Location | Website

Franklin Hot Springs is a rustic hot pprings located just outside of the city of Paso Robles.

While this family-owned facility is located in the southern half of California, it made our list because we loved our visit.

This hot spring offers a perfect way to relax at the start of a visit to the Paso Robles wine country.

The property features one large man made soaking area that is fed by highly concentrated and mineral rich spring water that stays at 100.1° F, which is safe for kids and the elderly.

There are also two small soaking tubs that are a little hotter, and they also offer showers to get rid of the sulfur smell after a soak.

For those that want to soak multiple days, they offer the option to camp out on the property.

23. Keough’s Hot Springs

• Type: Mineral Pool
• Cost: $14 Adult Day Pass
• Clothing Etiquette: Swimsuits Required
• Highlights: Two soaking pools at different temperatures, lifeguard on duty, tent camping rentals
• Google Map Location | Website

Located off of Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierras is Keough’s Hot Springs, where you can have a good soak after the long drive to visit Mammoth Lakes or Bishop.

The facilities include two soaking pools that are kept at different temperatures and have a high mineral count of 600 gpm.

The larger pool is 100 x 40 ft and is kept between 88 to 90° F, which is perfect for their water aerobics classes.

For a deeply relaxing soak, try the second smaller and shallow tub that is kept at 104° F, which is ideal for loosening up sore muscles.

The Hot Spring’s property also includes a snack bar if you get hungry and showers to refresh before getting back on the road. 

We love stopping at Keough’s Hot Springs after hiking the steep trails in Big Pine or at Convict Lake.

24. Steamboat Hot Springs

• Type: Individual Hot Spring Tubs
• Cost: $50
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-Optional in certain areas
• Highlights: Individual soaking tubs
• Google Map Location

Steamboat Hot Springs is located just outside of Northern California in the desert, 25 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe. 

The facility prides itself in the fact that they feature volcanic natural spring water that is pumped right from the source, which is rich in rare minerals.

They offer private soaking rooms with individual or couples tubs where you can soak in peace and enjoy the tranquil hot mineral water.

After your private soak, you can opt to enjoy the outdoor soak tub or spend some time in the sauna if you notify the staff in advance.

Steamboat Hot Springs also offer spa services that range from massage treatments to mud body masks to rejuvenate your skin.

Visiting these hot springs close to Lake Tahoe makes for a great after-ski relaxation.

25. David Walley’s Resort

• Type: Individual Hot Spring Tubs
• Cost: $50
• Clothing Etiquette: Clothing-Optional in certain areas
• Highlights: Five hot tubs
• Google Map Location

David Walley’s Resort was built on top of the historic volcanic hot springs, and they take advantage of the mineral-rich water to relax their guests.

The resort is a perfect getaway located in Nevada, just 15 minutes from the casino strip in South Lake Tahoe.

We made it a day trip to soak in the resort’s five hot tubs after hiking up to Maggie’s Peak in the morning, but we plan to stay for a few nights in one of their well appointed rooms on our next visit.

The resort also features a restaurant and saloon on the property, so you can relax and enjoy your stay without having to drive into town.

If you plan to drive south from Lake Tahoe to Mammoth Lakes, make sure to book a night or just stop for a soak before your long drive.

Free Hot Springs in Northern California

• Travertine Hot Springs, Bridgeport
• Buckeye Hot Springs, Bridgeport
• Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes
• Crab Cooker Hot Spring, Mammoth Lakes
• Rock Tub Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes
• Shepherd Hot Springs (Hilltop Hot Springs), Mammoth Lakes
• Sykes Hot Springs, Big Sur

Hot Springs Northern California Map

Different Types of Hot Springs

Natural Hot Springs

Natural hot springs are produced when water is heated geothermally below by either shallow magma in volcanic areas or when the groundwater flows through faults and comes in contact with hot rocks deep below.

Hot Spring Tub

Manmade and facilitates hot spring-like features by redirecting natural hot spring water flow into it. By using a tub, water temperature and flow can be easily controlled to maintain consistency which is why this feature is commonly found in resorts or resort spas

Mineral Pools

These are pools filled with hard water, which is water that contains dissolved minerals. Mineral pools are not necessarily naturally heated, unlike natural hot springs. Their main draw is the health benefits that one can get from soaking in its mineral-rich waters.

FAQs: Where are the Hot Springs in Northern California?

Does Northern California have natural hot springs?

Yes, California has a lot of natural hot springs spread across the entire state, with large concentrations in the Eastern Sierras and in Calistoga, which is at the northern end of the Napa Valley. Amenities and prices vary greatly as some are attached to resorts, and others are open to the public and free.

Are there free hot springs in California?

Yes, there are plenty of free hot springs in California, including Wild Willy’s Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes and Buckeye Hot Springs in the Eastern Sierras. Most of these free hot springs are located in natural reserves or parks and do not have any amenities except restrooms. 

Wrap-Up: Northern California Hot Springs

Soaking in some of the best hot springs in Northern California is truly a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for tired bodies and minds. 

Whether it’s natural hot springs located in very scenic locations or resorts offering a variety of complementary treatments to maximize your hot springs experience, you can never go wrong. 

What are you waiting for? Choose and plan your Northern California hot springs getaway.

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