Must-Visit Natural Hot Springs in the USA
Some of my favorite travel moments have been soaking in natural hot springs after a day out exploring. Here are my favorites that I hope you'll love them too.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
For me, no list of best natural hot springs in the USA could be complete without mentioning Hot Springs, Arkansas (home to around 38,000 people). Why? First off, I thought this historic spa town was an absolute treasure because of its location in a beautiful spot in the Ouachita Mountains ( Google Maps Pin). In addition, here you'll find eight historic bathhouses built over 100 years ago. In fact, due to their historical importance this entire area is now a National Historic Landmark District.
However you should know that only the Buckstaff and Quapaw Baths & Spa are available to bathe in natural thermal waters (the other six are historic attractions only).
I also have to warn you that Buckstaff operates on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis (for both the baths AND massages). If you are traveling during peak a weekend, Quapaw Baths & Spa lets you make reservations ahead of time so that you don't end up disappointed.
After a 1.5-hour drive southwest from Little Rock, we checked into the retro-style Waters Hotel for two days right on Bathhouse Row.
I spent my vacation days stepping inside the ornate Fordyce Bathhouse to see the ornate decor, enjoyed soaking in modern thermal spas I mentioned, and then hiked through Hot Springs National Park.
My food highlight was our Southern breakfast at The Pancake Shop. Try their banana pancakes with a side of crisp bacon. It was old-school, comforting!
Glen Ivy Hot Springs, California
Love the idea of a natural hot springs weekend getaway but live on the West Coast of the USA? I know just the place for you: Glen Ivy Hot Springs (Googls Maps Pin), about one hour from Los Angeles. Living in Los Angeles, I think this is the absolute best place to enjoy real hot springs with mineral-rich waters in SoCal.
Glen Ivy offers day spa packages starting at $85 Monday through Friday, $115 Saturday, and $95 Sunday.
I spent the day in the mineral hot pools, soaking in the geothermal waters, and enjoyed cooling off in the lap pool.
In addition, you can enjoy herbal tea on a shaded patio, join a wellness class, or book a relaxing massage.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was plunging into the famous Club Mud. You get to coat yourself in red clay before basking in the sun to let it dry. Finally, you rinse it off in the warm pools.
Chris and I also loved wandering around the manicured gardens on our anniversary, which are quite romantic.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado
This place is incredible because it has 35 geothermal hot springs and 5 saunas. You need the Premier Access day pass to access them all. Mid-week prices are quite affordable and start at $68 (but can go as high as $150 in high season).
If you have kids with you, you should save money and purchase the Select Access pass which is cheaper (from $50 – $76) because not all pools are open to kids (some are restricted to 21+ years old). But even with the Select Access, you can choose from 16 geothermal hot springs, a large mineral family pool, mineral jetted spa, and a cold plunge.
There are very good locker room and shower amenities. Plus Sopris Cafe offers snacks and meals. All in all, I thought the facilities were very impressive.
Local tip: I have to warn you that Iron Mountain Hot Springs (Google Maps Pin) is all about hot springs. There are no accommodations on site. Luckily, you can find lots of places to stay very close by in Glenwood Springs. We checked into 3-star Best Western Antlers Glenwood Springs for two care-free days.
What I loved best:
The variety. Some pools were small, hidden among gardens, while others were larger, and some even had beautiful views of the Colorado River.
For me, Iron Mountain Hot Springs is one of the best natural hot springs in the USA. I love to walk so I also loved that the hot springs complex was just a 15-minute walk (less than a mile) from downtown Glenwood Springs. There is a convenient path near the river that connects downtown with the natural hot springs.
