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!
Hot Springs, North Carolina
Having the same name but in a totally different state (and about 650 miles away), Hot Springs, North Carolina won me over with its lush valley setting where the French Broad River meets the Appalachian Trail. Here you get natural hot mineral springs bubbling beside the water. Surrounded by the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, it's incredibly natural and rejuvenating.
After a scenic 45-minute drive northwest from Asheville, winding past forested ridges and mountain farms, I checked into a cozy riverside cabin at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa for two days.
We spent the day soaking in the mineral spring-fed tubs with views of the river, wandering through the quaint downtown with its local shops and cafés, and hiking a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that passes right through town. In the evening, I joined locals listening to live bluegrass at a community spot.
My food highlight was dinner at Spring Creek Tavern where we had great pizza.
Faywood Hot Springs Resort New Mexico
Faywood Hot Springs is set in the wide, open landscapes of southern New Mexico, with steaming mineral pools. The atmosphere is tranquil, almost timeless. It felt like a place where the land itself offered healing, quiet, and renewal.
After a 30-minute drive south from Silver City through sunlit mesas and open land, I checked into one of the rustic cabins at Faywood Hot Springs Resort for two days that completely won me over.
We spent the day rotating between the soothing thermal pools, some open to the desert skies and others shaded and more private. The stillness of the desert amplified the sound of the breeze and the calls of nearby birds. In the evening, I wandered a short trail up a hilltop to watch the sunset.
- Location: Map & Directions
My personal highlight was a campfire meal under the stars.
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.
Montezuma Hot Springs
I completely fell for this natural spot — Montezuma Hot Springs is a cluster of rustic, rock-lined artesian pools fed by geothermal waters, tucked along the banks of the Gallinas River. I spent two nights at 3-star Best Western Plus Montezuma Inn & Suites to enjoy this unique spot.
These springs felt intimate, earthy, and healing — steam rising from the pools against the backdrop of cottonwoods and mesas created a laid-back, soulful energy.
After leaving Las Vegas, New Mexico, I made the quick ten-minute drive up into the foothills toward Montezuma. The springs were hidden just off the road, near the historic Montezuma Castle. I spent the late afternoon soaking in different pools of varying temperatures, moving between warm, hot, and almost scalding springs, each with its own character and mineral feel.
- Location: Map & Directions
I alternated between dips in the steaming water and lounging along the riverbank, where the sound of flowing water and occasional birdsong set a deeply relaxing rhythm. Locals drifted in and out, some sharing stories about the springs’ long history as a gathering place — from Indigenous use to the days of the grand Montezuma Hotel spa.
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 was 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 was a convenient path near the river connecting downtown with the natural hot springs.
Warm Mineral Springs Florida
Rumored to be the Fountain of YouthF famously sought by the Ponce de Lyon back in the 1500s, Warm Mineral Springs is a little-known natural thermal pool located close to North Port in Florida.
The springs have an interesting history and archaeological evidence has been found that suggests that the pool was known to ancient civilizations.
We spent a few hours soaking up the health-giving properties of the 85-degree waters in an attractive park-like area and avail themselves of a variety of pre-bookable spa treatments. For me, Warm Mineral Springs Florida was such a cool hidden gem and one of my favourite natural hot springs in the country.
