12 Natural Springs in California And Where to Find Them

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: September 8, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


It’s time for a natural detox. For softer skin. For the kind of relaxation that leaves you walking away lighter, your shoulders down, your breathing easy, and your spirit renewed. But you don’t know where to find the best hot springs in the Golden State. Discover 12 natural springs in California and where to find them!

12 Natural Springs in California and Where to Find Them

1. Wilbur Hot Springs

Located in Williams, CA, Wilbur Hot Springs is nestled into a nature preserve and boasts geothermal springs that transport you away from the noise of everyday life and into a sanctuary where you can enjoy some R&R. The entire location is solar-powered, and you’re surrounded by 1,800 acres of nature. The natural hot spring mineral water delivers healing properties and during the summer, you can enjoy the spring-fed pool.

2. Orr Hot Springs

In Ukiah, you can check out Orr Hot Springs. This is a resort that sits on 27 acres and offers a clothing-optional environment that fosters peace and tranquility. Make your reservations ahead of time for day use or book camping, cottages, rooms, or yurts. There are private tubs, upper deck tubs, covered tubs, and outdoor tubs for soaking. Plus, the swimming pool is available for your enjoyment.

Ukiah. California. USA on a map.

You can find Orr Hot Springs in Ukiah, CA.

©SevenMaps/Shutterstock.com

3. Glen Ivy

The wellness environment of Glen Ivy is in Temescal Valley and offers a luxurious resort environment. You can enjoy a variety of therapeutic treatments, take a dip in various pools, and soak in the hot spring water. The mineral baths contain geothermal water at 104 degrees Fahrenheit and deliver sulfur, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium to soothe your body and soul.

Lush green garden

Take in the lush greenery that surrounds you when you visit Glen Ivy.

©Darilynn/Shutterstock.com

4. Indian Springs

Located in Calistoga, CA, Indian Springs is a historic resort that has preserved its 1910 Olympic mineral pool to provide all its guests with a unique experience. They’re open year-round. Thermal geysers on the property feed the mineral pool and their Buddha Pond, which is a private area that offers those who enter a tranquil getaway among beautiful gardens.

5. Wild Willy’s

Head over to Mammoth Lakes to experience Wild Willy’s hot spring. It’s relatively easy to get to compared to some of the other hot springs in the general area. Depending on the time you go, you may encounter a serene environment or the complete opposite: a crowded environment with party-goers looking for a good time. It’s free, required a ¼ mile walk, and you can approach with your vehicle on a dirt road.

Wild Willy's Hot Spring

From this perspective, Wild Willy’s hot spring is heart-shaped.

©M. Ali Khan/Shutterstock.com

6. The Spring Resort and Spa

This resort and spa is located in Desert Hot Springs, CA. It’s an oasis that offers seclusion and a variety of healing treatments. There are three pools where you can soak in heated waters that deliver healing minerals, including iron, magnesium, sulfate, calcium, iodine, selenium, and manganese.

7. Esalen Hot Springs

Located in Big Sur, Esalen Hot Springs is set right beside the Pacific Ocean’s coastline in California. It’s a retreat center that offers hot springs but also serves as an educational institute. You need reservations to attend but once you do, you get a chance to immerse yourself in the hot springs (clothing is optional) and enjoy the healing properties as well as the view of the ocean.

8. Harbin Hot Springs

In Middletown, CA, you can explore this retreat center. There are eight spring-fed pools, each with a different temperature, and you can enjoy several health services on-site as well. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time.

Young woman relax in infinity pool with lake view. Natural hot spring spa under Batur volcano. Travel in Kintamani, Bali. Healthy lifestyle, recreational activity on family summer holiday.

Harbin Hot Springs has several spring-fed pools you can choose from.

©Denis Moskvinov/Shutterstock.com

9. Vichy Hot Springs

Located in Ukiah, CA, Vichy Hot Springs offers “Vichy” baths, which are a soothing 90 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with naturally carbonated mineral water. The waters are found on a 700-acre private reserve, and you can visit for day use or stay the night.

Female feet soaked in a footbath of sulfur hot spring (Zao, Yamagata, Japan)

At Vichy Hot Springs, you can enjoy soaking on your own in a personal bath.

©Mayumi.K.Photography/Shutterstock.com

10. River Oaks Hot Spring Spa

This hot spring spa is located in Paso Robles, CA. Visit wine country to soak in private mineral tubs. Book an experience that allows you to enjoy wine while soaking as you look out into the vineyard. You can also book a variety of luxurious spa experiences for the ultimate relaxation experience.

11. Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs

You can find this resort in Calistoga, CA. Book a stay in a room or cottage and enjoy soaking in spring-fed mineral pools while there. You can also treat your skin to a volcanic ash mud bath, enjoy a rejuvenating massage, and eat and drink the best of the best — all on-site.

Natural Dry Clay Or Mud, Abstract Image As Background

Enjoy a soothing volcanic ash mud bath at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Spa.

©SHOHANA1/Shutterstock.com

12. Beverly Hot Springs Spa

Located in Los Angeles, CA, Beverly Hot Springs Spa offers 100% natural hot springs. Soak and enjoy a unique set of treatments during your visit, including a sugar polish, vitamin massage-aroma oil, deep tissue massage, or a heated energy rock massage.

Massage with hot basalt stones. Beautiful deep charming light.

A hot stone massage is one of many treatments you can relish at the Beverly Hot Springs Spa.

©Aleks Gudenko/Shutterstock.com

NumberSpringLocation
1Wilbur Hot SpringsWilliams
2Orr Hot SpringsUkiah
3Glen IvyTemescal Valley
4Indian SpringsCalistoga
5Wild Willy’sMammoth Lakes
6The Spring Resort and SpaDesert Hot Springs
7Esalen Hot SpringsBig Sur
8Harbin Hot SpringsMiddletown
9Vichy Hot SpringsUkiah
10River Oaks Hot Spring SpaPaso Robles
11Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral SpringsCalistoga
12Beverly Hot Springs SpaLos Angeles

The photo featured at the top of this post is © N K/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.