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10 Hot Springs & Geysers in California That You Shouldn't Miss
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Hot Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
You can relax in the heated springs of this popular fishing spot.
Reviewed By IrishTraveler46 - Claremont, United States
The Hot Creek Regional Park is like a tiny "Yellowstone". There are beautiful blue hot pools and steaming water. Park at the top of the canyon and walk down to the creek. One used to be able to bathe here but it gets closed off because of hot activity.
2. Bumpass Hell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
A 1.3-mile walk from the main road will bring you to this geothermal area with boiling mud and hissing blowholes.
Reviewed By barefoot2008 - Lincoln, United States
As of May 2019, the main trail is closed. If you want to see this, take the trail from Kings Meadow via Cold Boiling Lake. This trail is 5.2 miles round trip, and a little more difficult. Some of the reviews say the trails are easy, and that is true if you are young/fit, but not If you have special needs or are not used to altitude (7,000 to 8,000 ft.). Take your time. Wear sturdy shoes, use sunblock and wear tough, practical clothing. The advantage of using this trail is you get to see Cold Boiling Lake (source of the North Fork, Feather River) as well as the fantastic bubbling mud pots and sulphur works of Bumpass Hell. The alpine views of Lassen Peak and other lakes are great too.
3. Travertine Hot Spring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Halfman1
Easy to find, the dirt road is well maintained, but probably not good for low clearance vehicles. Beware! Several little natural pools tucked away under the limestone with the water temp very pleasant. Don't spoil it by bringing a large or loud group! This is the kind of place that authorities could close down in a heartbeat!
4. Buckeye Hot Spring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By barbd287 - Poway, United States
This was one of highlights of our trip to Bridgeport. The views from hot springs on top were amazing but the best part is down below by the springs, just be prepared with proper shoes, the hike up is challenging with flip flops on (we had never been here before).
5. Vichy Springs Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By travuptop
Went with a friend because was interested in the springs. What a great place. Hiked to the falls. Just a trickle in this dry year- but gorgeous area. You can hear wildlife in the trees. Vichy water is great. Felt safe in this world of Covid. The person who greeted us- Gayla- what a wonderful person. Knows the ins and outs of the place. And very helpful in helping schlep everything to the cottage. Thanks for having a great place and great people
6. Harbin Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
We are open! Enjoy spring fed, clothing – optional hot, warm and cold pools, retreat rooms, day visits, overnight tenting, sauna, hiking; many types of massage and aquatic body work, and mostly organic foods.
Reviewed By randolphr851
This was our first time back at Harbin since the fire. Obviously still a work in progress, e.g. dressing room is just a tent with stools and lockers. But the pools are great, maybe even better than before. We like that the Watsu is going to be in a separate pool of its own. The cold plunges are really frigid, not for the faint of heart. Next time we will try an overnight. Well done so far, Harbin!
7. Sulphur Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By elizabethlU1196RK - Lompoc, United States
If you had to miss Yellowstone with its bubbling cauldrons, Sulphuric Works will give you a little glimpse into bubbling mud pots, steaming streams and steam vents. The parking lot is small, so there could be a problem when it’s busy. Everything is right next to the road so it’s easy access.
8. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 140 reviews
The Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, a geothermal hot springs resort, recently completed an extensive renovation project that has dramatically transformed a property that has been attracting repeat guests for generations. Located in downtown Calistoga, the 56-room hotel and spa was completely redesigned with a contemporary spa inspired look and feel. The eighteen month long renovation has touched all aspects of the property including a redesign of the guestrooms with spa-inspired bedding, honed Italian porcelain tile showers, kitchenettes with microwave ovens and modern conveniences such as full High Definition LED televisions. The focal points of the renovation are the four-geothermal heated mineral pools. The pool deck was fitted with travertine tiles, new designer-inspired pool furniture and the inclusion of grape covered arbors.
Reviewed By cheryla772
We stayed for one night and so enjoyed our time. The resort is beautiful with all of the updates. Our room was a comfy as a 5 star hotel. The bedding is top notch and bed was just the right amount of softness and hardness. The room has a fully stocked kitchen (utensils, pots, pans, silverware, glasses - even wine glasses, and a wine opener!). There is a two burner cooktop, and a nice apartment sized refrigerator. They even supplied dish soap and sponges. (But bring your own napkins or paper towels.) Outside of our room there is a lovely picnic area with lots of 4 person square tables, large umbrellas, and BBQ. Bring your own meal and BBQ outside near the pools. Next, the all of the lovely pools. They were clean and well maintained. There were lots of chaise recliners, umbrellas, and regular chairs all over. They looked brand new and were super comfy. We were given two large bath towels when we checked in to use at the pool. Not to worry, there were a bunch of lovely white towels in the bathroom also. We brought our plastic wine glasses to the pool area and sat and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere there. We felt like we were in Italy or somewhere in the mediterranean. The view from the pool area to the surrounding hills is spectaular. All of the vegetation surrounding the pool has recently been updated. Its really very pretty! Everyone at the desk was very helpful and kind. We also enjoyed a mud and mineral bath along with a massage. We've been to a few other mud baths at Calistoga and the place here is very new and nicely laid out. The women's locker room is very luxurious. Large white bathrobes and nice slippers were provided along with a combo private locker. We also used their steam shower which is new. We can't wait to come again.
9. Tecopa Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Dream760270
it was raining the day we visited and the natural spring was a muddy mess. Just up the street is a place called Delights Hot Spring which has private hot spring rooms available. Very rustic but clean and private space. Buy a day pass and use the individual pools all day. The water was so hot you could not stay in very long. We loved it so much we went back at the end of the week for a second visit. It's a 1.5 hr. drive from Vegas and well worth it.
10. Keough's Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By FellowTraveler481013
This is one of my favorite places which was made even better by the addition of their new camp hosts Linda and Russell. The past two times I stayed there this summer I came with my niece and once by myself. I was a little nervous as I usually camp in a tent. The campgrounds are awesome with shaded areas and grass. But after 6 o'clock the place closes up and there was no one around. I came back with another person this time to feel safe but this time I was happily greeted by Linda and Russell upon arrival after dark. They made us feel so welcomed and asked if we needed anything, told us the hours to use the restricted pool schedule and the bathroom code which was really needed at the time. I felt much better about being able to camp alone again. She was an attentive and friendly host, always available to lend a hand or just share some coffee and laughs. I wasn't worried about my camp stuff when I went hiking because she keeps a sharp eye on everything. I appreciated her presence and it made this last camping experience even better.
