Hot springs bubble up all over California's Central Valley. Along the coast, inland or near the mountains, if you're looking to unwind in one of nature's hot tubs you're bound to find something to suit your taste. Many springs have been developed as spas or resorts, with rooms and amenities offered to guests. However, others are untouched by progress and remain as they were when local Indians found healing powers in their warm mineral waters.
Originally a stagecoach route, Mercey Hot Springs in Fresno County was named for John Merci who bought the land in the late 19th century for the purpose of raising sheep. A real estate developer purchased it in 1912 and, after changing the spelling of its name, built most of the structures that remain on the property today. Guests who stay at the hotel or in one of the seven cabins will have use of the bath house with soaking tubs, as well as the swimming pool and restaurant.
Mercey Hot Springs
62964 Little Panoche Rd.
Firebaugh, CA 93622
209-826-3388
merceyhotsprings.com
Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, River Oaks Hot Springs Spa was known once simply as "The Springs" by local Salinan Indians who took advantage of the water's soothing and curative powers. Containing sulfur compounds, trace minerals and hydrogen sulfide gas, the springs reach nearly 120 degrees F. This luxury spa offers five outdoor tubs and a variety of body treatments to its guests.
River Oaks Hot Springs Spa
800 Clubhouse Dr.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
805-238-4200
riveroakshotsprings.com
Grover Hot Springs is in the Great Basin Province of the eastern Sierras. Pine forest and meadows surround the mineral pools, which are green due to the reaction of mineral salts and bromine used to sanitize them. A hot pool, swimming pool and picnic area are available, as well as a campground for those intending to stay a while. Be sure to check the weather before you make the journey: high winds, blizzards, blazing heat and thunderstorms are possible, depending on the time of year.
Grover Hot Springs State Park
Four miles west of Markleeville at the end of Hot Springs Rd.
530-694-2249
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=508
California landmark No. 980, also known as Vichy Springs, has been dated by its travertine onyx deposits at 5 million-years-old. Like the Pomo Indians who once lived in the area, guests can enjoy the therapeutic effects of its warm, carbonated mineral baths. The springs have been continuously open since 1854--though not always as a spa--and three cottages from 1852 are still in use. Past guests include President Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain and Jack London.
Vichy Springs Resort
2605 Vichy Springs Rd.
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-462-9515
vichysprings.com
Going back to the days of the Spanish, Sycamore Mineral Springs wasn't opened as a resort until the late 19th century when it was discovered by two oil prospectors. In the 1930s, the resort became a popular destination for movie stars on their way to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. During this time it was considered a restorative spa and nurses and doctors were available to guests. It returned to its roots as a resort in the 1970s. Every room has a patio with a hot tub, some with fresh water, others with mineral water.
Sycamore Mineral Springs
1215 Avila Beach Dr.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
805-595-7302
