The numerous hot springs on the California coastline for centuries beckoned Native Americans and Spanish missionaries, who sought the mineral pools to soothe joint pain, arthritis, skin problems and a variety of physical ailments. The springs emerge from deep within the earth's volcanic fissures, carrying minerals such as bicarbonate and sulfur, which long have been thought to have healing powers. Therapeutic or not, today many people find soaks in mineral pools to be deeply relaxing, and several springs in California also feature developed spas that offer massage and spa treatments.
In San Luis Obispo's picturesque Avila Valley, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort sits on a wooded hillside under a canopy of sycamore and oak trees. The resort features several outdoor redwood hot tubs that bubble with the area's sulfur springs.
You can enjoy the waters through a range of spa packages, from hourly soaks to extended stays in fully appointed luxury suites. The resort features a variety of therapeutic massages, skin-care treatments, hiking trails and a Japanese-style meditation rock garden. The Gardens of Avila Restaurant has a spa menu based on fresh ingredients.
Sycamore Mineral Springs
1215 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA
800-234-5831
sycamoresprings.com
Harbin Hot Springs is located north of San Francisco, in Napa Valley's wine country and in an undeveloped woodland in Lake County. The naturally heated springs come from a nearby basalt cap.
Harbin features large soaking pools in a range of temperatures and has several healing therapies and spa treatments. It also offers a warm-water massage therapy, known as Watsu. You can dine at the restaurant and stay overnight in a private room at Harbin's lodge or camp at several sites on the premises.
Harbin Hot Springs
18424 Harbin Springs Road
Middletown, CA
707-987-2477
harbin.org
Located near Sonoma, Morton's Warm Spring Resort offers geothermal mineral pools and unique picnic areas set in the picturesque wooded area known as Valley of the Moon. The resort is nestled beside Sonoma creek, near large oaks and open meadows.
The resort is popular with day-trippers, who come for the site's three mineral swimming pools, hiking trails, picnic areas and sports fields. Amenities include a cafe, but there are no overnight accommodations. Morton's is closed on Mondays.
1651 Warm Springs Road
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-833-5511
mortonswarmsprings.com
Established in 1854, Vichy Springs is an historic resort located in a northern California town called Ukiah. Vichy Springs have a unique claim to fame: They have the only naturally carbonated and warm mineral pools--or "champagne baths"--in North America.
The resort features a bed and breakfast, on-site cottages, an outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool and several hundred acres of wilderness with trails and nature walks. Massage and spa treatments are available, and you can get a day pass for the springs.
Vichy Springs Resort
2605 Vichy Springs Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-462-9515
vichysprings.com
Located near Palm Springs, the Spring Resort and Spa sits on a hill and offers dramatic views of the nearby snow-capped mountains. The clear, mineral-rich pools at the spring are some of the hottest in the area, naturally heated to temperatures around 170 degrees.
Natural cold plunges, which come from the area's aquifer, also are available on the site, The resort offers massage, facials and body treatments as well as detox/cleansing programs. You can opt for day-spa packages or indulge in longer stays at the Resort's Desert View Villa.
The Spring Resort & Spa
12699 Reposo Way
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
760-251-6700
the-spring.com
