12 of the Best Hot Springs in the United States

No matter the season, natural hot springs offer relaxing, geothermal waters in often scenic settings. Across the country, you can find them to fit every travel preference, whether you're looking to take a dip in nature after a hike or prefer a spa-like experience. From Alaskan pools perfect for viewing the northern lights to the national park named for its geothermal waters, here are 12 of the best hot springs in the United States.

Of course, hot springs can be very dangerous, so use caution and only swim where you know it's safe.

Calistoga, California

Located in beautiful Napa Valley, Calistoga is known for its abundant hot springs. Several resorts in the area offer mineral pools where visitors can enjoy the waters. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, for example, has four geothermal mineral pools, including a warm lap pool. For those looking for a luxurious stay during their wine country trip, Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection is home to an expansive spa with a bathhouse featuring geothermal pools of ranging temperatures.

Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, Wyoming

Named Thermopolis ("hot city" in ancient Greek) for its many natural hot springs, this town is home to Hot Springs State Park. Visitors can soak in the public bathhouse's 104-degree waters for free. Keep an eye out for bison, and be sure to check out the petroglyphs at Legend Rock while you're there.

Travertine Hot Springs, Bridgeport, California

Take in views of the Sierra Nevadas while soaking in the natural Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport. Located on California state park land off of Route 395, these small, rustic pools are the perfect stop after a day of hiking.

Warm Springs Pools, Virginia

The main pool here is enclosed by a stunning octagonal stone basin originally built in 1761. Guests soak under the skylight of a domed ceiling inside the Gentlemen’s Bathhouse, believed to be the oldest spa structure in the U.S. A second bathhouse was built in the 1870s. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and Franklin D. Roosevelt reportedly visited Warm Springs Pools back in the day. Both bathhouses are owned and operated by The Omni Homestead Resort and reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations.

Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska

One of the more remote soaking spots on this list, Chena Hot Springs Resort is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The resort offers interesting activities all year, including the Aurora Ice Museum, but we recommend visiting during the winter months. The hot springs offer a cozy respite from Alaska's bitter temperatures, and you might even spot the northern lights as you soak.

Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, Colorado

Dunton Hot Springs, an 1800s ghost town-turned-upscale resort, offers a variety of hot pools in a picturesque setting. Soak inside the bathhouse or in an outdoor spring, or book the Well House for your own private hot springs experience.

Yellowstone Hot Springs, Montana

After safely viewing the thermal basins and geysers from a distance at Yellowstone National Park, experience a dip in some geothermal waters for yourself. You cannot soak in the national park's hot springs, as they can be very dangerous, but you can go for a dip in the warm mineral waters of the Yellowstone Hot Springs in Montana, which is a 30-minute drive from the park's North Entrance.

Castle Hot Springs, Arizona

This dreamy resort is the ideal destination for travelers looking for a luxurious hot springs experience. Secluded pools are located within the beautiful desert landscape, offering stunning scenery for soaking; and an all-inclusive stay here comes with farm-to-table meals, access to the springs, and activities like guided hikes and farm tours.

Utah Crater, Midway, Utah

Utah Crater is a unique beehive-shaped limestone crater containing a 65-foot-deep hot pool. It's so deep that the crater has become a major diving destination and claims to be the only place in the U.S. where you can scuba dive in warm water. Don't worry, though: plenty of people go just to swim and soak at the surface.

Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas

No list of hot springs in the U.S. would be complete without Hot Springs National Park, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. See the thermal water in its natural setting at the Display Spring or Hot Water Cascade before visiting Bathhouse Row. There are no outdoor hot springs suitable for bathing at this park, but you can visit the nearby Buckstaff Bathhouse or Quapaw Baths to soak in the geothermal waters.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

With mountains, lakes, and a canyon, Glenwood Springs has outdoor activities for everyone. Once you've spent a day hiking or hitting the slopes, take a dip in one of the hot springs. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the most famous because it's home to the world's largest mineral hot springs pool. Iron Mountain Hot Springs features a bathhouse and 16 geothermal pools overlooking the Rocky Mountains.

Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Uniquely named Truth or Consequences (aka "T or C"), this spot known for its hot springs, which are fed by a rift along the Rio Grande. The pools around here are mostly commercially owned, and the ones at Riverbend Hot Springs are arguably the most appealing. Pick from a string of pools, varying from 95 to 107 degrees, ideally set along the river for a seriously serene soak in "healing" spring water.