Soothing Soaks: 3 California Hot Springs Resorts to Visit Now

Melt away muscle aches and woes in a serene setting.

For centuries, visitors have flocked to steamy mineral baths and geothermal hot springs for therapeutic and healing benefits from reducing stress and inflammation to improving blood circulation. Here are three wellness destinations to take the plunge.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

Tucked in the heart of downtown Calistoga, the retro resort (part of next week’s Calistoga Wellness Week) features an underground hot spring well feeding two geothermal pools, a spa pool heated to 105 degrees and spa mineral baths containing healthy minerals such as zinc, magnesium, sulfur,and calcium.

Originally opened in 1952 by renowned physician Jon “The Doc” Wilkinson and his wife, Edy, the midcentury-inspired refuge is replete with a spa with a slew of offerings from facials to mud bath treatments. An on-site Californian-meets-Southwestern restaurant, House of Better, is helmed by Trevor Logan. For dessert, don’t miss the house favorite green chile apple pie by Chile Pies Baking Co., made with walnut streusel, cheddar crust, whipped cream and drizzled with red chile honey.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Inset above: Historical photo of MHS Resort pool.

Murietta Hot Springs Resort

Instituted in 1902, the former family-owned 46-acre oasis with more than fifty alkaline geothermal pools was not open to the public. The newly reimagined 174-room resort features an historic bathhouse with a steam room and warm pools and a panoramic sauna; Sleep Rooms designed for ultimate shut-eye with amenities including specially-designed AI-powered Bryte Balance smart beds and a pillow menu; and wellness offerings from relaxing aqua sound baths to restorative yoga.

Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel

Located an hour east of San Diego in the teeny town of Jacumba, the 18-room boho-inspired revamped property consists of two large mineral pools, an indoor jetted hot spring jacuzzi, a bar and restaurant. The desert-like refuge situated along Highway 80 features rooms appointed with GOTS-certified organic mattresses, Moroccan-inspired pendant lamps, record players and off-site guest houses with private hot spring soaking tubs.