Here are the best hot springs in the USA, chosen for American travellers. Natural hot springs are the perfect way to soak away a long hike or road trip.
Best hot springs in the USA
1. Hot Springs, Arkansas
A national park built around historic bathhouses.
2. Glenwood Springs, Colorado
One of the world’s largest hot-spring pools.
3. Calistoga, California
Mud baths in Napa.
4. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
Aurora and hot springs.
Before you go: gear checklist
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Packing cubes, neck pillows and organisers that make travel days easier.
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5. Sol Duc, Washington
In Olympic National Park.
6. Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
Historic mineral springs.
7. Saratoga, Wyoming
Free public pool.
8. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Quirky spa town.
Etiquette
Shower before soaking and follow posted rules.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park packs three ecosystems into one: rugged Pacific beaches, the Hoh Rain Forest and the glaciated Olympic Mountains. Read our Olympic National Park travel guide.
- Best time: July to September
- Getting there: About 2.5–3 hours from Seattle
- Don’t miss: Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest and Ruby Beach
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is America’s most famous wine region, with hundreds of wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants and spa towns such as Calistoga. Read our Napa Valley travel guide.
- Best time: August to October for harvest; spring for mustard flowers
- Getting there: About 1–1.5 hours from San Francisco
- Don’t miss: Winery tastings, Napa Valley Wine Train and Yountville
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska
Anchorage is the gateway to glaciers, fjords and wildlife in Southcentral Alaska, from the Kenai Peninsula to Denali. Read our Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska travel guide.
- Best time: June to August for summer; September to March for aurora
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours to Seward; 4–5 hours to Denali
- Don’t miss: Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park and Seward Highway
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel in style
- Designer luggage for first-class travel Opulique
Premium luggage that arrives at the resort looking as good as it left. - Best weekender bags Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes. - Luxury watches Opulique
A durable automatic watch is a classic travel companion.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Hot Springs, Arkansas is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.