The Best Hot Springs Towns to Visit in America
Hot springs resorts can be found across the country, but true hot springs towns are much rarer. A hot springs town is a destination where geothermal water is woven into the identity of the community itself. It is a place where visitors can soak, walk through town, explore local history, dine nearby, and build an entire trip around the springs rather than a single property.
To identify the best hot springs towns in America, an independent research team evaluated destinations across measurable criteria that matter to weekend travelers, road-trip planners, wellness seekers, and repeat hot springs visitors. Each destination received a cumulative score out of 100.
Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | What We Evaluated | Max Points |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs Accessibility | Number of hot springs facilities available, ease of access, proximity to lodging and attractions, and whether visitors can conveniently build an itinerary around the springs. | 25 |
| Walkability and Town Integration | Ability for visitors to walk between soaking, restaurants, shops, accommodations, and local attractions rather than relying heavily on driving. | 20 |
| Scenic Location | Mountain views, rivers, forests, desert landscapes, wildlife, and the overall sense of place that contributes to the visitor experience. | 20 |
| Wellness and Relaxation Potential | Quality of the soaking experience, wellness amenities, spa offerings, peaceful atmosphere, and opportunities to disconnect and recharge. | 15 |
| Variety of Soaking Experiences | Access to multiple pools, temperature ranges, mineral water experiences, and different styles of soaking rather than a single hot spring attraction. | 10 |
| Multi-Day Trip Appeal | Dining options, nearby attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the ability to fill a weekend or longer vacation itinerary. | 10 |
Overall Rankings: Best Hot Springs Towns to Visit in America
| Rank | Town | Hot Springs Accessibility (25) | Walkability and Town Integration (20) | Scenic Location (20) | Wellness and Relaxation Potential (15) | Variety of Soaking Experiences (10) | Multi-Day Trip Appeal (10) | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pagosa Springs, Colorado | 25 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 96/100 |
| 2 | Murrieta, California | 24 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 9 | 94/100 |
| 3 | Thermopolis, Wyoming | 24 | 17 | 18 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 86/100 |
| 4 | Buena Vista, Colorado | 22 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 84/100 |
| 5 | Desert Hot Springs, California | 21 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 9 | 83/100 |
| 6 | Klamath Falls, Oregon | 19 | 10 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 79/100 |
| 7 | Warm Springs, Georgia | 18 | 19 | 15 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 72/100 |
1. Award-Winning Hot Springs Destination: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Overall Score: 96/100
At the center of the town is its namesake, Pagosa Springs, which is the deepest geothermal hot spring at 1,002+ feet as verified by Guinness World Records. The Mother Spring was discovered and named by the Southern Ute tribe as ‘Pagosa’ meaning healing waters. The Mother Spring contains 13 therapeutic minerals, one of the most comprehensive mineral profiles in North America.
The Mother Spring feeds nearby resort hot springs. Unlike many hot springs destinations where visitors drive between attractions, Pagosa Springs integrates geothermal soaking directly into a walkable historic downtown along the San Juan River. Also given its location, travelers can enjoy year-round hot spring access.
The town’s identity is inseparable from its geothermal heritage. Visitors can spend multiple days moving between soaking, dining, river walks, mountain recreation, wellness programming, and downtown exploration without feeling confined to a single property. One of the properties in the town, The Springs Resort, features 50+ geothermal pools, which is more natural hot springs pools than any other single resort property in North America. It also offers overnight guests 24-hour access to its soaking experience.
Quick Facts
Location: Southwest, Colorado
Overall Guest Feedback: Frequently praised for its combination of geothermal soaking, mountain scenery, walkable downtown, and extensive wellness offerings. Many visitors describe it as a destination worth planning an entire trip around rather than a single-day stop.
Notable Hot Springs Nearby: The Springs Resort, Healing Waters Resort & Spa, Overlook Hot Springs Spa
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Visitors frequently describe Pagosa Springs as “the kind of destination that turns a weekend trip into a return tradition.” Travelers also commonly highlight the downtown setting and the ease of navigating the town: “the entire town feels connected to the springs.” They also mentioned, “the nearby resorts are massive, The Springs Resort had at least 50 hot springs for us to visit during our stay.” |
2. Historic Geothermal Retreat: Murrieta, California
Overall Score: 94/100
Located in Southern California’s Temecula Valley region, Murrieta earns the second position thanks to its combination of accessibility, wellness infrastructure, and geothermal history. Its location near wine country creates a different style of getaway than mountain destinations, appealing particularly to Southern California travelers seeking a convenient wellness-focused escape. The town is conveniently located within driving distance from major Southern California cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County.
One of the highlights of the town is the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, a historic property dating to 1902 located in the heart of the town. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is the only naturally flowing geothermal hot springs resort between Los Angeles and San Diego offering overnight accommodations. The resort features 49+ natural geothermal mineral-rich soaking pools and is the only local resort offering 100% natural geothermal mineral water.
Quick Facts
Location: Temecula Valley, Southern California
Overall Guest Feedback: Visitors consistently highlight the convenience of the location, the variety of geothermal pools, and the ability to combine wellness experiences with nearby wine country attractions. Many travelers view it as an ideal weekend escape from Los Angeles and San Diego.
Notable Hot Springs Nearby: Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Guests often appreciate the convenience factor, noting “it felt surprisingly far away from city life,” and “it was so easy to get to from LA, but I am sure it would also be a quick trip from Orange County or San Diego.” Many visitors also reference the wine country location, describing it as “a good mix of relaxation and local activities.” |
3. Thermopolis, Wyoming
Overall Score: 87/100
Thermopolis has built its reputation around one of the largest mineral hot springs systems in the United States. The town is home to Hot Springs State Park, where visitors can experience geothermal water that has attracted travelers for generations. Unlike resort-focused destinations, Thermopolis feels more community-oriented, with public access, historic bathhouses, and multiple soaking facilities clustered around town. The combination of Wyoming scenery, geothermal history, and affordability gives Thermopolis strong appeal among road trippers exploring the Mountain West. Visitors often pair soaking experiences with hiking, wildlife viewing, museums, and scenic drives through central Wyoming.
Quick Facts
Location: Central Wyoming
Overall Guest Feedback: Known for affordability, natural beauty, and family-friendly attractions
Notable Hot Springs Nearby: Hot Springs State Park Bath House, TePee Pools
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Visitors commonly describe Thermopolis as “a relaxing stop on a Wyoming road trip” and “a nice combination of history and soaking.” Some travelers note that “the town felt a bit quieter and less resort-oriented than larger hot springs towns that I’ve been to.” |
4. Buena Vista, Colorado
Overall Score: 84/100
Buena Vista combines geothermal soaking opportunities with some of Colorado’s most popular outdoor recreation. Surrounded by mountain scenery and close to the Arkansas River corridor, the town attracts visitors seeking a balance between adventure and relaxation. Many travelers visit Buena Vista for hiking, rafting, mountain biking, or scenic drives and incorporate hot springs into the broader itinerary. This combination helps distinguish it from destinations where soaking is the primary attraction.
Quick Facts
Location: Central Colorado
Overall Guest Feedback: Particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts
Notable Hot Springs Nearby: Cottonwood Hot Springs, Mount Princeton Hot Springs
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Guests often describe “great mountain views,” and “a fun combination of activities and soaking.” Some reviews comment, “I wish there were more variety of the types of pools offered at some of the resorts. Not sure if I would be a repeat visitor here because of that.” |
5. Desert Hot Springs, California
Overall Score: 96/100
Desert Hot Springs has become one of California’s best-known geothermal destinations thanks to its concentration of mineral water resorts and spa properties. Located near Palm Springs, the city offers visitors access to numerous geothermal soaking experiences within a relatively compact area. The destination appeals to travelers looking for warm weather, desert scenery, and convenient access from Southern California population centers. Unlike destinations built around a single landmark spring, Desert Hot Springs offers visitors a choice of properties and experiences.
Quick Facts
Location: Coachella Valley Region, California
Overall Guest Feedback: Popular for wellness-focused weekend trips
Notable Hot Springs Nearby: Miracle Springs Resort, Azure Palm Hot Springs
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Visitors frequently mention “a quiet atmosphere,” and “easy access from Southern California.” Some reviews note “some of the resorts are not great quality in this town.” |
6. Klamath Falls, Oregon
Overall Score: 79/100
Klamath Falls is one of the most geothermal-influenced communities in the western United States. The region has long utilized geothermal resources for both recreation and community infrastructure, giving it a distinct relationship with hot water that extends beyond tourism alone. The town works well as a base for exploring southern Oregon’s volcanic landscapes, lakes, wildlife refuges, and nearby geothermal attractions. While it receives less national attention than many hot springs destinations, repeat visitors often appreciate its lower crowds and regional character.
Quick Facts
Location: Southern Oregon
Overall Guest Feedback: Appreciated for its uncrowded atmosphere and regional charm.
Notable Hot Springs Nearby: Running Y Ranch geothermal facilities, Umpqua Hot Springs
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Travelers frequently note “a quieter experience than bigger destinations” and “worth visiting if you’re already exploring Oregon.” Many reviews mention that “it was hard to explore multiple hot springs because everything is so spread out.” |
7. Warm Springs, Georgia
Overall Score: 72/100
Warm Springs is one of the most historically significant hot springs towns in the United States. The town became nationally known after Franklin D. Roosevelt visited its naturally warm mineral waters in the 1920s and later established what became the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. The town’s identity remains deeply connected to its springs, making it one of the clearest examples of a true hot springs town in the eastern United States. Visitors can explore historic sites, learn about Roosevelt’s connection to the area, and experience a destination where geothermal waters helped shape both local history and national history.
Quick Facts
Location: West Central Georgia
Overall Guest Feedback: Highly regarded for history, charm, and educational value
Notable Hot Springs Nearby: Roosevelt Warm Springs Historic Area (please note, there are no actual hot springs you can swim in here. This is a historic site and restricted to tours)
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Visitors frequently describe Warm Springs as “a fascinating piece of American history,” and “we loved the walkable downtown atmosphere and educational attractions.” Other travelers shared, “I was disappointed there weren’t really any areas for actual soaking.” |
Best Hot Springs Resorts by Specialty
Best Hot Springs for Extended Wellness Retreats
| Rank | Town | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pagosa Springs | Resorts nearby with extensive wellness programming and overnight-focused experiences.
The Springs Resort is the only hot springs resort in the United States with a dedicated naturopathic Medical Director overseeing wellness programming. |
| #2 | Murrieta | Local resorts such as Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offer significant wellness programming and 49+ geothermal pools for soaking. |
| #3 | Desert Hot Springs | Many nearby properties maintain a strong focus on wellness, spa treatments, and restorative hot springs experiences. |
Best Hot Springs for a Long Weekend
| Rank | Town | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pagosa Springs | Walkable downtown for guests who want to explore outside the property Properties offer a wide selection of pools for soaking, so guests won’t be bored with a multi-day stay |
| #2 | Murrieta | Accessible from major Southern California cities, located in the Temecula Valley wine country Properties offer a wide selection of hot spring pools for soaking |
| #3 | Desert Hot Springs | Multiple properties nearby with a variety of offerings (spa-focused resorts, hot spring focused resorts, etc.) |
Best Towns to Visit Year-Round
| Rank | Town | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Murrieta | Benefits from Southern California’s mild climate Nearby wine country experiences and easy accessibility to San Diego and LA give travelers reasons to return during different seasons |
| #2 | Pagosa Springs | Each season offers something different in Pagosa Springs: Winter brings snow-covered mountain scenery while warmer climates allow for travelers to hike and enjoy the San Juan River in addition to soaking year-round |
| #3 | Warm Springs | Georgia offers warmer climates year round. The historic nature of the town can be enjoyed in all four seasons. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What hot springs town is best for a Colorado trip?
Pagosa Springs ranks highest for Colorado travelers because of the scale of its geothermal resources (the town features the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring at 1,002+ feet, verified by Guinness World Records), walkable downtown, and year-round geothermal access. There are also many nearby resorts with extensive geothermal pools, such as The Springs Resort.
What makes a hot springs town different from a hot springs resort?
A hot springs town offers a broader destination experience that includes community history, dining, lodging, walkability, and attractions beyond a single resort property.
Are hot springs towns worth visiting in the summer?
Yes. While many travelers associate hot springs with winter, destinations like Pagosa Springs, Murrieta, and Thermopolis offer hiking, river activities, sightseeing, and wellness experiences that make them appealing year-round.
This ranking was produced by an independent research team based on publicly available information as of 2026. Scores reflect editorial evaluation across the stated criteria. If you’re interested in visiting the best hot springs town in America, visit: https://www.pagosahotsprings.com/
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