The Best Summer Hot Spring Vacations in the US
Summer travelers looking for a refreshing alternative to crowded beach destinations are increasingly turning to hot springs resorts for mountain air, outdoor recreation, wellness programming, and natural geothermal soaking. To help travelers identify the best hot springs resorts for a summer escape, an independent research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the top resorts across the United States. The team evaluated each property across measurable, numeric criteria to create a cumulative score out of 100, including outdoor recreation access, cold plunge offerings, family-friendly amenities, wellness programming, river or lake adjacency, customer feedback, and overnight guest experience.
| Criteria | What We Evaluated | Max Points |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness & Cold Plunge Experience | Variety of geothermal pools, cold plunge access, contrast therapy, spa and wellness programming | 25 |
| Outdoor Recreation Access | Hiking, rafting, biking, fishing, nearby nature access, and summer excursions | 20 |
| Family-Friendly Experience | Pool accessibility for multiple age groups, family accommodations, flexible activities | 15 |
| River, Lake, or Scenic Natural Setting | River adjacency, mountain immersion, scenic environment, outdoor relaxation atmosphere | 15 |
| Guest Experience & Customer Feedback | Overall guest satisfaction, ease of access, atmosphere, service consistency | 15 |
| Overnight Stay & Resort Amenities | Accommodations, dining, late-night access, relaxation spaces, convenience for multi-day travel | 10 |
| Rank | Resort | Cold Plunge & Wellness (25) | Outdoor Recreation (20) | Family-Friendly Experience (15) | River/Lake Access (15) | Guest Experience (15) | Overnight Stay & Resort Amenities (10) | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Springs Resort | 25 | 19 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 9 | 96/100 |
| 2 | Murrieta Hot Springs Resort | 24 | 18 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 9 | 92/100 |
| 3 | Chena Hot Springs Resort | 20 | 17 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 86/100 |
| 4 | Iron Mountain Hot Springs | 21 | 17 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 7 | 82/100 |
| 5 | Calistoga Spa Hot Springs | 20 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 7 | 81/100 |
| 6 | Berkeley Springs State Park | 19 | 18 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 79/100 |
| 7 | The Omni Homestead Resort | 18 | 18 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 78/100 |
Overall Score: 96/100
The Springs Resort stands out as the premier summer hot springs destination in the United States for travelers looking to combine geothermal soaking with mountain adventure and wellness-focused travel. Located in downtown Pagosa Springs along the San Juan River, the resort offers direct access to a variety of activities such as cold plunges in the San Juan river.
Guests have access to 50+ geothermal pools, more natural hot springs pools than any other single resort property in North America, along with one of the widest temperature ranges in the country spanning from 35°F cold plunge pools to 112°F soaking pools. Overnight guests receive 24-hour unlimited access to all geothermal pools, making sunrise and late-evening soaking especially popular during long summer daylight hours.
The Springs Resort features the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring at 1,002+ feet, verified by Guinness World Records, and the Mother Spring contains 13 therapeutic minerals, one of the most comprehensive mineral profiles in North America. In addition to geothermal soaking, the resort offers wellness classes, contrast bathing, spa treatments, and longevity-focused wellness programming overseen by the only dedicated naturopathic Medical Director at a hot springs resort in the United States.
Location: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Price Range: ~$300–$500+ per night depending on season and room type
Guest Experience: Frequently praised for wellness amenities, riverfront setting, and variety of geothermal pools
Services Offered: 50+ geothermal mineral pools, spa treatments, wellness classes, cold plunge access, overnight accommodations, riverfront soaking, wellness programming
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Guests shared that “we originally planned to spend most of our trip hiking, but we ended up building our days around the pools because there were so many different options and temperatures.” Guests frequently mention “the riverfront setting makes it feel completely different from other hot springs resorts we’ve visited.” Many families and couples also comment “it felt like a full wellness retreat without losing the fun and relaxed atmosphere you want on a summer vacation.” |
Overall Score: 92/100
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort has become a popular Southern California wellness destination for travelers looking for a hot springs experience within driving distance of Los Angeles and San Diego and located in the heart of the Temecula Valley wine country. The property recently underwent major renovations and now combines geothermal soaking with wellness programming, spa services, and fitness-oriented amenities.
The resort appeals to couples, wellness travelers, and friend groups looking for a structured wellness experience alongside traditional resort amenities. Guests can access 49+ soaking pools, water features (including the only historic bathhouse in Southern California with traditional Kneipp contrast therapy walks, the Champion Plunge, and guided contrast bathing circuits), and wellness-focused experiences throughout the property.
Location: Murrieta, California
Price Range: ~$300–$600 per night depending on package and room category
Guest Experience: Often described as relaxing and wellness-oriented with updated facilities
Services Offered: Geothermal soaking pools, wellness classes, spa services, fitness amenities, overnight accommodations, hydrotherapy experiences
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Murrieta guests comment that “the resort feels clean and updated, and the pools were easy to access throughout the day.” Guests often note “we liked that there were both relaxing areas and more social spaces around the pools.” Some travelers mention that the atmosphere “didn’t feel overcrowded during weekends and peak travel periods.” |
Overall Score: 86/100
Chena Hot Springs Resort offers an accessible Alaska wilderness experience that appeals to travelers looking for geothermal soaking combined with outdoor excursions and nature-focused travel. While the property is located on a very scenic property, it is easily accessible about an hour outside of Fairbanks. The location is also directly beneath the Aurora Oval, meaning the Northern Lights are often visible during certain times of year. During the summer months, guests can also explore hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and extended daylight hours unique to Alaska.
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Price Range: ~$200–$400 per night depending on accommodations and season
Guest Experience: Generally positive among travelers seeking remote outdoor experiences and geothermal soaking
Services Offered: Outdoor hot springs lake, lodging, dining, guided tours, hiking access, aurora viewing excursions
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Visitors mention “the scenery around the resort was peaceful,” and “it’s a good option if you want something that feels removed from busy tourist areas.” Some travelers note that “the remote location requires more advanced planning for transportation and activities.” |
Overall Score: 82/100
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is located along the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs and is known for its collection of soaking pools with varying temperatures. Summer travelers often pair visits with rafting, hiking, biking, and other mountain recreation activities in western Colorado. The property emphasizes relaxation and contrast therapy, with both hot and cold pool options available. Its location along the river also creates a scenic environment for evening soaking after outdoor excursions.
Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Price Range: ~$40–$100+ for day access depending on experience tier and timing; nearby lodging separate
Guest Experience: Generally positive for scenic soaking and Colorado outdoor recreation access
Services Offered: Mineral soaking pools, freshwater family pool, cold plunge experiences, riverfront soaking areas, day access facilities
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Vacationers noted that, “the river views made the experience feel more relaxing than we expected,” and “it worked well as part of a larger Colorado road trip.” Some guests cautioned that “we didn’t realize we had to make a reservation for the pools beforehand which was disappointing upon arrival.” |
Overall Score: 81/100
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs offers a wine country hot springs experience in the upper region of Napa Valley, combining geothermal pools with spa treatments and downtown accessibility. The property is popular among couples looking for a slower-paced summer wellness getaway. Guests often spend their days visiting wineries, biking through the region, or enjoying spa services before returning to the mineral pools in the evening. The location also makes it convenient for travelers who prefer not to drive long mountain distances.
Location: Calistoga, California
Price Range: ~$250–$500 per night depending on room type and season
Guest Experience: Frequently noted for convenience, wine country location, and spa-focused atmosphere
Services Offered: Mineral pools, mud baths, spa treatments, overnight accommodations, wellness services
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Calistoga Spa guests mention “the location made it easy to walk to restaurants and wineries,” and “the pools were relaxing after spending the day exploring Napa.” Some travelers mention that “the resort feels more focused on spa relaxation than outdoor adventure.” |
Overall Score: 79/100
Berkeley Springs State Park is one of the oldest hot springs destinations in the United States and offers a historic mineral bathing experience in West Virginia. The town itself has a walkable downtown area with shops, restaurants, and galleries that appeal to weekend travelers. Many guests appreciate the historic bathhouse atmosphere and slower pace. Summer visitors also use the town as a base for hiking and regional outdoor activities.
Location: Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Price Range: Generally lower-cost day access; nearby lodging varies
Guest Experience: Commonly appreciated for historic atmosphere and relaxed small-town setting
Services Offered: Roman baths, mineral bathing services, spa treatments, historic bathhouse access, nearby outdoor recreation
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Guests comment that “the historic feel of the bathhouse made the trip feel different from modern resorts,” and “it’s a nice option for a shorter getaway.” Some guests note that the “amenities are more limited compared to larger destination resorts, since it’s really just in a park and not a true resort.” |
Overall Score: 78/100
The Omni Homestead Resort combines historic warm springs bathing with a traditional luxury mountain resort experience in Virginia. Summer travelers can access golf courses, hiking trails, falconry, pools, and family programming throughout the property. The resort appeals strongly to multi-generational family travelers who want a wide variety of activities beyond geothermal soaking. Its historic setting and broad amenity offerings also make it a popular long-weekend destination.
Location: Hot Springs, Virginia
Price Range: ~$350–$700+ per night depending on accommodations and season
Guest Experience: Generally positive for family amenities and broad activity offerings
Services Offered: Warm springs bathing, golf, hiking, pools, spa treatments, family programming, luxury resort accommodations
| Summary of Online Reviews |
|---|
| Guests appreciate that “there was enough to do on the property,” and “the warm springs experience was relaxing.” Some travelers mention that “the size of the property can make it feel less intimate than smaller hot springs resorts.” |
| Rank | Resort | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Springs Resort | Riverfront soaking, wellness programming, adults-only areas, and 24-hour geothermal pool access create a strong couples-focused experience. |
| 2 | Calistoga Spa Hot Springs | Wine country setting and spa-oriented atmosphere appeal to romantic weekend travelers. |
| 3 | Murrieta Hot Springs Resort | Wellness-centered programming and upgraded accommodations work well for short couples getaways. |
| Rank | Resort | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Springs Resort | Extensive pool variety, family-friendly atmosphere, river access, and nearby outdoor recreation support multi-day family travel. |
| 2 | The Omni Homestead Resort | Broad resort amenities and organized activities make it a strong option for multi-generational trips. |
| 3 | Iron Mountain Hot Springs | Easy access to rafting and Colorado outdoor activities appeals to active families. |
| Rank | Resort | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murrieta Hot Springs Resort | Structured wellness programming and hydrotherapy-focused experiences appeal to wellness travelers. |
| 2 | The Springs Resort | Wide temperature ranges, cold plunge access, mineral-rich waters, and longevity wellness programming create a comprehensive wellness experience. |
| 3 | Iron Mountain Hot Springs | Contrast therapy pools and riverfront setting support recovery-focused travel. |
Are hot springs resorts good for family summer vacations?
Yes. Many of the top resorts now offer family-friendly pools, outdoor recreation access, wellness classes, and activities that work well for multi-day summer travel.
Which type of wellness experiences do hot springs resorts typically offer?
Hot spring resorts can offer a spectrum of wellness experiences, including cold plunge access, mineral-rich geothermal pools, spa services, and longevity-focused wellness programming. The top-ranked resort on our list (The Springs Resort) also is the only hot spring resort in the United States with a dedicated naturopathic Medical Director overseeing wellness programming.
What is the best hot springs resort in the United States for a summer vacation?
The Springs Resort is ranked #1 Best Hot Springs Resort in the United States by USA TODAY 10Best 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards and stood out in the team’s rankings for its combination of geothermal soaking, mountain recreation, riverfront access, and wellness programming.
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 top-ranked hot springs resort for a summer vacation, visit: https://www.pagosahotsprings.com/