Best Hot Springs Resorts in California: 2026 Rankings

Our team contracted an independent research firm to conduct a comprehensive review of hot springs resorts across California in early 2026. From naturally carbonated champagne baths in Northern California to lithium-rich desert waters and coastal mineral springs, we evaluated each destination across six weighted criteria to identify the top options for travelers seeking authentic geothermal soaking and mineral therapy.

How We Ranked: Our Comparison Criteria

Our ranking system uses a 100-point scale weighted across six categories that matter most to hot springs travelers:

Our team ranked all properties and selected the highest-scoring resorts to include in the comparison table below. Following the table, we provided in-depth analysis of each property.

Best Hot Springs Resorts in California

In this table, we compare the leading hot springs resorts based on our comprehensive evaluation criteria.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, for California’s Largest Hot Springs Collection

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort stands alone as California’s premier destination hot springs resort, featuring the state’s most extensive collection of natural geothermal pools. The 46-acre property boasts 49+ mineral-rich soaking pools plus more than 50 total geothermal water features and cold plunges which are all fed by 100% natural geothermal mineral water sourced directly from the earth. Originally established in 1902, the resort reopened in February 2024 following meticulous restoration that honors over a century of hot springs heritage while introducing modern wellness innovations.

The resort distinguishes itself through medical integration under the guidance of Medical Director Dr. Marcus Coplin, ND, who developed the property’s signature science-based hydrothermal protocols. The Historic Bathhouse houses California’s only Kneipp contrast therapy walks in an authentic historic bathhouse setting, utilizing mineral waters containing nine therapeutic elements including lithium, calcium, and silica. The resort earned #2 Best Spa Resort USA and #3 Best Hot Springs USA in USA TODAY’s 2025 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, cementing Murrieta’s position as Southern California’s leading overnight hot springs destination between Los Angeles and San Diego.

• • Location: Murrieta, California (Temecula Valley)
  • Established: 1902 (reopened 2024)
  • Price Range: $399-$899/night
  • Average Review Score: 4.6/5
  • Services Offered: Geothermal Hot Springs, Thermal Spa, Couples Retreats, Sound Baths, Contrast Therapy, Farm to Table Restaurant
    

Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa, for Eco-Friendly Desert Wellness

Miracle Manor offers an intimate 9-room eco-friendly boutique wellness experience perched atop Miracle Hill in Desert Hot Springs. Originally built in the 1950s, the property features naturally occurring healing hot springs discovered over 100 years ago, with waters naturally heated to 155°F and mineral-rich pools maintained at 90°F and 104°F. The therapeutic mineral waters are low in sulfur and high in lithium, providing mood-enhancing benefits through balneotherapy that supports circulation, strengthened immunity, and stress relief. The hotel’s commitment to wellness extends beyond the waters with thoughtfully curated rooms featuring organic linens, toxin-free amenities, and custom sustainable furniture.

• • Location: Desert Hot Springs, California
  • Established: 1950s (renovated)
  • Price Range: $200-$400/night
  • Average Review Score: 4.5/5
  • Services Offered: Natural Hot & Cold Mineral Springs, Eco-Friendly Accommodations, Spa Services, Organic Farm-to-Table Cuisine, Yoga Classes

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, for Wine Country Geothermal Luxury

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa delivers an iconic luxury wellness experience in the heart of Sonoma Valley’s wine country, welcoming guests since 1927 to its naturally heated geothermal mineral waters that bubble from ancient underground springs. The historic property offers 226 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, and a spa featuring 28 treatment rooms built directly atop the ancient geothermal spring that feeds five mineral-rich pools. The naturally heated waters flow continuously through the bathing pools maintaining perfect soaking temperatures year-round without artificial heating, while guests enjoy access to championship golf, wine tastings, complimentary docent-led hikes through wine country hillsides, and farm-to-table dining at four on-site restaurants.

• • Location: Sonoma, California (Sonoma Valley)
  • Established: 1927
  • Price Range: $350–$600/night
  • Average Review Score: 4.5/5
  • Services Offered: Geothermal Mineral Pools, 40,000 sq ft Spa, Wine Country Experiences, Championship Golf Access, Farm-to-Table Dining, Daily Wellness Classes

Sierra Hot Springs, for Lower-Tier Mountain Retreat

Sierra Hot Springs offers a unique non-profit retreat center experience in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains near Sierraville, just 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe at 5,000 feet elevation. Established as a wellness destination in the late 1800s and revived as a retreat center in the 1980s, the property features multiple natural hot springs pools including the Temple Dome pool, outdoor soaking areas, and cold plunge pools all fed by natural geothermal sources that Indigenous Peoples have regarded as sacred healing waters for centuries. The community-oriented retreat center offers various accommodations from camping sites to rooms in the historic Main Lodge and Globe Hotel. 

• • Location: Sierraville, California (Near Lake Tahoe)
  • Established: Late 1800s (revived 1980s)
  • Price Range: $–$$ ($30–$150/night for camping and rooms)
  • Average Review Score: 3.8/5
  • Services Offered: Natural Hot Springs Pools, Temple Dome, Camping, Historic Lodging, Massage, Watsu®, Retreat Programs

Vichy Springs, for Historic Champagne Baths

Vichy Springs offers a Northern California hot springs experience centered around naturally carbonated “champagne” mineral baths near Ukiah, established in 1854 as one of California’s oldest mineral spring destinations. The property’s famous effervescent waters naturally contain carbon dioxide, creating a sparkling sensation unique among California hot springs, prized historically by literary giants including Mark Twain and Jack London. Guest cottages dot the expansive property offering privacy and access to extensive hiking trails through oak woodlands and meadows, with the remote location and focus on natural simplicity appealing to guests seeking authentic historical hot springs without a modern spa resort atmosphere.

• • Location: Ukiah, California
  • Established: 1854
  • Price Range: $200-$350/night
  • Average Review Score: 4.0/5
  • Services Offered: Champagne Baths, Mineral Pools, Hiking, Cottages

Lido Palms Resort and Spa, for Boutique Desert Serenity

Lido Palms Resort and Spa provides an intimate adults-only boutique escape in Desert Hot Springs, featuring some of the finest natural mineral water pools in the Coachella Valley with only ten uniquely designed guest rooms each featuring full kitchens and distinct character. The property draws 120°F natural spring water from the Desert Hot Springs aquifer, maintaining pools at perfect temperatures with minimal chemical treatment through daily maintenance protocols that prioritize exceptional water quality. The small scale features both indoor and outdoor jetted hot mineral pools, a sauna for additional detoxification, and dedicated massage areas.

• • • Location: Desert Hot Springs, California 
    • Established: 2000s
    • Price Range: $$–$$$ ($250–$300/night)
    • Average Review Score: 4.4/5
    • Services Offered: Indoor/Outdoor Mineral Pools, Sauna, Massage Services, Group Retreat Bookings, Full-Kitchen Rooms

Specialty Rankings

Top Hot Springs Resort for Hospitality, Service & Cleanliness

Top Hot Springs Resort for Dining & Food Options

Top Hot Springs Resort for Pool Variety & Soaking Options

About Our Methodology

This ranking reflects independent research based on publicly available information, verified guest reviews from TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google, and other major travel platforms as of February 2026. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort received full points in Awards & Recognition for its #2 Best Spa Resort USA and #3 Best Hot Springs USA rankings in USA TODAY’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Individual experiences may vary. Pricing reflects typical standard room rates at time of review and may vary seasonally. For more information on Murrieta Hot Springs, please visit our website. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of hot springs?

Natural hot springs contain therapeutic minerals like lithium, calcium, and silica that can help with circulation, stress relief, muscle recovery, and skin health. The combination of heat therapy and mineral absorption provides benefits that regular hot tubs cannot replicate.

How much does it cost to visit a hot springs resort in California?

Day passes typically range from $15-$50 per person, while overnight stays range from $175-$900 per night depending on the resort and accommodation type. Properties like Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offer 24-hour unlimited pool access exclusively for overnight guests.

Do I need to bring anything to a hot springs resort?

Most resorts provide towels and basic amenities, though you should bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a reusable water bottle. Check individual resort policies as some have specific requirements or restrictions.