5 Great Thermal Destinations in the US
Want a hot idea for your next vacation? Visit one of the country’s many thermal spas. Hot springs across the United States are bubbling up with healing properties due to their high mineral content. For increased circulation, clearer skin and a good night’s sleep—or just to relax in the soothing thermal waters—head to natural hot springs.
Here are five great choices across the country:
Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)
Local Native American tribes long revered the hot springs in Garland County, Arkansas, praising the medicinal properties of the thermal waters. Almost 50 natural thermal springs are grouped at the bottom of the Hot Springs Mountain. In 1832, the park was granted federal protection, making it the oldest preserve in the country.
The area became a popular tourist destination soon after, and the historic bathhouse row still stands. Take a bath at Buckstaff Baths, the city’s oldest bathhouse, which opened in 1912. No reservations required.
Hot fact: Hot Springs National Park was the first National Park Service property to be featured on a US quarter.
Alleghany Springs at Homestead Resort (Virginia)
Want your healing bath with a side of Southern hospitality? Visit Alleghany Springs at the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia. The country’s oldest spa (built in 1761) touts waters that remain a consistent 98 degrees year round. The Omni Homestead has attracted visitors for centuries with its tradition of “taking the waters.”
Today, you can indulge in one of 28 treatment rooms or head outdoors to enjoy the elegant Spa Gardens in the shadow of the Alleghenies.
Hot fact: When suffering with rheumatism, Thomas Jefferson reportedly soaked in the octagon mineral pool here.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Colorado)
Seven miles north of Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a privately owned commercial bathing facility featuring therapeutic thermal pools. Soak in the healing of 104 degree mineral water while observing the beauty of surrounding Routt National Forest being gently dusted with snow.
Get there early: vapors rise in the morning light as the sun comes over the mountains. The springs are the perfect respite after a day skiing or hiking mountain trails. For a treat, schedule a watsu, a gentle water massage.
Hot fact: Evenings are adult only, with minimal lighting and clothing optional.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs (New Mexico)
Considered sacred by the eight Northern Pueblo tribes for nearly 3,000 years, the waters at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs are legendary. Located just below Pueblo ruins and 50 miles north of Sante Fe, the 11 pools of thermal waters are heated by subterranean volcanic aquifers.
One of these pools contains arsenic, considered beneficial for those with arthritis, but none of them have chlorine. Instead, they are purified with ozone and ultraviolet light.
Hot fact: Early Spanish explorers of the area named Ojo Caliente. It literally translates to “warm eye”—but “hot spring” is commonly accepted.
Warm Mineral Springs (Florida)
In the 16th century, Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth in Florida. He may have found it if he visited North Port and its Warm Mineral Springs, pools of 85 degree waters surrounded in a park setting. The world’s largest mineral spring, these healing waters are contained in a sizeable pond with easy access for bathers.
The springs here have the highest mineral content of any spring in the country, which results in greater buoyancy. So float your way to feeling good.
Hot fact: The dead of ancient civilizations are buried around the pools’ edges. Human remains discovered here were carbon dated back ten thousand years.
Can’t get away? You can enjoy the benefits of thermal water right in your backyard. Visit your local Jacuzzi® dealership to learn more about creating a personal hot spring.