The country’s top 10 hot springs have been revealed, and one East Coast destination took the top spot.
Although hot springs are commonly found in western states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, few are found on the East Coast.
Hot springs, also called hydrothermal vents, are formed by geothermally heated groundwater found on the Earth’s surface. The water is heated by magma or by circulation through faults in the Earth’s crust.
Hot springs are a natural resource that people have long enjoyed for their healing, relaxing and therapeutic benefits. Other East Coast locations include North Carolina, New York and Pennsylvania.
The best travel experts with USA Today We’ve selected the 10 best hot springs in the U.S., each offering its own unique oasis of tranquility.
The Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia has the country’s first spa structure, built in 1761 (pictured)
1. Hot Springs, Virginia: Hot Springs Pools at The Omni Homestead Resort
The Omni Homestead Resort has welcomed guests for more than 250 years, including 24 U.S. presidents, according to website. Here you will find the first thermal structure: an enclosed area built in 1761.
In addition to luxury hotel rooms, a water park, dining options and golf courses, the resort features the “iconic” hot spring pools.
It costs $30 per person for a 50-minute swim Tuesday through Friday and $35 per person on weekends and major holidays.
Although some hot springs invite guests to enjoy the warm water nude, the resort requires everyone to wear a bathing suit.
The hot springs are not affected by climate changes as the natural water body remains crystal clear with high levels of mineral content. 1.7 billion gallons of water flow into the hot springs every day.
The Springs Resort’s hot springs are known for their “healing powers.”
2. Pagosa Springs, Colorado: The Springs Resort
The Springs Resort’s hot springs are known for their “healing powers,” according to website.
The hot spring source comes from the ‘Mother Spring’, the deepest geothermal location in the world.
The huge hot springs flow into 25 individual pools, each with its own size and temperature range.
Hotel guests can enjoy the hot springs for 24 hours, while everyone else can purchase general admission passes for $67. Three-day passes can be reserved for $134.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is located on the banks of the Colorado River and features 32 thermal pools to choose from.
3. Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is located on the banks of the Colorado River, with 32 hot spring pools to choose from.
There’s even an adults-only area dedicated to mimicking the geothermal waters of Japan, Turkey, Iceland and more.
There’s also a fun heart-shaped pool perfect for a romantic getaway and other family-friendly options.
At Glen Ivy Hot Springs, the 104-degree pools are the “heart of the resort.”
4. Temescal Valley, California: Glen Ivy Hot Springs
At Glen Ivy Hot Springs, the 104-degree pools are the “heart of the resort.”
The waters of the spas are full of minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, potassium, sodium and calcium.
The complex also offers mineral baths, a saline pool, Roman baths, hot and cold water pools, and much more.
About 110 miles from Portland, Breitenbush Hot Springs is ideal for the perfect relaxation session.
5. Detroit, Oregon: Breitenbush Hot Springs
Approximately 110 miles from Portland, the BThe Reitenbush thermal waters are perfect for the ultimate relaxation session.
The hot springs are located near a national forest, in a wilderness area off the power grid and with little to no Wi-Fi or cell phone service.
The natural pools and spiral bathtubs are nude and guests can enjoy a day trip or stay a while to escape the outside world.
Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa offers a tranquil retreat for guests.
6. San Luis Obispo, California: Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa offers a tranquil retreat for guests.
The resort’s hot springs are filled with sulfur, boron, potassium, magnesium and sodium, offering people the chance to “restore the spirit, nourish the mind and heal the body.”
According to the resort websiteIts thermal waters help reduce stress, improve sleep and relieve muscle and joint pain.
The massive Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers new Yampah mineral baths for its guests
7. Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
The massive Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers guests the “new” Yampah Mineral Baths.
The oasis also offers people the opportunity to experience cold water baths, waterfalls and “sacred waters.”
The resort also features a gift shop, rafting, a wellness spa and suites for guests to stay overnight and relax.
This camp-inspired resort offers guests the chance to soak in a variety of hot springs, just eight miles north of the entrance to Yellowstone Park.
8. Gardiner, Montana: Yellowstone Hot Springs Resort
This camp-inspired resort offers guests the chance to soak in a variety of hot springs, just eight miles north of the entrance to Yellowstone Park.
The waters are full of minerals such as Boron, Lithium, Cesium, Sodium and Chloride.
Guests can stay at the resort for weeks at a time, year-round and seasonally in RVs and tents.
Séc-he Spa houses 22 private indoor mineral baths that guests can enjoy in swimsuits or nude.
9. Palm Springs, California – The Spa at Séc-he
Séc-he Spa houses 22 private indoor mineral baths that guests can enjoy in swimsuits or nude.
The resort also offers a unique experience called ‘Yoga in Mineral Waters’, where guests can relax, stretch and exercise in soothing waters.
There is also a large 17,000 square foot pool deck with an outdoor main pool and built-in waterfall.
Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa is open to adults 18 years of age and older and offers six outdoor natural mineral pools that are not chlorinated.
10. Hot Springs, South Dakota: Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa
Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa is open to adults 18 years of age and older and features six outdoor natural mineral pools that are not chlorinated.
The pools maintain temperatures ranging from 80 to 105°F.
The spa also offers its guests other relaxing services such as massages, aromatherapy treatments, cupping, hot stones and much more.