Northern California is known for a lot of things, but how many of us include hot springs in our bragging rights? Water geothermically warmed by rocks deep within our earth’s mantle bubbles up and creates the perfect natural mineral bath. High in mineral content, hot springs are believed to help arthritis, improve circulation, and a host of other incredibly helpful things.

Here are a few tranquil hot springs in Northern California to add to your bucket list:

Related Stories

Grover Hot Springs State Park Is So Well-Hidden, It Feels Like One Of Northern California's Best Kept Secrets

Grover Hot Springs State Park Is So Well-Hidden, It Feels Like One Of Northern California's Best Kept Secrets

6 Northern California Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter

6 Northern California Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter

The Unassuming Town Of Capitola, California Is One Of America's Best Hidden Gems For A Weekend Getaway

The Unassuming Town Of Capitola, California Is One Of America's Best Hidden Gems For A Weekend Getaway

If you enjoy a weekend getaway to Northern California hot springs every once in a while, you won’t mind if I let those other Northern Californians know what you already do: clothing is often optional. Make sure to check ahead to see just what kind of “free-thinking” Northern California natural hot springs you’ll be visiting. We don’t want you to be surprised by a full monty when you arrive. Make sure to take one of these amazing day trips while you’re in Northern California.

How about you? Have you been to any hot springs in Northern California? Which one? Fill us in!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hot Springs in Northern California

What are the best hot springs resorts in Northern California?  

The best hos springs resorts in Northern California include:

  • Vichy Springs Resort
  • Orr Hot Springs
  • The Esalen Institute
  • Calistoga Hot Springs

Northern California has no shortage of incredible natural wonders, including hot springs. And where there are hot springs, there are usually hot springs resorts, and Northern California has some of the best. In Ukiah, you can find the Vichy Springs Resort, which is home to a spring that’s said to have amazing healing power. Also in Ukiah, there’s the Orr Hot Springs. This resort is a bit interesting – it's a clothing-optional resort nestled in the woods on 27 acres. There’s no internet or cell service there, so it’s truly a getaway! In Big Sur, there are several hot springs, many of which are resort-style. The Esalen Institute is one of Northern California’s most sought-after and luxurious hot springs resorts. There’s also the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs located in, obviously, Calistoga. That’s yet another landmark resort NorCal has to offer, and we love it.  

What are some great winter getaways in Northern California?  

Great winter getaways in Northern California include:

  • Truckee
  • Redding
  • Arcata
  • Ferndale
  • Placerville

Northern California is an enchanting place with plenty to see and do, even during the coldest months of the year. For example, there are entire towns that pride themselves on becoming winter wonderlands each and every year, like Truckee and Redding. In Arcata, you can attend the annual Ugly Sweater Run, which is just as much fun as it sounds. Ferndale, California, is home to the United States’ largest Christmas tree, and it’s perfect for a wonderful winter getaway in Northern California. Placerville is another good one; the entire downtown area transforms every year to become something out of a Hallmark holiday movie; it’s breathtaking year-round, but during winter, it becomes extra special. If you’d like to learn more about Redding, Northern California’s most magical winter town, check this article out; you’ll want to pack up and go right away.  

Explore Northern California