If you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway, you might want to consider visiting some of the hot springs on the east coast. Hot springs are natural pools of water that are heated by geothermal activity, and they often contain minerals that have various health benefits. Hot springs can help you relieve stress, soothe sore muscles, improve blood circulation, detoxify your body, and more.
The east coast of the United States has a rich history of hot springs, dating back to the Native Americans who used them for healing and spiritual purposes. Some of the hot springs on the east coast have also been frequented by famous figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
In this guide, we will introduce you to 10 of the best hot springs on the east coast, ranging from natural to artificial, from rustic to luxurious, from secluded to accessible. We will also provide you with some useful information on how to get there, what to expect, and what to do nearby.
1. Warm Mineral Springs, Florida
Warm Mineral Springs is the only natural hot spring in Florida, and it is also one of the most unique and fascinating ones in the country. The spring is located in a sinkhole that is over 200 feet deep and 250 feet wide, and it contains more than 50 different minerals that make it one of the most mineral-rich waters in the world1. The water temperature is a constant 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, which makes it comfortable for swimming and soaking.
Warm Mineral Springs has been attracting visitors for thousands of years, as evidenced by the prehistoric fossils and artifacts that have been found at the bottom of the sinkhole. Some people believe that the spring has healing powers and can cure various ailments. The spring is also a popular destination for scuba divers who want to explore its underwater caves and formations.
Warm Mineral Springs is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and the admission fee is $20 per person1. You can also enjoy other amenities such as a spa, a cafe, a gift shop, and a picnic area. The spring is located in North Port, about an hour’s drive south of Sarasota. If you want to stay overnight, you can book a room at the Warm Mineral Springs Motel2, which is half a mile away from the spring.
2. Sand Springs, Massachusetts
Sand Springs is the only hot spring in New England, and it is a hidden gem in the scenic Berkshires region of Massachusetts. The spring is part of a historic resort that was established in 1899 as a health retreat for wealthy guests3. The spring water is rich in iron and magnesium, and it is heated to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit by a geothermal system.
Sand Springs offers a relaxing and tranquil experience for its visitors, who can enjoy soaking in a large pool surrounded by trees and mountains. The pool also has a waterfall feature that provides a gentle massage. The resort also has a spa that offers massages, facials, body treatments, and more3.
Sand Springs is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and on weekends from mid-May to mid-October3. The admission fee is $15 per person for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children under 123. You can also purchase a season pass or a membership for unlimited access. The resort is located in Williamstown, about three hours’ drive west of Boston. If you want to stay overnight, you can find many hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in the area.
3. Hot Springs Resort & Spa, North Carolina
Hot Springs Resort & Spa is one of the most popular hot springs destinations on the east coast, and it is located in the charming town of Hot Springs in North Carolina. The resort sits on the banks of the French Broad River, at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the Pisgah National Forest4. The resort has 17 private jetted tubs that are filled with natural mineral water that flows from two hot springs on the property. The water temperature ranges from 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers a variety of options for its guests, who can choose from standard tubs, deluxe tubs with better views and privacy, or group tubs for up to seven people4. The resort also has a spa that offers massages, reflexology, aromatherapy, and more4. You can also enjoy other activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, and kayaking in the surrounding area.
Hot Springs Resort & Spa is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, and the admission fee is $15 per person per hour for standard tubs, $25 for deluxe tubs, and $75 for group tubs4. You can also book a package that includes a tub and a massage for a discounted price. The resort is located in Hot Springs, about an hour’s drive north of Asheville. If you want to stay overnight, you can rent a cabin, a cottage, a suite, or a campsite on the property4.
4. Radium Springs, Georgia
Radium Springs is one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia, and it is a stunning sight to behold. The spring is the largest in the state, pumping out 70,000 gallons of water per minute. The water is crystal clear and has a blue hue due to the presence of radium, a radioactive element that was once believed to have medicinal properties. The water temperature is about 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, which makes it refreshing on hot summer days.
Radium Springs was once a popular resort that attracted visitors from all over the country, who came to enjoy its casino, hotel, golf course, and gardens. However, the resort was destroyed by floods and fires in the 20th century, and the spring was closed to the public for decades. In 2010, the spring was reopened as a botanical garden and a historical site.
Radium Springs is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. You can walk along the trails and boardwalks that surround the spring, admire the ruins of the old resort, and learn about the history and ecology of the area. You can also see some wildlife such as alligators, turtles, fish, and birds. However, you cannot swim or soak in the spring, as it is protected by law. The spring is located in Albany, about three hours’ drive south of Atlanta. If you want to stay overnight, you can find many hotels and motels in Albany.
5. Jefferson Pools, Virginia
Jefferson Pools are the oldest hot springs on the east coast, and they have a rich history that dates back to the colonial era. The springs were discovered by Native Americans who used them for healing and ceremonial purposes. In 1761, they were acquired by Thomas Bullitt, who built a resort around them and named them Warm Springs. In 1818, Thomas Jefferson visited the springs and was so impressed by them that he bought a life estate to use them whenever he wanted. He also built his own bathhouse that still stands today.
Jefferson Pools are two separate pools that are fed by natural hot springs that produce 1.2 million gallons of water per day. The water temperature is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The pools are housed in wooden octagonal buildings that have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. The pools are divided by gender, with one for men and one for women.
Jefferson Pools are open daily from May to October, and on weekends from November to April. The admission fee is $18 per person for adults, $12 for seniors and children, and $9 for military members. You can also purchase a season pass or a membership for unlimited access. The pools are located in Hot Springs, about four hours’ drive west of Richmond. If you want to stay overnight, you can book a room at The Omni Homestead Resort, which owns and operates the pools. The resort also has other amenities such as golf courses, ski slopes, restaurants, and spas.
6. Berkeley Springs State Park, West Virginia
Berkeley Springs State Park is another historic hot springs destination on the east coast, and it is also known as America’s first spa. The park is located in the town of Berkeley Springs, which was originally named Bath by George Washington, who visited the springs several times in his life. The park has four natural hot springs that flow at a rate of 2,000 gallons per minute. The water temperature is about 74 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Berkeley Springs State Park offers two options for its visitors, who can either soak in an outdoor pool or enjoy an indoor bathhouse. The outdoor pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it has a capacity of 500 people. The admission fee is $5 per person for adults, $4 for seniors and children, and $3 for military members. The indoor bathhouse is open year-round, and it has Roman baths that are private tubs filled with natural spring water. The admission fee is $20 per person for half an hour. The bathhouse also has a spa that offers massages.
FAQs
- Are there any natural hot springs in New England?
There are not many natural hot springs in New England, as most of the geothermal activity in the region is too deep underground to reach the surface. However, there are some places where you can enjoy warm mineral water that is pumped from natural springs, such as Sand Springs Recreational Center1 and Merryspring Nature Center2 in Massachusetts and Maine, respectively. These are not true hot springs, but they still offer some health benefits and relaxation.
- Are there hot springs in New York?
Yes, there are several hot springs in New York, mostly located in the Saratoga Springs area. These hot springs are rich in minerals and carbon dioxide, and have been used for healing and wellness since the 18th century. Some of the popular places to soak in the hot springs in New York are Homestead Crater3, Roosevelt Baths and Spa4, Saratoga Spa State Park5, and Victoria Mineral Water Pool6.
- Which state has the best hot springs?
This is a subjective question, as different people may prefer different types of hot springs, such as temperature, mineral content, scenery, and amenities. However, some of the states that are known for having a large number of high-quality hot springs are Colorado, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming. These states have diverse geothermal features, such as geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs, that create natural pools of varying sizes, shapes, and colors.
- Where in the US do they have hot springs?
Hot springs are found in many places across the US, especially in the western half of the country where there is more volcanic activity. Some of the most famous hot springs destinations in the US are Yellowstone National Park7, Glenwood Springs4, Chena Hot Springs4, Dunton Hot Springs4, and Hot Springs National Park7. However, there are also many lesser-known hot springs that are worth exploring, such as Travertine Hot Springs4, Iron Mountain Hot Springs4, Strawberry Park Hot Springs8, and Mammoth Site Hot Springs9.
