Hot Springs in Paso Robles

Paso Robles is a city in California that is famous for its wine, but also for its natural hot springs. These springs are rich in minerals and have therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. There are three public locations in Paso Robles where you can enjoy the hot springs: the historic Paso Robles Inn, Franklin Hot Springs, and River Oaks Hot Springs Spa.

Paso Robles Inn

The Paso Robles Inn is a historic hotel in downtown Paso Robles that dates back to 1889. The inn has 98 guest rooms, some of which have a private mineral hot tub on a balcony. The inn also has a heated outdoor pool and spa, a steakhouse restaurant, and a coffee shop. The inn is located near the downtown square, where you can find shops, restaurants, bars, and a farmers market1.

The mineral water at the inn comes from a natural spring that was discovered by the Salinan Indians centuries ago. The water is heated by geothermal activity and contains calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and other minerals. The water is said to have healing properties for various ailments, such as arthritis, skin problems, and stress1.

The inn offers several packages that include a stay in a mineral spa room and other amenities, such as wine tasting, massage, or breakfast. You can also book a mineral spa room without a package for $199 per night2.

Franklin Hot Springs

Franklin Hot Springs is a family-owned and operated facility that offers outdoor mineral pools, boating, fishing, and paintball. The facility is located on the northeast side of Paso Robles off of Creston Road. The mineral water at Franklin Hot Springs comes from an artesian well that produces 100 gallons per minute of 97-degree water. The water contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate, and other minerals. The water is said to have benefits for the circulatory system, the nervous system, and the skin3.

Franklin Hot Springs has two large pools: one for swimming and one for soaking. The swimming pool is about 80 feet long and 40 feet wide, and has a depth of 3 to 12 feet. The soaking pool is about 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, and has a depth of 2 to 4 feet. Both pools are open year-round from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm. The admission fee is $10 per person per day3.

Franklin Hot Springs also has a lake where you can rent boats or fish for bass, catfish, bluegill, and carp. The lake is about 10 acres in size and has a depth of 10 to 25 feet. The boat rental fee is $10 per hour or $25 per day. The fishing fee is $5 per person per day plus $5 per fish caught3.

If you are looking for some adrenaline rush, you can also try paintball at Franklin Hot Springs. The facility has two paintball fields: one for speedball and one for woodsball. The fields are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The paintball fee is $25 per person per day plus $15 for equipment rental and $15 for 500 paintballs3.

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa is a award-winning day spa that offers mineral soaks, massage, facials, and more. The spa is located on the northeast side of Paso Robles at River Oaks Golf Course. The mineral water at River Oaks Hot Springs Spa comes from a natural spring that flows at a rate of 120 gallons per minute of 117-degree water. The water contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sulfate, and other minerals. The water is said to have benefits for the muscles, the joints, the skin, and the mood4.

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa has 12 private tubs that overlook the vineyard-studded hills. Each tub can accommodate up to four people and has adjustable jets and temperature controls. The tubs are open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. The soak fee is $15 per person per hour or $25 per couple per hour4.

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa also offers various spa services, such as massage, facials, body treatments, waxing, and nail care. The spa uses local products that are made with olive oil from OluvSkin , a line of skincare products that uses olives grown by fifth generation farmers in nearby Shandon with the farm’s own natural spring water4. Some of the spa packages that River Oaks Hot Springs Spa offers are:

  • Sip & Soak: Enjoy a flight of Paso wines from a semi-private mineral tub with vineyard view. This experience includes a five two-ounce tastings and refreshing fresh fruit cup which brings out the “summer” of these wines. Release in your tub a packet of locally made bath salts. $65 per guest, 1 hour experience5.
  • Chocolate Lover’s: Indulge in a chocolate lover’s dream with a chocolate body wrap, a chocolate facial, and a chocolate massage. This package also includes a soak in a mineral tub and a gift bag of chocolate goodies. $225 per guest, 3 hour experience5.
  • Winemaker’s: Relax with a wine-inspired spa treatment that includes a grape seed scrub, a wine wrap, and a wine massage. This package also includes a soak in a mineral tub and a bottle of Paso Robles wine. $195 per guest, 2.5 hour experience5.

You can find more spa packages and pricing information on the spa’s website5.

FAQs

  • What is Paso Robles known for? Paso Robles is known for its thermal springs, which have been used for healing and relaxation since ancient times. The city’s full name is El Paso de Robles, which means “The Pass of the Oaks” in Spanish1 Paso Robles is also famous for its wineries, olive oil, almond orchards, and art scene2
  • Where are the hot springs in Paso Robles? There are several hot springs in and around Paso Robles, each offering a different experience. Some of the most popular ones are:
    • River Oaks Hot Springs Spa: This spa features 10 private indoor and outdoor mineral spring tubs with views of the hills and vineyards. The water is naturally heated to 105°F and contains beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The spa also offers massages, facials, and other treatments3
    • Franklin Hot Springs: This is a natural hot spring pond that is open to the public for swimming, fishing, and camping. The water temperature ranges from 97°F to 100°F and has a high sulfur content that gives it a distinctive smell and color. The pond is surrounded by wildlife and scenic views.
    • Paso Robles Inn: This historic hotel has 18 deluxe mineral spa rooms that feature private hot spring tubs on the balconies or patios. The water is drawn from the hotel’s own artesian well and is rich in iron and sulfur. The hotel also has a heated outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a garden.
  • What are the benefits of hot springs? Hot springs have many health benefits, such as:
    • Relaxing the muscles and joints
    • Improving blood circulation and oxygen delivery
    • Reducing stress and anxiety
    • Detoxifying the skin and body
    • Boosting the immune system and metabolism
    • Healing wounds and infections

However, hot springs also have some risks, such as:

  • Dehydration and overheating
  • Infection from bacteria or parasites
  • Allergic reactions or skin irritations
  • Interactions with medications or medical conditions

Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before using hot springs, especially if you are pregnant, elderly, or have any health issues. You should also drink plenty of water, limit your soaking time, avoid alcohol, and follow the rules and regulations of the hot spring facility.

Conclusion

Paso Robles is a great destination for anyone who loves hot springs, wine, and nature. Whether you choose to stay at the historic Paso Robles Inn, soak at Franklin Hot Springs, or pamper yourself at River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, you will surely enjoy the benefits of the mineral water and the beauty of the surroundings. You can also explore the other attractions that Paso Robles has to offer, such as the wineries, the restaurants, the shops, and the events. Paso Robles is a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and have fun.

About the author

Vu Tuan Tran is a passionate camping enthusiast with over 20 years of experience. He has camped in all kinds of terrain and is an expert in setting up tents, cooking over campfires, and finding the best spots to stargaze. He is also a skilled photographer who loves capturing the beauty of the natural world. If you are looking for a camping partner who is knowledgeable, experienced, and fun-loving, then Vu is your guy.

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