11 U.S. Hot Spring Towns for Late Winter Soaks Without Spa Prices
When winter’s chill sets in, a dip in a natural hot spring can provide the warmth and relaxation you crave. These towns offer budget-friendly alternatives to pricey spa experiences. Immerse yourself in soothing, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whether you are visiting solo or with loved ones, these hot springs are the perfect winter retreat. Escape the cold and treat yourself to something special with a visit to one of these destinations.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known for its rich history and abundant natural hot springs. The town offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and therapeutic mineral waters, with public bathhouses where visitors can enjoy the healing benefits of the springs. These bathhouses are affordable alternatives to expensive spa resorts, allowing you to experience the town’s legendary thermal waters at a fraction of the cost. You can relax in the soothing pools, surrounded by beautiful mountain views and vibrant local culture.
Beyond the springs, Hot Springs National Park offers plenty to explore, including scenic hikes and historic landmarks. The town’s charm extends beyond its thermal waters, making it a perfect winter retreat for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Enjoy local dining spots offering Southern cuisine and check out the local art scene. Hot Springs is a welcoming destination where you can unwind and experience the rejuvenating power of natural waters in a budget-friendly setting.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a hidden gem nestled in the San Juan Mountains. The town’s geothermal hot springs are famous for their healing properties, drawing visitors year-round to soak in the warm mineral waters. The public hot springs pool in the town offers an affordable and relaxing experience, allowing you to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the water. With various pools and temperatures to choose from, you can find the perfect soak for your comfort.
In addition to the hot springs, Pagosa Springs offers plenty of winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife watching. The small-town atmosphere adds to the charm, and the local shops and restaurants make for a cozy and enjoyable visit. Whether you are looking to relax or explore the surrounding nature, Pagosa Springs offers an ideal late winter escape. The town’s laid-back vibe and beautiful scenery make it a standout destination for hot spring enthusiasts.
Calistoga, California
Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Calistoga is a well-known destination for hot springs that combine relaxation with stunning vineyard views. The town offers affordable access to its natural hot springs, with several public and private soaking options available. Many of the hot springs are part of the local resorts, but they offer lower-priced options for those seeking a more budget-friendly experience. Soaking in the warm waters while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Napa Valley is a memorable way to unwind during the late winter months.
Beyond the hot springs, Calistoga is famous for its wineries, offering a blend of relaxation and exploration. The town also features unique art galleries, shops, and restaurants, making it a perfect spot to enjoy local food and culture after a soak. The town’s welcoming atmosphere and accessible natural hot springs make it a great place to visit for a relaxing getaway. Whether you are visiting for the hot springs or the wine, Calistoga provides a rejuvenating escape in California’s beautiful wine country.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is a well-known destination for winter sports, but its natural hot springs make it a unique spot for relaxation after a day on the slopes. The town has several public and private hot springs where visitors can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying snowy mountain views. Strawberry Park Hot Springs, located just outside of town, is a popular choice for those looking for a more rustic and tranquil soaking experience. The springs are open year-round, allowing for a peaceful retreat during the late winter months.
Steamboat Springs offers more than just hot springs. The town is famous for its ski resort, but it also features plenty of other winter activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. After your soak, explore the charming downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Steamboat Springs provides a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind in the warmth of natural hot springs.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Springs, located along the Colorado River, is known for its large public hot spring pool, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, one of the largest in the world. The town has been a popular destination for hot spring soaks since the 19th century, and it offers an affordable way to enjoy the healing benefits of mineral-rich waters. The pool is open year-round, making it a great place to visit for a winter soak. Visitors can soak in the large, family-friendly pool or relax in the smaller, more intimate therapy pool for a peaceful experience.
In addition to the hot springs, Glenwood Springs offers a variety of outdoor activities. Explore the town’s historic downtown, visit the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, or take a scenic ride on the historic train through the picturesque surroundings. The town’s combination of outdoor adventure and relaxing hot springs makes it a great place for a winter retreat. Whether you are soaking or exploring, Glenwood Springs offers something for everyone in a charming, budget-friendly setting.
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
Chena Hot Springs, located just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a truly unique hot spring experience surrounded by snowy Alaskan wilderness. The natural hot springs here are renowned for their therapeutic qualities, and they offer a chance to relax in the warm waters while taking in views of the northern lights during the winter months. The springs are part of a sustainable resort that also offers eco-friendly accommodations and activities. The town is known for its serene and peaceful environment, making it an ideal place for a winter retreat.
In addition to the hot springs, Chena offers a variety of winter activities, including dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. The remote location provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to unwind in nature. The chance to experience the northern lights while soaking in natural hot springs adds a touch of magic to the experience. Chena Hot Springs is a hidden treasure for those seeking a truly unique and relaxing winter getaway.
Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
Ojo Caliente, located in northern New Mexico, is home to one of the oldest natural hot springs resorts in the country. The springs here are known for their unique mineral content, which includes iron, soda, arsenic, and lithium, each offering its own health benefits. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs offers affordable day passes to their pools, where you can enjoy a variety of temperatures and soaking options. The resort’s serene setting amidst the high desert provides a tranquil place to relax and rejuvenate.
The town of Ojo Caliente is small and quiet, allowing for a peaceful escape from the busyness of daily life. In addition to soaking in the hot springs, visitors can enjoy hiking in the surrounding area, explore the historic town of Taos, or visit the nearby Rio Grande Gorge. The area is known for its scenic beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing winter getaway. Ojo Caliente is a hidden gem for those seeking a healing soak in an affordable and peaceful setting.
Death Valley, California
Death Valley, known for its extreme temperatures, also offers natural hot springs that provide a unique way to soak in the desert heat. The Springs at the Oasis in Death Valley is a secluded spot offering a relaxing soak in warm waters, perfect for unwinding after a day of desert exploration. The mineral-rich waters of the spring are said to have therapeutic benefits, and the area’s remote desert beauty makes for a peaceful and unique soak. Visitors can take in stunning views of the surrounding desert landscapes while soaking in the warm, healing waters.
In addition to the hot springs, Death Valley National Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park’s rugged beauty and expansive desert landscapes make it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in one place. With its unique combination of desert charm and healing waters, Death Valley provides an unforgettable experience. It is a perfect winter destination for those looking to relax in a hot spring while surrounded by the vast desert wilderness.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, located in upstate New York, is famous for its natural mineral springs that have been used for centuries for their healing properties. The town offers public access to its springs, where visitors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. Many of the springs are located in beautiful park settings, where you can take in the scenic views while soaking. Saratoga Spa State Park is a popular spot, with its historic springs and peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect place for a late winter soak.
In addition to the springs, Saratoga Springs is home to a vibrant cultural scene, with local museums, art galleries, and theaters to explore. The town’s historic charm and beautiful parks make it an inviting destination for visitors looking for a relaxing winter retreat. Saratoga Springs is also known for its rich history in horse racing, adding an extra layer of cultural significance to the town. Whether soaking in the springs or enjoying the local attractions, Saratoga Springs offers a relaxing and enriching experience.
Bath, Maine
Bath, Maine, might not be the first place you think of when it comes to hot springs, but it offers an affordable, relaxing experience at its local natural springs. The town has a long history, and its mineral springs have been a part of the community for generations. Visitors can enjoy a soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, which are known for their therapeutic benefits. The small town of Bath also offers a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a winter retreat.
In addition to the hot springs, Bath is home to a variety of historic sites, including the Maine Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s rich maritime history. The town’s charming downtown area is full of local shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a pleasant place to explore after a soak. Whether you are soaking in the springs or discovering the town’s history, Bath offers a peaceful and affordable winter getaway. The combination of natural relaxation and small-town charm makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing winter escape.
Ouray, Colorado
Ouray, Colorado, is known as the “Switzerland of America” due to its stunning mountain views and natural hot springs. The town is home to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, where visitors can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while taking in the beauty of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. The pool offers several different temperatures and soaking options, making it a perfect destination for a winter soak. Whether you prefer a private soak or a group experience, the hot springs in Ouray provide a relaxing and affordable way to unwind.
In addition to the hot springs, Ouray offers a variety of winter activities, including ice climbing, snowshoeing, and hiking. The town’s historic charm and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those looking to relax and explore. Ouray is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with local galleries and shops to visit after a soak. Whether soaking or adventuring, Ouray provides a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor fun in a scenic mountain setting.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.