Central Coast spot is among top 10 hot springs in the nation, USA Today says. Where is it?

Looking for a relaxing dip? The Central Coast is home to one of the best hot springs havens in the nation, according to USA Today.

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in Avila Beach landed on the publication’s list of the top 10 hot springs in the United States, released Wednesday.

“Soaking in hot springs can help boost blood circulation, reduce stress and alleviate skin conditions — often while you enjoy the view of majestic natural backdrops,” USA Today said, singling out the best spots to “let your cares float away.”

Warm Springs Pools at The Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia was No. 1 on the list, while two Colorado spots filled out the top three spots.

The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, took second place, while Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, came in third.

Here’s where to go for a soothing soak.

What makes SLO County spot one of the best in US?

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in Avila Beach landed at No. 6 on USA Today’s list of the best hot springs in the nation.

“Intimate, open-air hillside hot tubs can be rented by the hour,” USA Today said. “If you have a large group, book the Oasis Waterfall Lagoon that can accommodate up to 20 bathers.”

Every room and suite at the resort has is own hot tub filled with natural mineral water, the publication noted.

The Spa at Sycamore offers everything from facials, massages and red light therapy to yoga and pilates classes, according the Sycamore Minerals Springs website, and the Gardens of Avila restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Two other California spots landed on USA Today’s list.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Temescal Valley was No. 4, thanks to its plethora of wellness treatments.

“Cover yourself in detoxifying red clay at Club Mud, moisturize skin with a steam in The Grotto and sample an array of different soaking areas tucked amid lush landscaping,” USA Today said.

The Spa at Séc-he in Palm Springs, which was ranked No. 9, boasts 22 private indoor mineral baths as well as aromatherapy showers, a eucalyptus steam room and a 17,000-square-foot pool deck area.

What are the top 10 hot springs in the United States?

These are the top 10 spots in the country to visit for a therapeutic soak, according to USA Today.

1. Warm Springs Pools at The Omni Homestead Resort in Warm Springs, Virginia
2. The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
3. Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
4. Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Temescal Valley
5. Breitenbush Hot Springs in Detroit, Oregon
6. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in Avila Beach
7. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
8. Yellowstone Hot Springs Resort in Gardiner, Montana
9. The Spa at Séc-he in Palm Springs
10. Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Springs Spa in Hot Springs, South Dakota

How did USA Today come up with rankings?

To come up with USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts selected nominees across a number of categories.

The publication’s readers then voted for their favorites.

This story was originally published July 13, 2024 at 9:00 AM.

Sarah Linn

The Tribune

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Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.