The Best Hot Springs in America for a Scenic Soak - Full-Time Travel

The Best Hot Springs in America for a Scenic Soak

Stateside Hot Springs

Soak in the View at These Geo-Thermal Hot Spots

Sure, Iceland's Blue Lagoon may get all the glory on Instagram—but why hop across the pond when you can get your spa-fix stateside? From soothing soaking pools in Fairbanks, Alaska to steaming waterfalls in Lowman, Idaho, these all-American hot springs are just what we need to thaw into Spring.

@davidmrule

Fifth Water Hot Springs - Diamond Fork, Utah

Diamond Fork, Utah

Three dreamy waterfalls accompany the soaking pools at Utah’s Fifth Water Hot Springs. Search out the share-worthy second waterfall on this 5.3-mile roundtrip hike, with multiple cascading tiers and closeby steaming streams to pause and take in the forested scenery.

@brookeely

Dunton Hot Springs

Dolores, Colorado

Perched at an elevation of 8,600 feet in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, this all-inclusive resort in the old mining town of Dunton gives you access to five natural hot springs—each ranging in temperature from 85 degrees to a steamy 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The romance of this retreat lies in its seclusion, surrounded by fervent green mountains, ages-old pine trees and some of the best hiking trails from May to October.

@vanbandits

Travertine Hot Springs

Bridgeport, California

Become one with nature at California’s Travertine Hot Springs, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains—the site is free of charge and clothing optional. Its accessible location, just south of Bridgeport, means this is a popular stop for locals and traveling campers alike—and its picturesque blue pools make for a brag on any Instagram page.

@shaniredlich

Breitenbush Hot Springs

Detroit, Oregon

The holistic retreat set up around these natural springs aims to help people “renew and evolve in ways they never imagined.” And with 20 miles of hiking trails, yoga and meditation programs, and a vegetarian buffet, we have no doubt that a soak and stay at this Willamette Valley sanctuary will do just that.

@kali_durga

Riverbend Hot Springs

Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Set on the banks of the Rio Grande River, these mineral-rich waters were once considered sacred by the Apache and Mimbres tribes of southern New Mexico. Now, you can experience the springs’ same calming benefits with views of Turtleback Mountain or a starry sky to set the mood—soak by the hour or overnight for a full-day dip.

@taryn.sladeck

Chena Hot Springs

Fairbanks, Alaska

While winters at Chena Hot Springs can mean a dancing Aurora Borealis overhead, summertime offers everything from adventure (dog cart rides, guided ATV tours) to spa-level comforts (therapeutic massages, 90-degree soaks in the natural pools). Whichever you choose, be sure to stop by the year-round ice museum complete with ice bar and frozen sculptures.

@itrussell15

Kirkham Hot Springs

Lowman, Idaho

These geothermal pools on the South Fork of the Payette River feel just rustic enough. Walk down the small wooden staircase to hot spots of varying temps, and be ready to say hello to fellow adventurers enjoying this stop off the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Outdoors lovers can set up their tent at the nearby campground, open from May 24 to September 5.

"This sculpture is called "Transmission" by artist Daniel Popper. Its a reminder that we are all rooted in love, unity and the divine. She stands a towering 28 feet tall and is located on Mojave Moon Ranch in Joshua Tree. The land is private property, so you can see it from the viewing platform off of Sunfair Road. And take it from me, it's best viewed at sunset."

Reel: @johnofah
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There's more to Greece than the white and blue buildings and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. If you're planning a visit, check out these places below!

📍Kokkinopilos. Preveza
📍Verliga Dragon lake, Thessaly
📍Ithaca island, lonian Sea
📍Aoos springs lake, Epirus
📍Lake Prespes, Macedonia
📍Balda di Stringa waterfalls, Epirus
📍Meteora, Thessaly
📍Pelion, Thessaly
📍Lake Zorika, Epirus
📍Mt Lakmos
📍Crete island, Aegean Sea
📍Gistova Dragon lake, Macedonia

Reel: @farawayfarers
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Swim or kayak through the limestone cliffs of the Twin Lagoon, a must-visit destination for those traveling to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is called "twin" lagoon because it consists of two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff, with one lagoon on top of the other. The water in the inner lagoon is warm and clear, with a stunning turquoise color that makes it popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Reel: @travelifejournal
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Take a dip in a series of seven saltwater lagoons located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The Lagoons of Baltinache are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and unique geological formations. The high concentration of minerals in the water gives it a unique buoyancy that makes swimming in the lagoons a unique experience.

Reel: @everchanginghorizon
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Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park is one of the most memorable experiences you could have. Haleakalā is a Hawaiian name that means “House of the Sun” and is an awesome place to watch the clear night sky and stars fade away as the sun lights up the sky and the earth.

Reel: @girlchill_sunset
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Just 1 hour from Shanghai by train, Cherry Blossom Valley is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The valley is named after the thousands of cherry blossom trees that cover the area and create a stunning display of pink and white flowers. The trees were originally planted in the 1980s by a group of Japanese experts who were invited to China to help with reforestation efforts. The best time to visit is typically in late March or early April. Get there early to beat the crowds!

Reel: @cyncynti
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New Zealand is unbelievable. See it for yourself:

1. Fiordland National Park
2. A classic backcountry hut trip
3. Blue Pools walk
4. Hooker Lake
5. Milford Sound
6. Lake Pukaki

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Surrounded by lush greenery, towering karst mountains, and the river flowing through, the Detian Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the close relationship between China and Vietnam. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world.

Reel: @sophoebelous
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Escape to a serene and peaceful oasis away from the bustling city of Marrakech at Le Jardin Secret—a beautiful and historic garden where visitors can escape the noise and chaos and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden was originally built in the 16th century and is home to many different species of plants, including exotic flowers, citrus trees, and palm trees.

Reel: @hypermiggzz
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For a magical moment and bucket list travel experience, visit the end point of the annual monarch butterfly migration. Starting in August, the monarchs travel 2,800 miles south from Canada, making a temporary home amid the towering trees of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where the two most popular sanctuaries to view them are el Rosario in the state of Michoacan and Piedra Herrada in Estado de México. Standing in silence while thousands of delicate wings beat in unison is something you'll never forget.

Reel: @juliiathompson
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There's just something beautiful about snow covered landscapes like this popular attraction in southwestern Utah. Known for its unique geology, @brycecanyonnps_gov consists of a series of natural amphitheaters, called "hoodoos," formed by erosion of the rock layers.

Photo: @nathanleeallen
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As we experience a couple more weeks of winter, we can't help but dream of tropical destinations like Hawaii. The warm water, sunny skies, and consistent waves make it an ideal destination for surfers. Hawaii has a vibrant surf culture and community and is also a beautiful place to explore outside of the water, with lush green mountains, stunning beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

Reel: @christopherballadarez
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5 PLACES IN THE U.S. THAT FEEL LIKE ANOTHER PLANET:
1. @sequoiakingsnps, California
2. @canyonlandsnps, Utah
3. @olympic_nps, Washington
4. @whitesandsnps, New Mexico
5. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
6. Knik Glacier, Alaska

Reel: @nathanleeallen
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