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.

The Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany, transforms Römer square into a festive haven with twinkling lights and charming stalls. Aromas of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fill the air as visitors explore handcrafted gifts and traditional treats. The iconic Christmas tree and live performances create a magical atmosphere, making this market a cherished holiday tradition.

Reel: @pillter_
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It`s cabin season where crackling fireplaces and peaceful solitude creates a magical and cozy atmosphere in the winter time.

Reel: @dirtandglass 📍 @evergreen_cabins
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We love a pre-winter adventure just before the water freezes into ice. @jaspernationalpark

Reel: @ninadefilla
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Throughout November, the mountains surrounding the well-known abodes of Shirakawa-gō begin to adopt the colors of autumn. 🍂 ...

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"The wait is over... it`s that time of year again! Every year from November to early March, millions of butterflies blanket the high altitude forest in central Mexico in a mesmerizing display. It`s truly spectacular to witness." - 🎥 @jess.wandering @everchanginghorizon ...

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In the latest episode of our podcast, an award winning editor, writer and producer and the host of the podcast, Travel That Matters, @brucewallintravel travels through Central America with his then fiancee to enjoy what they imagined to be their last big adventure before settling down. It was a trip that gave Bruce a new travel ethos, that travel gets better the more effort you put into it. 🎧 Link in bio to listen! ...

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When fall meets winter in Utah.

Reel: @ashleylporter
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Ethereal moments from a sunset in Scoresby Sound, Greenland.

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Autumn in Lago di Saoseo, a stunning alpine lake in the Poschiavo Valley of Switzerland, is a magical experience. The season transforms the surrounding landscape into a picturesque tapestry of vibrant colors. The dense forests that encircle the lake burst into a riot of reds, yellows, and oranges as the leaves change, creating a breathtaking contrast against the crystal-clear, emerald waters of the lake. The cool, crisp air of autumn adds to the tranquility of the scene, making it an ideal time for peaceful hikes and nature appreciation. It`s a time when the natural beauty of Lago di Saoseo truly shines, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Reel: @jakeguzman
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6 Spooky Fall Adventures (An Hour from NYC)

Follow this guide from @steffy where everything is Halloween themed
including the street signs!

- @pumpkinblaze
- @harvestmoonorchard
- @lyndhurst_mansion
- @ Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
- @sleepyhollowbookshop
- @horsefeathers for a spooky drink
- @castlehotelandspa to stay!
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Zhangjiajie, located in China`s Hunan province, is a stunning national park known for its towering sandstone pillars, deep ravines, and lush forests. It gained international fame as the inspiration for James Cameron`s "Avatar." The park`s surreal and otherworldly landscape, particularly the "Southern Sky Column" (renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain"), served as the muse for the film`s floating mountains and lush forests. Zhangjiajie remains a popular destination for travelers seeking to witness the real-world beauty that inspired the cinematic masterpiece.

Reel: @cyn_cynti
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The scent of crisp, autumn air fills the atmosphere of this picturesque region in southern Germany. Allgäu turns into a patchwork of fiery reds, golden yellows, and rustic browns as the leaves change color.

Reel: @_marcelsiebert
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Host of our very own podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, and this week’s Travel That Matters guest, Esme Benjamin (@esmebenjamin), tells us about her year-in-the-making five-month-long road trip across the United States.

On the podcast, Esme starts by telling us the things that happened in her life that led her to take this life-altering adventure. Then, we hear about her path through the following incredible places: Black Hills & Badlands (South Dakota), Glacier National Park and Bozeman (Montana), Cody (Wyoming), Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa (Colorado), Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and the Grand Canyon (Arizona), Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana), San Francisco and Los Angeles (California), and more!

🎧 Link in bio to listen and to explore the transformative power of travel.
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