6 Southern Hot Springs Destinations to Keep You Warm
Earth's natural springs have long beckoned us to unwind the mind and nourish the body. Here are six mineral-dense thermal baths and hot springs around the South!
Updated January 2025 by Heather Bien
Our country’s earliest inhabitants used the nourishing powers of mineral water to heal various ailments. Today, hot (or warm) springs are delightful places to relax, reconnect with nature, and nourish your body and mind. Soaking in spring water is reported to help with circulatory illnesses, increase oxygen flow, and alleviate muscle, joint, and skin issues.
From lush resorts to rustic, small-town parks, here are six Southern hot springs to add to your bucket list if you love a good soak!
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Allegheny Springs at Omni Homestead
Location: Hot Springs, VAMore Info: hotels.com
The two main natural springs of the Allegheny Mountains run through The Omni Homestead Resort. Since their discovery by Native Americans some 9,000 years ago, key Virginia figures like Thomas Jefferson have touted the water’s healing capabilities, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
According to the resort, the United States Geological Survey determined that these springs are unaffected by changing seasons. They remain at a natural body temperature year-round and flow at an astonishing rate of 1.7 million gallons daily. The waters are packed with minerals and so crystal clear you can read a book through them.
PinAny 60-minute or longer massage will get you a Serenity Garden day pass, or you can purchase one for $75. Click here for more information. Image: Omni Homestead Resort
You can visit the original and recently renovated Warm Springs Pools via the resort. There is also Allegheny Springs, a two-acre water park fed by the area’s natural springs. Kids and kids-at-heart love the park’s two 100-foot water slides, 400-foot lazy river, large outdoor pools, stately 1904-built indoor pool, and cozy whirlpools.
But the main attraction for relaxation seekers is the spa’s outdoor, naturally warm, spring-fed Geothermal Octagon Pool and the heated Infinity Pool, both located in the Serenity Garden. They are both open year-round, so imagine cozying up in a corner of the pool with a hot tea and a book while snow falls around you.
Quapaw Baths & Spa
Location: Hot Springs, AR
More Info: quapawbaths.comHot Springs, Arkansas, is home to Hot Springs National Park and a thermal springs “hot spot.” From 1880 until 1950, the town flourished as a health destination, peaking in 1946 when one million baths were taken. The development of modern medicine ushered in a decline in bathhouse patronage, but Hot Springs’ “Bathhouse Row” continues to thrive today.
PinAside from the communal thermal baths, there is a blowout bar, full-service spa, café, and boutique. Image: Facebook
The massive indoor baths at Quapaw Baths & Day Spa are a popular spot on the row. After a day of sightseeing and exploring in the lively Hot Springs area, there’s no better way to unwind than in a world-famous mineral bath.
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Berkeley Springs
Location: Berkeley Springs, WV
More Info: berkeleysprings.com
Under two hours from Washington D.C., Berkeley Springs State Park is one of the most historic examples of ancient hot springs still open today. In 1730, the first European settlers learned about the ancient springs that had attracted Indian predecessors from Canada to the Carolinas. Word of the equally mystical and practical natural springs spread far and wide, and soon, everyone was flocking to this holistic health mecca.
PinThe park’s historic Roman bathhouse has nine private, 750-gallon walk-in tubs that you can rent by the half-hour. You can also book a massage, sauna, or mineral shower at the modestly priced spa. Image: Facebook
Within the small state park in the heart of town, you can dip into the idyllic Roman baths, rent a modern jacuzzi tub (both heated to 102 degrees), or swim in the outdoor pool filled with the legendary warm mineral water that flows from the springs at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees. Today, the springs still discharge about 2,000 gallons of sparkling water per minute from five nearby spring sources.
PinFill up your water bottles at the free public tap! The pretty, open pools of the springs’ run-off are steamy even in sub-freezing temps. Image: Facebook
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Big Bend Hot Springs
Location: Big Bend National Park, TXMore Info: Facebook
The Hot Springs Historic District in Big Bend National Park preserves the experience similar to how it was a century ago, but humans have actually ventured to this area for thousands of years to soak in the hot springs. From ancient rock art to a 1900s post office, you can envision what it’s been like for hundreds of generations of humans to make the trek to this storied region.
Take a dip in a 105-degree spring that has the remnants of a bathhouse foundation, or wade in via the banks of the Rio Grande. This rustic hot spring setting changes with the season and the weather, but you can’t beat the stunning Texas landscape. The entrance fee for Big Bend National Park ranges from $15 to 30, and you can buy an annual pass for $55.
PinBathers wade in the waters of Big Bend Hot Springs. Image: Facebook
Capon Springs and Farms
Location: High View, WVMore Info: caponsprings.net
Surrounded by 4,700 acres in wild and wonderful West Virginia, Capon Springs and Farms has been a relaxing spa destination for generations of guests. The resort is family-owned — currently, the third generation runs this historic site. The Hygiea Bath House and Spa is where guests come to take to the waters, whether in the Roman-style soaking baths, personal pool, or the naturally fed historic pool. Services are also available for restoration and relaxation, like WATSU(R) water therapy and healing massage.
Capon Springs provides a family-friendly, summer camp-inspired experience in the mountains, with activities beyond soaking in the waters. You can hike, golf, fish, play tennis or pickleball, swim, and relax in the crisp, clear West Virginia air.
PinA naturally fed, historic spring pool at Capon Springs and Farms. Image: Facebook
Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Location: Hot Springs, NC
More Info: nchotsprings.comEditors Note: As of January 2025, Hot Springs Resort & Spa is still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Helene. They are sharing updates on Facebook as booking options become available.
Located just outside Asheville, this small NC town’s hot springs were first discovered by Native Americans, whose presence dates back nearly 5,000 years. Since 1778, the town has shared the benefits of its spring water with locals and visitors alike. The mineral baths have moved to several locations since the early 1800s, and you can still visit the ruins of a bathhouse from the 1860s.
Whether you want to stay the night with a loved one or make use of the waters to relieve pain and stiffness, Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers immense relaxation, along with a selection of cabin and campsite rentals!
PinBook a 90-minute Signature Tub session, and you get a fire, robes, towels, and bottled water. Image: Facebook
Hot natural mineral water constantly flows through the jetted hot tubs from deep inside the earth. The resort has tactfully built the tubs into gorgeous wooden decks tucked away along the scenic Spring Creek and French Broad River. Open seven days a week, the mineral baths are available hourly, starting at $50 for two.
May the pursuit of this age-defying and mind-calming mineral magic spark even more exploration of parts unknown!This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint freelance writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant since 2012. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.
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