15 Hot Springs You Can Visit for the Price of a Towel
You do not need a day pass or a spa budget to find a great soak. Across the world there are steaming pools beside rivers, warm creeks in ferny gullies, and seaside rock baths that heat up at low tide. Most are free or ask only for a small day use fee that is about the cost of renting a towel. What they share is simple access, natural scenery, and water that stays warm even when the air turns crisp. Pack a quick dry towel, sandals with grip, and a trash bag so you leave every place cleaner than you found it. Check local rules and tides where relevant and always test water temperature before sliding in.
Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia, Italy
The terraced pools at Saturnia form where a mineral rich spring spills over a small limestone ledge beside an old mill. The water stays warm year round and flows steadily so the pools feel fresh rather than stagnant. Parking is available nearby and the access path is short which makes sunrise soaks easy. Early morning brings steam in cool air and photogenic blue water with fewer people. There are no changing rooms by the pools so arrive ready or use a towel wrap by your bag. Respect the stones underfoot since they can be slick and pack out every snack wrapper you bring.
Bagni San Filippo, Tuscany, Italy
A short forest walk leads to chalk white formations nicknamed the White Whale where hot water sheets over sculpted rock. Small basins collect into little tubs which means you can usually find your own corner. After rain the creek runs higher and the mix of hot and cool makes the temperature perfect. There is street parking in town and simple signage to the trail so navigation is easy. Spring and autumn are best for comfortable air and soft light in the trees. Please stay on the obvious paths to protect the surrounding woodland.
Sorgeto Bay, Ischia, Italy
Sorgeto is a natural seaside hot spring where vents warm ocean water inside rock rings at the base of a cliff. The temperature shifts with the tide so you can slide between warm and cool spots until you find your sweet point. Stone steps descend from the road to the bay which turns the walk back into a leisurely cool down. Arrive with a headlamp for a starlit soak on calm nights when the sea is glassy. Bring reef shoes since cobbles can be sharp and algae makes some stones slippery. Leave space for locals who come with small pots to cook eggs in the hottest corners.
Reykjadalur Hot River, Hveragerði, Iceland
A well marked trail climbs through steam vents to a valley where a hot stream braids into shallow pools with plank platforms. You adjust the warmth by moving upstream or down until the mix of hot and cold fits your taste. The hike takes about an hour one way at an easy pace with steady views over green hills. Simple wooden screens provide modest privacy for changing which keeps the vibe respectful and low key. Go early or late for softer light and open spaces along the bank. Pack a wind layer even in summer and keep drones grounded where signs request it.
Landmannalaugar Spring, Iceland
At the edge of a lava field sits a clear pool warmed by geothermal flow and cooled by a small creek which creates a comfortable soak. A short boardwalk protects the grass and gets you into the water without muddy feet. Mountain huts and a campground sit nearby but the bathing area itself stays simple and open to anyone. The best time to visit is on a calm evening when rhyolite slopes glow and steam looks like mist. Bring a dry bag and keep your gear in sight since there are no lockers. Check road conditions in advance because highland tracks can be rough early and late in the season.
Otumuheke Stream at Spa Thermal Park, Taupō, New Zealand
A hot stream slides into the Waikato River and creates a cluster of riverside soaking spots with turquoise water. Concrete steps and a small terrace make entry easier while the current keeps everything feeling fresh. The hottest water sits near the stream mouth and cools quickly as it blends with the river so you can choose your zone. The park has toilets and shaded lawns that turn a soak into a picnic without spending a cent. Mornings are quiet and winter sun keeps the banks warm enough for an unhurried dry off. Keep to the signed areas and watch your footing where algae grows.
Kerosene Creek, Rotorua, New Zealand
Kerosene Creek flows through native bush and forms natural pools under fern fronds with just enough cascade sound to relax you. A short track from the roadside area leads to the best spots which makes it easy to bring a towel and a thermos. The temperature stays welcoming in most seasons though heavy rain can cool the flow and make the banks muddy. Visit with a small group and leave valuables in your accommodation rather than in the car. The vibe is friendly and uncommercial which is rare for a place that looks this cinematic. Rinse off in the cool parts of the stream before heading back to the car park.
Lussier Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada
Beside the Lussier River a set of stone rimmed pools fills with steaming water and overflows into glacier blue current. The upper pools are warmest while the ones nearest the river mix to a gentler heat so you can move around as needed. A short staircase brings you down from the parking area and the canyon walls block wind on cold days. Winter is especially beautiful with snow on the rocks and a halo of steam above the river. Come early if you want space for a quiet float and keep glass away from the water. Changing is rustic so bring a towel poncho or a big scarf for modesty.
Liard River Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada
A long boardwalk crosses a warm marsh to a wide spring pool framed by forest and wood decks. The water is crystal clear and the temperature ranges from pleasantly warm to almost too hot near the source. Small changing shelters and railings make the experience simple even with winter boots on your feet. Late evening soaks can come with northern lights if you are lucky which turns the steam into green ribbons. A modest provincial park fee keeps the place tidy and limits crowding in peak season. Sit still for a minute and listen to the forest settle around you.
Travertine Hot Springs, Bridgeport, California, USA
Just outside town on public land a handful of shallow pools brim with mineral water beside creamy travertine ridges. A short dirt road and a few steps bring you to a view that takes in the Sierra crest while your legs warm in the pools. Temperatures vary by pool and shift a little with air temperature so test before you commit. Sunrise is pure magic as the mountains catch pink and the steam drifts sideways in the first breeze. There are no facilities so come prepared to pack every bit of trash back to town. Be considerate with cameras since some visitors prefer to soak without an audience.
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Mammoth Lakes, California, USA
A boardwalk crosses open sage to two pretty pools that feel like infinity tubs over the Long Valley caldera. The larger pool is comfortably warm and shallow while the smaller one is hotter and fits a handful of people. Sunrises and starry nights are the prime shows with big sky views in every direction. The access road is graded dirt and passable in most conditions but can be rutted after storms. Bring sandals for the walk back on cold nights and a headlamp to keep your hands free. Keep the boardwalk clear and the parking tidy so the place stays open to everyone.
Penny Hot Springs, near Carbondale, Colorado, USA
Right off Highway 133 stone lined pools sit beside the Crystal River and let you dial in warmth by moving rocks to mix flows. The setting is classic Colorado with red cliffs, blue water, and steam rising in cold air. It is easy to access and that means it fills up quickly on weekends so aim for early or late. Winter soaks are delightful and the river hum keeps the mood calm. There are no changing rooms which is part of the charm so go with a towel wrap and a plan. Be courteous with music and leave pets out of the pools.
Hobo Hot Springs, Saratoga, Wyoming, USA
In the center of town free public pools draw hot water from a strong spring and mix it down to comfortable soaking temperature. A small riverside spot called the Hobo Pool sits beside the Platte for cold plunges between warms. The setup includes basic changing areas and lighting for safe night visits which makes after dinner soaks easy. Winter is popular because steam lifts in the cold and the stars feel close. Local etiquette is friendly and low fuss which suits the simple setting. Toss a few dollars into a community box if one is out and thank the town by keeping it spotless.
Kirkham Hot Springs, Lowman, Idaho, USA
Cascades of hot water pour over a rock shelf into a series of pools cut into the bank above the South Fork Payette. The entry is short from a day use lot and a small fee helps with upkeep and trash service. You can adjust the temperature by moving a few stones to let in more river or more hot flow. Mornings are calm with mist on the water and space to try a few different pools. The rocks get slick so wear sandals or water shoes with grip. Spring and autumn bring ideal air temperatures and fewer cars on the road.
Fifth Water Hot Springs, Diamond Fork, Utah, USA
A moderate hike up a canyon leads to turquoise pools stepped along a creek below a photogenic waterfall. The water temperature varies from warm to toasty which lets groups spread out and settle in. Weekdays early or late are best for fewer hikers and quieter soaking. Trails can be icy in winter and muddy in spring so bring poles and patience for the last switchbacks. Change discretely and keep food simple so wildlife stays wild. The payoff is a soak under cliffs with just the sound of falling water and ravens for company.
This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance
