California is endowed with hot springs throughout the state. One of my favorites, Sycamore Mineral Springs, is just 1.5 hours north in quintessential beach town Avila Beach.
If you’re seeking warm, restorative waters a bike ride away from chilly Pacific waves, Sycamore Mineral Springs is bliss. It feels close yet far enough for a relaxing solo escape or a mellow stay with family, friends, or your dog.
With 72 guest rooms and suites, there’s also a private 3-bedroom guesthouse. All accommodations include hot mineral spring tubs on private balconies or patios. When I’m about 15 minutes away, I call the resort to start filling my tub so I can soak as soon as I enter my room. And what’s that musky smell? It’s normal; it’s the natural sulfur aroma from the mineral-rich hot tub water.
Sycamore Springs, as locals call it, is over 100 years old. In 1886, two prospectors seeking oil instead found white hot sulphur mineral water where the resort stands. They didn’t find “liquid gold,” but they’d found curative waters where they could build a spa. In the early 20th century, the Pacific Coast Railway stopped right across the street, bringing travelers and celebrities to the central coast and to the resort, named Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort around the 1930s.
A therapeutic center staffed with doctors and nurses then, people have always journeyed there for mineral water treatments that helped ease aches, pains, arthritis, and other ailments.
The resort spans 100 acres of forest, hills, and meadows. Hillside hot tubs are dotted around a majestic nook where native plants and bird songs accompany soothing soaks. Between your in-room tub, the hillside tubs, the pool, and the oasis lagoon—a private, large tub that fits up to 20 guests and is fantastic for kids—you’ll be satiated at the end of the day. And sometimes it only takes a day to get that ultra-relaxed effect.
On-site yoga. Spa treatments. Biking under tree canopies to the beach. Seasonal fresh restaurants. A happy staff. Morning coffee and sunset wood-fire pizzas at the Secret Garden just over the Green Sycamore Bridge—can I extend my stay?
sycamoresprings.com
When I’m about 15 minutes away, I call the resort to start filling my tub so I can soak as soon as I enter my room.