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While New York is best known for its iconic landmarks, it is also home to a rare geothermal retreat—Saratoga Springs, the state’s only natural hot spring destination. Unlike the hot spring-rich landscapes of the Western U.S., New York hot springs are a rare find, making this historic mineral spring a one-of-a-kind experience on the East Coast.
Saratoga Springs offers multiple ways to enjoy its renowned healing waters, from private mineral baths and spa resorts to outdoor soaking pools set in the scenic Saratoga Spa State Park. Whether you’re seeking relaxation at a full-service spa or a refreshing dip in an open-air mineral pool, this guide covers everything you need to know about hot springs in New York and the best ways to experience their natural benefits.
Are there any hot springs in New York?
Yes, but New York’s hot springs are different from those found in the Western United States. The state’s only natural mineral spring destination is Saratoga Springs, where the water emerges cool rather than hot due to geological differences. Instead of naturally warm pools, the mineral-rich water is heated at resorts and spas for soaking.
New York Hot Springs Map
Saratoga Spa State Park
Known as “The Queen of the Spas,” Saratoga Springs is the only hot springs destination in New York, renowned for its mineral-rich waters and historic healing traditions. The site is protected as Saratoga Spa State Park, a 2,379-acre preserve that safeguards the natural springs and offers a one-of-a-kind wellness experience.
Discovered in the early 19th century, the springs gained widespread recognition in 1831, when a railroad connection made it a major tourist attraction. By the late 19th and 20th centuries, Saratoga Springs had become one of the most famous resort destinations in the country, attracting visitors seeking its healing mineral waters. In 1962, the area was officially designated a state park, further preserving its legacy.
Today, the park is home to 21 public mineral springs, each with its own distinct taste and mineral composition. Visitors can sample the diverse flavors of these drinkable springs, a tradition that dates back centuries. Many believe that, much like soaking, consuming the mineral-rich water provides health benefits, including improved digestion and skin health.
Beyond drinking the mineral waters, visitors can soak in one of the park’s two swimmable mineral pools, enjoy spa treatments at the historic bathhouses, or explore the surrounding trails and scenic landscapes.
Peerless Mineral Water Pool
One of two outdoor natural springs in Saratoga Spa State Park that allow swimming, the Peerless Mineral Water Pool offers a family-friendly environment with three distinct swimming areas—the main pool, a designated kids’ pool, and a water slide pool. Built in 1962, the main pool features a zero-depth entrance and rubber flooring, ensuring safe swimming conditions for all ages.
Victoria Mineral Water Pool
Operating seasonally from June to September, the Victoria Mineral Water Pool holds the distinction of being America’s first heated pool. A local favorite for over a century, it provides a classic outdoor soaking experience. The pool is maintained at a comfortable temperature, offering a relaxing alternative to the more structured resort-style mineral baths. Onsite amenities include showers, bathrooms, lockers, and dressing rooms.
| Mineral Spring | Type | Location | Opening Hours | Cost & Permits | Additional Info |
| Peerless Mineral Water Pool | Community | Check New York Hot Springs Map | Open June 28th – September 1st: 10am – 6pm | No fee to use the Peerless Pool | Get all the essential information on Peerless Pool soon. |
| Victoria Mineral Water Pool | Community | Check New York Hot Springs Map | May 24th – June 27th: Weekends only after Memorial Day: 10am – 6pm | June 28th – September 1st: 10am – 6pm | Adults: $8 | Children: $4 | Seniors: $4 | Varies by season and residency | State park entrance fee may apply | Get all the essential information on Victoria Pool soon. |
The Best Hot Spring Resorts in New York
| Resort Name | Type | Location | Opening Hours | Cost & Permits | Additional Info |
| Medbery Inn & Spa | Resort | Check New York Hot Springs Map | Varies; contact spa for current hours | Mineral Baths: $45 for 30 min session | Additional spa services available | Get all the essential information on Medbery Inn and Day Spa. |
| Roosevelt Baths & Spa | Resort | Check New York Hot Springs Map | Open daily from 9 am to 7 pm | Mineral Baths: $45 for 20 min prior to treatments | $59 for 40 min standalone | Saunas: $10 for 20 min | Additional spa services available | Get all the essential information on Roosevelt Baths and Spa. |
| Saratoga Turf & Spa Motel (Closed) | Resort | Check New York Hot Springs Map | Currently closed; plans underway for redevelopment | Not applicable due to closure | The Turf & Spa Motel is permanently closed. |
Medbery Inn & Spa
Located in Ballston Falls in the south of Saratoga County, the Medbery Inn & Spa offers visitors a unique experience engaging the natural springs while exploring the historical practices of the region’s tourism industry.
Originally built in the 1800s, the inn has welcomed guests for centuries, offering a unique blend of traditional charm and modern luxury. After reopening in 2003, the Medbery Inn preserved its vintage ambiance while updating its accommodations with contemporary amenities for a comfortable stay.
The historical hotel reopened in 2003 and maintained its traditional style and vintage ambiance. Yet, the accommodation provided by the hotel features modern amenities and additions that bring an enhanced full-treatment stay for today’s visitors.
The Medbery Inn is home to the only day spa in the area with direct access to a natural hot mineral spring, allowing guests to enjoy private mineral baths in an intimate and relaxing setting. The spa also offers massages, facials, foot baths, and other rejuvenating treatments, making it a sought-after retreat for those looking to experience the healing benefits of Saratoga’s famed mineral waters.
Roosevelt Baths & Spa
Roosevelt Baths & Spa has been a cornerstone of Saratoga Springs’ wellness culture since its establishment in 1935. Created as part of a New York State health initiative, the spa was designed to preserve and promote the region’s naturally carbonated mineral waters, renowned for their therapeutic properties. Today, the spa continues to offer a restorative retreat, providing guests with a unique opportunity to soak in mineral-rich waters believed to promote circulation, relaxation, and skin health.
The spa features 42 serene treatment rooms, where guests can indulge in private mineral baths, massages, facials, body treatments, and holistic therapies. Unlike traditional geothermal hot springs, Saratoga’s mineral waters emerge naturally cold and are heated to a soothing 97-100°F before bathing. Rich in magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonate, the waters have long been sought after for their natural healing benefits.
Located within Saratoga Spa State Park, Roosevelt Baths & Spa is part of the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa, the region’s premier wellness retreat. Guests staying at Gideon Putnam enjoy convenient access to the spa, as well as luxurious accommodations, on-site dining, and curated wellness experiences that enhance their stay.
