Tucked at the base of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, Sierraville is a quiet mountain community where you can slow down and truly appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Located in town, Sierra Hot Springs makes the perfect escape when you just need to forget about the stress of everyday life. The hot spring resort boasts an overwhelming sense of tranquility and some of the most relaxing hot spring pools in Northern California. Have you ever wondered, "Are there any hot springs in Northern California?" This will answer your question. Ready to soak your stress away? Check this place out:
Sierra Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat and workshop center in Sierraville, California. Tucked between the forest and a beautiful alpine valley, this resort may just be one of the most peaceful places on earth.
The spring water in the valley has attracted NorCal hot springs resorts for 150 years. Sierra Hot Springs boasts a main pool area called the Temple Dome Area which contains the main hot pool inside of a large geodesic dome.
Outside the dome, the large warm pool typically runs between 98 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Complemented by a large sundeck and a dry sauna, it's the perfect place for a soak no matter the season.
For the most peaceful experience, you can soak in the resort's Meditation Pool. The outdoor pool is a faux natural pool where you can enjoy being surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest. It's an especially gorgeous place to soak after fresh snow has fallen!
All of the resort's soaking options are open for day use. Day-use is only available on select days, so be sure to check its current hours beforehand. The resort also requires at least one person in your party to hold a current Sierra Hot Springs Membership, which can be purchased for a small additional fee.
Sierra Hot Springs also offers lodging facilities for overnight excursions. Overnight visitors can stay in either the Main Lodge or the Globe Hotel which is located one mile away. If you prefer a rustic experience, you can actually camp at Sierra Hot Springs -- tents, RVs, and car campers are all welcome.
Leave your worries behind at these hot springs in Northern California and soak all of your stress away at Sierra Hot Springs. Soaking at this tranquil hot springs resort is always an incredible experience! Visit the Sierra Hot Springs website to learn more, see current hours, and reserve your time.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
I Tried a One of a Kind Spa Treatment at This Northern California Retreat
Discover the most unique spa in Northern California at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California. It's a special place where nature and nurture blend.
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is a one-of-a-kind spa in Northern California, and dare I say, one of the most unique spas in America. When I first heard about it, I was traveling through Sonoma County, and though I couldn’t stop at the time, I knew I had to come back.
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With its meticulously designed Japanese meditation gardens, a unique tea service, and the famous Cedar Enzyme Bath, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California, isn’t just a place to unwind; it’s a destination worth planning your entire trip around.
Sonoma County, California, is drop-dead gorgeous, with its rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and misty coastal air merging into a diverse landscape. The Sonoma Coast Range gently transitions from the rugged cliffs and beaches on the west coast to inland valleys, where Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is located.
As you drive in from nearby Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, or a coastal town like Bodega Bay, you’ll pass charming farms, wineries, and old barns before reaching this tiny, hidden gem of a town. The relaxing drive through the gently rolling hills to Osmosis feels like a “warm-up” for what’s to come at the spa.
Your spa experience starts the minute you step out of your car. The property is surrounded by old-growth trees, which tower above and make you feel embraced and calm. Larger-than-life lavender bushes greet you as you walk toward the entrance, while Adirondack chairs offer an invitation to sit and soak in the surroundings. As a master gardener, I was particularly struck by how the landscape around the entire 5-acre property manages to feel both meticulously designed and effortlessly natural — a rare balance of rustic charm and careful curation. Every detail, the plants, seating, and artwork throughout the property felt purposefully placed to contribute to the tranquil environment.
We arrived early to explore and ground ourselves before our spa services. A meandering gravel pathway between native trees and a creek to one side and manicured evergreens to the other leads you to the Kyoto, Japan-style Japanese meditation gardens. Passing through the moon gate, a symbol of transformation in Japanese design, you step into a serene world of babbling water features, carefully arranged plants, and peaceful seating areas. The garden is down-to-earth, inviting you in without pretense (even though it looks like something out of a magazine); whether you're a seasoned meditator or someone seeking peace, you’ll feel welcome.
If I had more time, I would’ve stayed in the garden for hours, meditating and journaling. Guests are invited to spend the whole day at the spa, relaxing outside the different seating areas and swinging in hammocks by the creek before or after services. The staff will even help you reserve a picnic area if you choose to bring lunch. The weather in this part of Northern California is almost always incredibly pleasant, hanging in the mid-70s.
But alas, our treatments awaited. Before our Cedar Enzyme Bath, we were escorted to a private room, where tea was served. This wasn’t just any tea. It’s specially designed to aid digestion and detoxification, helping to prepare the body for the enzyme bath ahead. Sipping the tea in our secluded garden, with koi ponds and the rolling Sonoma hills visible beyond the walls, was the perfect prelude to the next step.
The cedar enzyme bath itself is a rare and unforgettable experience. Originating in Japan’s Buddhist monasteries more than 80 years ago, this practice involves submerging yourself in a warm blend of cedar shavings (plus some other regional tree species) and rice bran infused with live enzymes. The heat from the fermentation process feels like a gentle, encapsulating hug, soothing muscles and detoxifying the body. It reminded me of being buried in warm sand, but the natural heat of the enzymes provided an extra sense of vitality. Even as I lay in the bath, I could see the surrounding hills through the window — another example of how Osmosis masterfully connects its services with the natural landscape.
The relaxation that follows the cedar bath is indescribable. Not only does it leave your skin feeling radiant, but it also boosts digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being. Afterward, we showered off and transitioned seamlessly into our massages. The therapists took a holistic approach, helping us relax beyond the physical experience with soothing guided suggestions, making the entire package feel like a complete mind-body renewal.
Whether it’s the soothing sounds of water flowing through the gardens, the warmth of the Cedar Enzyme Bath, or the skilled hands of the massage therapists, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California, offers an experience that lingers long after you leave. This isn’t just a spa; it’s a retreat into tranquility. It’s a space where nature and nurture blend into something extraordinary.
Will you plan a trip around one of the most inimitable Spas In Northern California, like I did? If you plan a trip, complete your nature experience with this adorable cabin in the woods in nearby Sebastopol, California. Or, take a day trip from San Francisco; the spa is only about an hour and a half north.
What are some of your favorite unique spas In America?
