What to Know Before Visiting Your First Hot Spring

Hot springs are some of my favorite places on the planet. What better place to relax and unwind than in a bath chock full of minerals that are great for your skin and body.

I’ve been visiting hot springs for years, and a couple of my favorites are Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon and Harbin Hot Springs in California.

There are both rustic hot springs, more in nature, and hot springs resorts, that are compounds with amenities.

If you’re new to hot springs, there are some things you should know before jumping in.

Take a Shower First

Forget everything you know about public pools – hot springs operate on a completely different level of cleanliness. That quick poolside shower you’re used to won’t cut it here.

You should make sure you enter any hot springs with a very clean body. Yes, scrub all those orifices! Please!

Many hot springs resorts offer showers at the water’s edge, so make sure to clean up thoroughly with soap and water before getting in.

If you’re visiting a rustic hot springs, I also think it’s a good idea to shower first. Going into hot springs sweaty is just gross for everyone else.

You’ll Probably See Naked People

Here’s something that catches many first-timers off guard: in many authentic hot springs around the world, swimsuits aren’t just optional – they’re forbidden. Yes, you read that correctly. 

Many traditional onsen in Japan and certain European spa towns maintain strict nude-only policies. This isn’t about being provocative; it’s about hygiene and tradition. The good news? Everyone’s in the same boat, and after the first few minutes, you’ll be surprised at how quickly it starts feeling normal.

In the United States, some hot springs are clothing optional and others require swimsuits. Do your research before you go.

There Could be Gender Segregation

Don’t assume all hot springs are mixed-gender facilities. Many traditional locations separate men and women into different bathing areas. Some rotate their pools by gender throughout the day, while others maintain strict segregation at all times. 

If you’re traveling with a partner or friends of the opposite sex, make sure to research this beforehand to avoid disappointment or awkward situations.

Get Used to the Hot Pools Gradually

Your body isn’t designed to plunge straight into 104°F (40°C) water, no matter how inviting it looks. 

Veteran hot spring enthusiasts know the importance of gradual immersion – start with your feet and slowly work your way in over at least 5 minutes. 

If there’s a staircase leading into the hottest pool, sometimes I will pause a stair or two down to let my body get used to the heat.

This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. Sudden immersion in hot water can cause dizziness, rapid heart rate, and even fainting in some cases.

Enjoy Your Cool-Down Break

Those stunning photos of snow-surrounded hot springs rarely show you the crucial cool-down breaks that make extended soaking possible. 

In winter especially, when the temperature contrast between air and water is extreme, regular cooling breaks aren’t just recommended – they’re essential. 

Every 15-20 minutes, you should exit the water and let your body temperature normalize. Some facilities even provide cool plunge pools or snow-rolling areas for this purpose.

Understand the Mineral Profiles

Not all hot springs are created equal. The mineral content can vary dramatically from one spring to another, creating distinctly different soaking experiences. Some springs are rich in sulfur (great for skin conditions but come with that distinctive egg smell), while others might be high in iron, calcium, or magnesium. 

These variations don’t just affect the water’s properties – they can impact how long you should soak and what benefits you might experience.

Leave Your Phone at Home (Or Not?)

Many hot springs, especially those that are clothing optional or require nudity, don’t allow phones in any shape or form. You might get kicked out if the staff finds you looking at or using your phone.

Some clothed hot springs do allow electronic devices, so make sure to read the rules before you go.

Try Bathing Pre-Dawn or At Night

Want to experience hot springs at their most magical? Set your alarm for pre-dawn. Early morning, just as the sun begins to rise, offers an entirely different hot spring experience. 

The steam behaves differently in the cool morning air, creating ethereal patterns you won’t see later in the day. Plus, you’ll often have the place largely to yourself, making it perfect for both photography and meditation.

I also love to go into hot springs at night time, when the air is crisp and cold.

Pay Attention to Time of Year

While hot springs can be enjoyed year-round, each season offers a unique experience. Contrary to popular belief, summer isn’t always the best time to visit. 

The combination of hot water and high ambient temperatures can make extended soaking uncomfortable or even dangerous. 

Spring and fall often provide the ideal balance, while winter offers that magical snow-and-steam contrast – though it requires more careful temperature management.

Make Sure You’re Healthy Enough

That mineral-rich water isn’t just for relaxation – it’s a natural pharmacy with potential interactions you need to know about. If you have any heart conditions, high blood pressure, or are pregnant, consult your doctor before visiting. 

Even healthy individuals should limit their soaking time to 20 minutes per session, with breaks in between. The combination of heat and minerals can affect blood pressure and heart rate more than you might expect.

Drink Enough Water

Hot spring soaking dehydrates you faster than you realize, and that post-soak headache everyone complains about? Usually just severe dehydration. 

Start hydrating well before your visit, and continue drinking water throughout your stay. Many experienced soakers recommend drinking at least one liter of water for every hour spent at the springs.

Leave Jewelry At Home or In Your Car

The mineral content in hot springs can permanently damage or discolor jewelry, particularly silver. That beautiful ring or necklace? Leave it in your locker. 

The same goes for watches, even water-resistant ones – the mineral content can be more damaging than regular water.

What to Bring (And What to Leave Behind)

• Quick-dry Turkish towels
• Flip-flops or water shoes for walking around (check if they’re allowed in the water)
• Water bottle (preferably insulated to keep water cool)
• Hair ties if you have long hair
• Basic toiletries for post-soak cleanup
• Change of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes

What to Skip

• Expensive swimsuits (minerals can damage or discolor them)
• Valuable jewelry
• Waterproof phone cases (steam can still damage electronics, and many hot springs forbid electronics)
• Regular cotton towels
• Makeup (it’ll just wash off anyway)
• Perfume
• Contact lenses (the heat can make them uncomfortable)

Making the Most of Your Visit

Your first hot spring experience might not match those perfect social media photos – and that’s okay. 

Real hot springs often have sulfur smells, cloudy water, and other natural characteristics that don’t make it to Instagram. 

Focus on the therapeutic benefits and unique experiences rather than perfect photo opportunities.

Listening to Your Body

Hot spring soaking affects everyone differently. Pay attention to signs that you need a break: dizziness, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, or feeling faint. 

Don’t try to push through these symptoms to get your money’s worth – regular breaks will actually allow you to enjoy the springs longer.

The Social Aspect

Hot springs have traditionally been social spaces, but customs vary widely. Some encourage quiet contemplation, while others are more social. Observe the atmosphere when you arrive and take your cues from regular visitors. When in doubt, err on the side of quiet relaxation.

I Hope You Enjoy Visiting Hot Springs!

Remember: every hot spring regular was once a nervous first-timer. Start with well-developed facilities, respect local customs, and prioritize safety over photos. Once you understand the basics, you’ll find hot spring soaking becomes less about following rules and more about connecting with one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena.