Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Escape to Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa for a unique soak in natural hot tubs nestled in a serene 100-acre setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa for a unique soak in natural hot tubs nestled in a serene 100-acre setting.
"The private hot tubs are definitely the highlight, and the food we tried was nice."
⛰️ Prepare for the Climb
Some private hot tubs are located up hillsides. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore them!
💧 Bring Your Own Towel
While towels can be rented, bringing your own is a good idea. Stay hydrated with a water bottle!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Private Hillside Hot Tubs
Various locations throughout the resort
Soak in naturally heated mineral waters with stunning views. A truly unique and restorative experience.
The Spa at Sycamore
Resort Spa
Indulge in massages and wellness treatments, often including a complimentary soak beforehand.
Avila's Secret Garden
Accessible via Green Sycamore Bridge or Bob Jones Trail
Enjoy wood-fired pizza, local drinks, and live music in a laid-back, dog-friendly outdoor setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hillside Hot Tubs
Manage Expectations for Rooms
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⛰️ Prepare for the Climb
Some private hot tubs are located up hillsides. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore them!
💧 Bring Your Own Towel
While towels can be rented, bringing your own is a good idea. Stay hydrated with a water bottle!
💰 Weekday Soak Deals
Weekday soak prices can be significantly lower, making it a great value.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Garden
Bring your furry friend to Avila's Secret Garden for pizza and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
⛰️ Prepare for the Climb
Some private hot tubs are located up hillsides. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore them!
💧 Bring Your Own Towel
While towels can be rented, bringing your own is a good idea. Stay hydrated with a water bottle!
💰 Weekday Soak Deals
Weekday soak prices can be significantly lower, making it a great value.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Garden
Bring your furry friend to Avila's Secret Garden for pizza and drinks.
🚫 Manage Room Expectations
Rooms can be dated; focus on the hot springs for the best experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa offers a unique experience centered around its natural hot tubs, praised for their restorative qualities and scenic locations. However, some guests find the accommodations dated and overpriced, with inconsistent service and amenities. It's often recommended for a day soak rather than a full resort stay.
"⭐ 2/5 – Underwhelming and overpriced stay
We stayed at Sycamore Springs Resort for our anniversary and were honestly quite underwhelmed given the cost.
The good:
The location is beautiful — surrounded by nature with peaceful walking paths. The private hot tubs are definitely the highlight, and the food we tried was nice.
The not-so-good:
When we arrived, our King Suite had a noticeable musty smell, and the room felt more like a dated motel than a resort. The bed wasn’t comfortable, and I even experienced some mild allergic reaction overnight. While the TVs are large, none of the streaming services work, and there’s no option to cast from your phone, which made relaxing in the evenings difficult.
The staff weren’t rude, but also not friendly or helpful. My husband had pre-ordered a charcuterie board for our anniversary but asked for the meat to be removed once he realized it wouldn’t suit us — they refused, saying it was already placed in the room. That felt very dismissive. The champagne and cheese board included in our anniversary package were also disappointing and not worth the extra $150.
The resort grounds themselves don’t feel well maintained and look more like an old resIdential complex. The gift shop is also basic and overall vibe just does not match thr beautiful photos on their website.
With the late check-in, early checkout, and the high prices, it did not feel like we got our money’s worth or enjoyed our time there. I would say it is fine for a one-night stay if you just want to enjoy the hot tubs and nature, but overall, it was an expensive and underwhelming experience.
Edit- Do not buy any romance package/extra packages with them. They will charge 150 dollars and do bare minimum. I would not recommend for a romantic stay for any important dates"
Harish Hv
"My husband and I went to enjoy the hot tubs today and like always the staff was very friendly. The tubs were great and clean. The snack and drink choices are always great, it includes local comoanies wich is great to see.I have yet to experience anything negative here. I would definitely recommend enjoying a soak in the hot tubs here.
Update: We went to enjoy a massage and man was it phenomenal. So relaxing, clean facilities, ans friendly staff as always. Would definitely recommend enjoying their spa!"
Victoria Zamora
"This place was awesome. It is gorgeous. I would definitely go there again. My only complaint is that they said the hot tubs were private with “clothing optional” but from the balcony where the hot tub was located, the room upstairs just had to look out and down to have a full view of the hot tub and the balcony wasn’t fully enclosed."
Holly Bell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is conveniently located on the Central Coast of California, situated between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. It's accessible via Highway 101. Many visitors arrive by car, as it's a popular road trip destination.
The resort is nestled in Avila Beach. While the main resort is straightforward to locate, some of the private hot tubs might require a bit of a walk or climb up the hillside.
Yes, Avila's Secret Garden is accessible via the Green Sycamore Bridge or off the Bob Jones Trail, making it a destination you can visit even if you're not a guest.
From San Luis Obispo, it's a short drive. If coming from further afield like Los Angeles or the Bay Area, driving is the most common method. Public transport options are limited in this more rural area.
Yes, the resort offers parking for guests. If you're visiting for a spa day or to access Avila's Secret Garden, inquire about visitor parking options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day use for the hot tubs can range from around $23 per person on weekdays, with prices potentially higher on weekends or for private tub rentals. It's best to check their current pricing and book in advance.
Not necessarily. You can often book a soak in a private hot tub as a standalone experience. However, spa treatments typically include a complimentary soak.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the private tubs and the spa services. It's recommended to check the official Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
While some past deals like Groupon have been mentioned, it's best to check their website directly for current packages or promotions. Be cautious with 'romance' or special occasion packages, as some reviews suggest they may not offer the best value.
Some guests have noted that while the hot tubs are advertised as potentially 'clothing optional,' privacy can be an issue from nearby balconies. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most highly praised aspect is the private hillside hot tubs, offering a unique and relaxing soak surrounded by nature. The spa treatments also receive positive feedback.
While many tubs are private, some guests have noted that visibility from upper balconies can be an issue, potentially compromising complete privacy.
Rooms may include large TVs, but some guests have reported issues with streaming services not working and no casting options. The overall room decor is sometimes described as dated.
The natural setting and private hot tubs offer romantic potential, but some guests have found the rooms and special packages to be underwhelming for the price, suggesting it might be better for a day soak than a full romantic stay.
The resort is set on 100 acres with peaceful walking paths surrounded by nature, offering a serene environment to explore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort offers dining, and Avila's Secret Garden provides wood-fired pizza, local wine, and beer in a casual outdoor setting.
Reviews on food are mixed. Some guests found the food nice, while others were disappointed with the value of special occasion food packages.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the resort's policy on outside food and beverages, especially if you plan to consume them in your room or on the grounds.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's recommended to contact the resort or Avila's Secret Garden directly to inquire about their menu and any accommodations they can make.
Avila's Secret Garden is known for its wood-fired pizza, local wine and beer selection, and live music in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. It's also dog-friendly.
📸 📸 Photography
The private hillside hot tubs with scenic views are prime photo opportunities. The lush gardens and natural surroundings also offer beautiful backdrops.
Yes, many visitors capture photos and videos of their hot tub experience. Be mindful of other guests' privacy and resort policies.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always be respectful of other guests.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful, soft lighting for capturing the natural beauty of the resort and its surroundings.
The unique tree hot tubs, the cascading waterfall lagoons, and the serene garden paths are all highly 'Instagrammable' locations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations regarding accommodations; rooms might be more suited for adults seeking tranquility. Consider booking a private hot tub session for the family to enjoy together. Ensure children are supervised at all times, especially around the hot springs. The walking paths offer a chance for gentle exploration of the natural surroundings.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save on resort food costs. While rooms might be pricey and sometimes underwhelming, a few hours enjoying the mineral springs can be a worthwhile splurge without the commitment of an overnight stay. Look for any potential deals or promotions, but be discerning about package deals.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
While the resort's spa treatments can enhance a romantic escape, some reviews suggest that the rooms and special occasion packages might not always meet expectations for a high-end romantic stay. For a truly romantic experience, focus on booking a private hot tub session and perhaps enjoying a meal at Avila's Secret Garden for a more casual, yet charming, evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Sycamore's Mineral Hot Tubs
+1While the tubs are a major highlight, it's worth noting that some are situated higher up the hillsides, requiring a bit of a climb. This can be a consideration for those with mobility issues. Despite this, the effort is widely considered worth it for the stunning views and the peaceful ambiance. Many guests recommend booking a specific time slot in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure they get their preferred tub and time. The water temperature is typically around 102 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for a soothing soak.
For those seeking an enhanced experience, some spa treatments at Sycamore include a complimentary soak, allowing you to combine relaxation with therapeutic benefits. The privacy of these tubs is a key selling point, though some reviews mention potential visibility from upper balconies, so guests should be aware of their surroundings. Overall, the hot tubs are the quintessential Sycamore Springs experience, offering a unique connection to the natural healing properties of the area.
Navigating the Resort Experience
However, some guests have noted that the resort's infrastructure, including rooms and common areas, can feel dated. Reviews sometimes mention musty smells, uncomfortable beds, and non-functional amenities like streaming services on TVs. This has led to a perception that the resort may not always live up to the upscale image presented in promotional photos, especially considering the price point.
Despite these criticisms, the staff are generally described as friendly, even if not overly proactive. The food at Avila's Secret Garden, a more casual dining option, receives positive mentions for its pizza and local drinks. For those prioritizing the natural hot springs and a peaceful environment over modern hotel amenities, Sycamore can still offer a memorable experience, particularly for a day visit focused on the spa and tubs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit