Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

## Overview Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is a historic hot springs resort located in the town of Sonoma in California's renowned wine country. The property sits atop natural geothermal mineral springs that have been valued for centuries. Long before European settlement, the local Miwok and Pomo peoples are believed to have used these thermal waters for their perceived healing properties, considering the area sacred ground. The hot springs at this site draw from deep geothermal sources, and the naturally heated mineral water has historically been a central attraction. The resort, which has operated in various forms since the early 1900s, channels the thermal spring water into bathing pools and spa facilities on the property. The springs are situated in the Sonoma Valley, a region shaped by volcanic activity that gives rise to numerous geothermal features throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. While the spring water is primarily used for bathing and spa treatments rather than drinking, the geothermal waters at this location have historically been reported to contain a variety of dissolved minerals typical of volcanic hot springs in the region. The GPS coordinates place the springs at approximately 38.3126° N, 122.4828° W, in the heart of Sonoma Valley. ## Directions 1. From San Francisco, head north across the Golden Gate Bridge on US-101 N. 2. Take the CA-37 East exit toward Napa/Vallejo. 3. Turn left onto CA-121 N (Arnold Drive / Carneros Highway) heading toward Sonoma. 4. Continue on CA-12 W / Sonoma Highway into the town of Boyes Hot Springs. 5. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is located at 100 Boyes Boulevard, just off CA-12 (Sonoma Highway), on the left side of the road. 6. The resort entrance is well-marked and easy to spot from the highway. *Note: The hot springs are located on the grounds of a private resort. Access to the thermal spring waters is available through the resort's spa and pool facilities, typically for registered guests or spa visitors.* ## What to Expect The natural hot springs at this location are integrated into a luxury resort and spa setting. Visitors will find the geothermal mineral water channeled into various soaking pools and treatment areas rather than a wild, natural spring environment. The warm mineral water is a signature feature of the property and has drawn visitors to this spot for well over a century. The surrounding Sonoma Valley landscape is beautiful, with rolling vineyard-covered hills and a Mediterranean climate that makes visits pleasant year-round. The area known as Boyes Hot Springs takes its name directly from the geothermal activity beneath the surface here. Because this is a private resort property, visitors should be aware that access to the springs typically requires a spa reservation or hotel booking. Those interested in experiencing the thermal waters should check with the resort in advance regarding access options and pricing. The region also features other geothermal sites and natural areas worth exploring for spring enthusiasts visiting Sonoma County.