A Bit of the Bubbly

In 1886, while drilling for oil in the Avila Valley, two men struck not the proverbial black gold, but a vein of hot, mineral-rich spring water. The Avila Sulfur Springs--or the Oil Wells as they were then known--may not have brought in the riches the men might have hoped for, but the warm waters certainly did wonders to soothe aching muscles and frazzled nerves. The wells’ striking location just off the rocky coast of the Pacific quickly made it a favorite spot for city folk and local farmers. .

Today the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort sits at the site of the original wells, a swank hotel and spa whose piece de resistance is the collection of numerous redwood hot tubs perched high along a green and wooded hillside.

Each private pool sits in leafy seclusion, steaming sulfur water piped in directly from the natural springs below. This placid oasis is open 24 hours a day, providing a seductive respite for weary travelers cruising this scenic stretch of Highway 101.

For those who prefer to linger in luxury, the Sycamore provides a variety of guest rooms (as well as a private guest cottage), each boasting its own outdoor tub. Sycamore offers full spa services and hosts weddings for those wishing to tie the knot amid hot-spring decadence.

The resort sits just off Avila Beach, close to the kitschy Madonna Inn, a 45-minute drive south of Hearst Castle. For those making the hike from L.A., your rest stops can include lunch in Santa Barbara, wine at the coastal vineyards, or sausage and sauerkraut in Solvang Village. If you prefer the straight shoot, just three hours and a tank of gas will deliver you straight into the arms of warm-water bliss.

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ycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo. $12.50 an hour. $7.50 an hour for kids. Rooms, $133-$403. (805) 595-7302 or (800) 234-5831. www.sycamoresprings.com.