The only natural hot spring that still exists in the city of Los Angeles.
Although it was an urban spa/salon, the geothermal water was genuine.
Bimini Hot Springs
There was a time when the Korea Town area of Los Angeles was a kind of spa town.
Near the intersection of Third Street and Vermont Avenue.
Bimini Hot Springs, with its impressive mission revival-style bathhouse, opened in 1903 and closed in 1951.
It is said that oil drilling was carried out in a wetland area before the settlement of Korean immigrants, and that the hot spring discovered during the process.
Today, the only trace of Bimini is the name of a park and a street, and the memory of it has almost disappeared.
Wonder Water
The Beverly Hot Springs is still miraculously open for business in the same Korea Town.
This facility is located along Beverly Boulevard, which extends east from the famous upscale residential area of Beverly Hills.
The outside looked like a luxurious spa/salon.
In fact, use by those under 15 years of age is prohibited, and the salon sells various treatments.
You can also use it for soaking only.
The bathrooms are separated by gender, and clothing is optional inside them.
Like Bimini Hot Springs, the history of Beverly Hot Springs is long, having been discovered by oil drillers in 1910.
In the 1920s, the source was filled in for residential development, and was “rediscovered” in 1931.
The mineral water was bottled and sold as Wonder Water, a beverage with medicinal properties.
The first Korean-style spa was established in 1984.
Although it was a city-type spa with a somewhat cramped atmosphere, I was impressed by the sunlight streaming in through the cave-like window in the bathroom.
The bathroom was equipped with a steam sauna, dry sauna, cold pool, and hot pool.
The odorless water, which looked a light green, had a remarkable smooth feeling, which was surprising.
I didn't notice the unpleasant smell of chlorine, and the water was even better than I had expected.。
In 2023, it was revealed that according to reports, plans are underway to demolish this wonderful facility and develop the land for housing.
It will be a turning point for Los Angeles to decide whether or not it will repeat the same mistake.
Summary
Beverly Hot Springs, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in
Rule: Gender-separated
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 106 degrees F
