A Contra Costa County, California and National Landmark
Native Americans and mountain men were naturally drawn to the warm-water springs. Spanish explorers discovered the wonders of the area in 1773. By the late 1800s the Byron Hot Springs Resort was world-renowned for the healthful benefits of its waters.
1773
A long history shaped by the warm-water and mineral-rich springs.
In the early twentieth century, San Francisco power brokers, Hollywood stars and sports heroes flocked to the resort paradise for the mineralized springs and recreation. They relaxed in the warm sun on the lawn or in glass-enclosed verandas. They played golf, tennis, croquet, baseball, shuffleboard and billiards.
The once lush 160-acre property, just a few miles east of San Francisco, featured over the years - three grand hotels, a Queen-Anne cottage called the Mead Mansion, hospital, and several guest cottages. Visitors restored their health and well being through hydropathic “cures,” mud baths, restorative spring waters, swims and strolls through the exotic gardens. The resort was called the “Carlsbad of the West” after the famed European health spa.
Location
Located in convenient proximity to Silicon Valley, the resort is just 20 minutes by car north of the Hacienda Business Park, Pleasanton and 60 minutes from downtown San Jose. The Oakland Airport is a convenient 45 minute drive. Personal aircraft are accommodated at the Byron Airport just minutes away. The Resort is not open to public at this time. Entering without permission and an escort is physically dangerous.
Further Reading
Arcadia Publishing: Images of America Series
A History of Byron Hot Springs
by Carol Jensen, East Contra Costa Historical Society
Format: Paperback Available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com or your favorite local bookstore or historical Society.