Located on the northern edge of the Shenandoah Valley, the small spa town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, is officially recognized as the oldest spa town in the United States!
Famous for its healing mineral baths long before becoming a formal town in 1776, what is now known as Berkeley Springs was a popular soaking spot for Native American tribes in the region, with evidence suggesting that it has been in use for at least several centuries.
While the town was established in 1776, George Washington famously began his regular visits to the public mineral springs in 1748, according to his own journal.
Today, the town is famous not just for its mineral springs, but also for its incredible tasting tap water, which is internationally ranked among the best in the world!
How is Berkeley Springs the oldest spa town in America?
Locals to the region may be familiar with the competing claims of America’s oldest spa between Berkeley Springs in West Virginia and “The Homestead” in Hot Springs, Virginia.
While both have a valid historical claim, there is a very important distinguishing factor between the two spots, which actually supports the claims of both spa destinations.
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, was established in 1776 as a spa town (initially called Bath) after George Washington himself spoke in favor of formalizing the settlement to the Virginia General Assembly (West Virginia was not yet a state at this point).
This makes Berkeley Springs the very first town in America considered a ‘Spa Town’.
However, “The Homestead” in Hot Springs, Virginia, is actually an older spa destination as it was established in 1766, but the key distinguishing feature is that “The Homestead” is a resort destination, and not a ‘Spa Town’.
In essence, Berkeley Springs is considered the oldest “Spa Town” established in America (1776), while “The Homestead” in Hot Springs, Virginia, is actually the oldest operating spa resort in America (1766).
Berkeley Springs International Water-Tasting Competition
This year, Berkeley Springs hosted its 35th annual “Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition”, which featured over 80 unique waters from four continents!
Considered one of the best-tasting waters in the world, Barkeley Springs managed to win silver in the ‘Municipal Water Category’ of the competition, making it the second-best-tasting tap water on the planet according to a blind taste test!
The event takes place annually at The Country Inn in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, typically around mid to late February.
Next year will be the 36th annual competition, and it’s scheduled to take place February 19-21, 2026.
Take a soak where George Washington famously bathed
Visitors to Berkeley Springs State Park are welcome to wade or dip their feet into the natural spring pools, where Washington famously bathed; however, as a result of the historical significance of the pools, visitors are not allowed to fully swim in order to both protect the water and ensure public safety.
On the site of the natural mineral spring pools, visitors can find a modern reconstruction of George Washington’s open-air brick bathtub!
When’s the best time to visit
The best time to visit if you plan to take a dip in the natural springs is undoubtedly during the warmer months, including early spring and most of summer.
However, if you just want to admire the natural beauty of the area and the journey there, one of the most breathtaking times to visit is actually in the early to mid-fall!
The entire Shenandoah Valley is expected to reach peak fall foliage around mid-October, making that the perfect time for a weekend getaway!
If you have your heart set on seeing the water-tasting competition in person, then you’ll need to come in February.
Where to stay and what to do in Berkeley Springs
There are a lot of boutique inns and hotels that offer their own unique charm to make the most of a weekend getaway!
Here are a few of the most popular options for places to stay:
Some of the best things to do when you’re in Berkeley Springs:
- Visit the Berkeley Springs hot springs (obviously).
- Venture out into Cacapon State Park on the fringe of town – outdoor swimming spots, paddleboard and kayak rentals, hiking paths, and so much more.
- Attend the longest-running and largest water-tasting competition in the world, usually held every year in February.
- Head to the ‘downtown’ area to check out boutique shops, galleries, and historic architecture.