California is a hotbed of the geothermal sort, with natural hot springs of all types located throughout the state. This website is your guide to ALL OF THEM. Created by hot springers – for hot springers. You’ll find that nearly every natural hot springs in California is listed here.
Enjoying a Soak at Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Our individual hot springs listings include access information, pool conditions, directions, maps, facility details and ratings. Tip! Use the top menu to browse hot springs by region or type from any page.
Find the Best Hot Springs in California
Carved by volcanic activity and geological forces, California’s hot springs are truly a gift from the Earth. These steaming hot pools of mineral-rich water have beckoned locals and travelers for centuries.
Statewide Map
Plan your next trip with our statewide map.
Tip! Browse hot springs by type and region from any page with our top menu.
From cushy resorts to primitive hot soaks, there’s a hot springs for every type of hot springer in California. Use our interactive California hot springs map to help plan your next adventure.
Top-Rated California Hot Springs
California is a geothermal wonderland, home to an incredible variety of hot springs scattered across its diverse landscapes. From elusive wilderness gems to luxurious resort-style soaks.
Why are hot springs in California hot?
California’s geological diversity, with its active fault lines and volcanic history, provides ideal conditions for hot springs. Water heated from deep within the earth pushes its way through fractures and cracks in rocks while gathering minerals along the way. Groundwater from rain aids in replenishing the water heated by magma subsequently renewing the cycle.
Popular Regions
- Northern California Hot Springs
- Southern California Hot Springs
- Joshua Tree Hot Springs
- Long Valley Hot Springs
- San Luis Obispo Hot Springs
Red Spider Mite Warning
Only a handful of hot springs in California have been reported to have red spider mites.
California Hot Springs Bathing Notice
No Soap/Shampoo or BIO-Soap/Shampoo Allowed in Hot Springs! EVER!
Public hot springs in California are not bathing facilities and do not have ‘plumbing’ like that of commercial, improved hot springs. Soap and shampoo, including bio soap and shampoo, do not break down naturally and pollute our fragile ecosystems. FYI, this is also illegal in most wilderness and public land areas. Please report suspicious activity to public lands officials (take pics).
Leave No Trace
It is important to remember when visiting natural hot springs in California or any state to leave them in better shape than when you arrived. Please leave no trace, don’t bring glass and embrace the experience. Clean up the area and hot springs before soaking as it makes for a more authentic experience and reward for your stewardship efforts.
Visit Hot Springs in Another State
Join California’s Hot Springing Community
Cali Hot Springs (this website) is more than just a guide – it’s a labor of love built and maintained by hot spring enthusiasts who are passionate about sharing these natural wonders. Our goal is to be the most complete, up-to-date resource for hot springs in California, and we’re constantly adding new listings, tips and insights.
