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.
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
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
Adventure into the rain-shadowed desert foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California to a cluster of undeveloped hot springs on the Deep Creek fork of the Mojave River. Surrounded by lush vegetation, willows and other various trees, the natural hot pools transport you into a parallel universe. The cool waters of the Mojave provide a refreshing reprieve while
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Orr Hot Springs Resort Near Ukiah If you are passing through the Ukiah or Mendocino area, there is a tranquil oasis known as Orr Hot Springs Resort that is more than worth the visit. This alluring natural attraction is privately owned and is located on twenty-seven acres of forested land, right by the headwaters of the Big River, and is
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Harbin Hot Springs resort is a commercial hot springs in northern California, two hours north of San Francisco. The resort offers healing through its eight pools and various massages, including Watsu, a water-based Shiatsu massage created at Harbin Hot Springs. Harbin Hot Springs Resort near San Francisco A New Age spiritual organization called Heart Consciousness Church operates this resort, emphasizing
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Not far off the beaten path, near the south side of Anza Borrego Desert State Park lies 910 acres of Southern California desert beauty. Only one of the few hot springs in Southern California in this region. Agua Caliente County Park offers three naturally heated pools, diverse hiking trails and ample camping options. Once a stop on the Butterfield Stage
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Franklin Hot Springs in California Open to the public since 1963 and family owned for decades, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature at Franklin Hot Springs. Rustic and quaint, a place to find and enjoy the outdoors. Soak and swim all day, wildlife watch, fish or float around in your small boat on Franklin pond. Looking for a little more
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Unwind amidst the scenic beauty of Los Padres National Forest at Montecito Hot Springs. Hike along a moderate trail and discover a cascading series of natural pools, each offering a unique thermal experience. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak in the restorative waters, known for their potential healing properties since ancient times. Montecito Hot Springs Near Santa Barbara
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Tassajara Hot Springs near Carmel Valley Deep in the Los Padres National Forest in Central California is a resort filled with tranquility, peace, and beauty. Tassajara Hot Springs is the first Buddhist monastery outside Asia, and it opens its doors to guests each summer. You’ll need to drive here from San Jose or Monterey, California, for two to three hours.
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Mercey Hot Springs in California A colorful history of medicinal bottled water, Native Americans and a French man named John Merci entwine throughout 160 acres of beautiful rolling hills and pasture-land. Rich natural mineral water feeds the various hot spring pools for day or overnight visitors to relax and rejuvenate in after hiking, biking, disc golfing or just enjoying life.
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Wilbur Hot Springs Northeast of San Francisco Wilbur Hot Springs is a quiet resort with natural, geothermal hot springs pools inspired by Japanese onsen culture. These hot springs are also a historical site built in the late 1800s, sitting on a peaceful creek. To get here, you’ll need to drive a couple of hours from either Sacramento or San Fransisco,
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Gone But Not Forgotton As of 2024, Stewart Mineral Springs has been closed down after being acquired by new owners. The former bathhouses are closed and the property is now part of the Pneuma Retreat Center. The disappearance of the hot springs has increased speculation that past rumors about artificially heating water might be true. The information below is from
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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
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
This website is built and maintained by hot springers for hot springers with the goal of being the most complete resource available for natural hot springs in California.
