The Esalen Institute is among the most picturesque oceanside hot springs you’ll experience. A variety of claw-footed tubs and large communal stone tubs overlook the Pacific with starry skies above. If you’re visiting the surrounding Big Sur region for the first time, you’ll see why it is considered by many to be the most stunning part of Southern California. These Read more...

If you’re looking for an adventurous weekend backpacking experience to a secluded hot spring, you’ll want to visit Sykes Hot Spring in Big Sur. The trailhead is a couple of hours south of San Francisco and the Bay Area; these hot springs reopened in April 2021 after five years of closure, prompting mixed reactions. One thing is true; these springs Read more...