California Hot Springs Guide
Looking for a place to relax and unwind? California has a plethora of natural hot springs in all corners of the state, so you’re sure to find some liquid nirvana near you!
Also, why not combine a hot spring trip with some glamping or a visit to one California’s amazing national parks?
Here’s our guide to all the hot springs in California:
North California
Located on a large nature preserve - there are many natural hot springs here that were used by indigenous Native Americans. At Wilbur Hot Springs, they have a Japanese flumarium where the 145F degree hot spring water is split into three long flumes with the water varying between 98F and 109F.
There are cabins, hotel rooms, or bunk rooms to stay overnight in. If you’re exploring California by RV, this is a great place to stop at too!
Also, check out:
One of Napa Valley’s oldest hot spring establishments, Indian Springs has been open since 1861 with an Olympic-sized mineral water pool and a volcanic ash mud bath where you submerge yourself the neck down. Stay the night and explore Napa Valley the next day.
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This Buddhist monastery, located in Carmel Valley, is open in the summer for anyone who wants to take part in meditation, Zen teachings, hiking, and the wonderful hot springs.
For a great experience, try this amazing guided e-bike tour through the beautiful Monterrey coastline along the 17-mile drive.
The Japanese-style bathhouses are divided between male and female areas with clothing-optional spaces in each. There are plunge pools, steam rooms, private bathrooms, and a sundeck.
Adding to the isolation, there is no internet, cell reception, and very limited electricity here.
If you stay overnight, there are delicious vegetarian meals provided.
Optionally, if you want to stay in more luxurious digs, check out nearby Bernardus Lodge.
Newly rebuilt after the devastating fires that swept through the whole area in 2015, this wellness retreat is famous for its trio of hot spring pool, cold immersion pool, and body temperature pool.
Take in a yoga class or book a room for a zen overnight stay.
On a side note, the spring-fed pools here are clothing optional. Feel free to go ‘au natural’ or in a swimsuit.
Optionally, the Mandala Springs nearby is a great place to stay.
Relax in the naturally carbonated hot springs that have been frequented by famous notables like Mark Twain and Teddy Roosevelt. The high mineral content of the water is almost identical to the famous waters of Vichy, France - hence the name Vichy Springs Resort.
On top of it all, there is a heated soaking pool, Olympic-sized swimming pool, excellent hiking, and a local waterfall called Chemical Falls about 30 minutes by foot.
Make sure to reserve a cottage for at least one night so you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Soak in hot tubs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in this famed wellness retreat. Normally, these hot tubs are reserved for Esalen guests who are staying overnight or participating in workshops but the public can reserve spots at night between 1-3 am.
Overall, I didn’t have the greatest experience here due to the haughty, standoff nature of the staff but I have friends who swear by Esalen, so I guess your mileage may vary here.
The good thing is that Big Sur has many great places to stay such as Ventana.
East California
These picture-perfect hot springs are a collection of about 5 natural mineral pools that are part of the travertine rock formations. There are no park fees to enter here - just make sure to bring your own towel, some water and snacks, and sunscreen. Also, remember to bring all your trash back out as there aren’t any trash cans here.
A perfect place to stay is at Ruby Inn at Bridgeport.
If you’re near Mammoth Lakes, this is a great place to soak outdoors under the shade of cottonwood trees inside temperature-controlled tubs. You can reserve private tubs in advance and also stay the night.
A great option is nearby Sierra Meadows Ranch.
Just north of Truckee, this large resort has a wide range of public and private pools with naturally flowing hot mineral water. The pools range from meditation pools with sand bottoms and hot ones with large geodesic domes. There are skilled water masseuses on hand to give amazing aquatic treatments.
You can choose from camping or staying in a room here.
Also near Mammoth Lakes, the Wild Willy’s natural hot springs are free to access if you have a car or some way to get to it. It does involve driving on a dirt road to get to it, so make sure to check weather and road conditions before trying to get there.
Once you get to the parking lot, there is a wooden walkway that leads to the pools. Some are pleasantly warm while others are sauna level hot.
South California
Near Coachella, this resort has three natural hot spring pools that are rich in beneficial minerals. The water is originally around 170F degrees but is cooled to a relaxing temperature for guests.
Stop in for a day of relaxation or better yet, book a room by the pool.
Make sure to get a full body massage or salt scrub and also to stop by the amazing Finnish sauna.
Los Angeles’ only natural hot spring spa - Beverly Hot Springs was accidentally discovered by oil drillers in the 1920s. The mineral-rich water is perfect for both drinking and bathing. You can choose from the hot water pool, cold plunge, sauna, or steam bath. The bamboo stick massage is a great choice for a unique massage. Also, there is a strict silence and no cell phone policy here.
Pair it with a sea kayaking trip to see sea lions and marine wildlife:
Central California
Just north of Pismo Beach, this resort has hillside hot tubs and private hot tubs attached to every room. There is also a lovely oasis waterfall lagoon that can be reserved in advance.
For a special treat, get the signature Swedish Massage at the spa on location.
Make sure to grab some clam chowder in Pismo at Splash Cafe.
If you’re visiting Central California Wine Country and looking for some relaxation, make sure to check out River Oaks Hot Springs Spa for their mineral-rich sauna tubs which overlook the beautiful Paso Robles area. The spa has some lovely body treatments as well.
Located about 90 miles east of Fresno, Mono Hot Springs Resort offers seclusion and peace with wonderful views of Mt Hooper.
It’s a great place to stay for the weekend for hikes into the Sierra Nevada mountain range and then relaxing in the natural hot springs afterward.