State guide ·
2026 Hot Springs in California
We’ve cataloged 13 hot springs in California, from 3 free & primitive pools to 8 resort experiences across the Sierra & California Desert.
California has 13 cataloged hot springs and the most varied geothermal scene in the country — primitive desert pools in the Eastern Sierra, mineral resort soaks in Sonoma and Calistoga, oceanfront tubs at Esalen, and high-Sierra wilderness springs that require a permit and a hike. Wild Willys, Travertine, and Buckeye are the famous free trio off Highway 395 and stay open year-round. Resort options like Sycamore, Calistoga, and Two Bunch Palms run $35–$300 day passes. Best soaking window is October–April; many high-altitude pools become inaccessible under snow and a few desert pools turn unsafe in summer heat.
October–November = warm pools + cool nights; bring traction for icy access roads.
All California springs
Spring type
Access
Cost
Deal-breakers
Benton Hot Springs
Benton, CA
A historic 1850s stagecoach stop reborn as a desert campground with individual cedar tubs plumbed into each site. No hookups, no light pollution, just steaming water and views of Boundary Peak.
Buckeye Hot Springs
Bridgeport, CA
A cliffside hot spring cascades over colorful mineral deposits into stone-lined pools along Buckeye Creek. Nearby primitive campsites make it a favorite for overlanders.
Esalen Institute Hot Springs
Big Sur, CA
Clifftop tubs cantilevered over the Pacific where sulfur water gushes from a seaside spring. Esalen's baths mix meditation decks, stone tubs, and massage tables with only the sound of waves below.
Harbin Hot Springs
Middletown, CA
Rebuilt after the Valley Fire, this iconic retreat blends meditation decks, yoga domes, and terraced soaking pools fed by 114°F mineral water. Silent soaking zones keep the focus on rest and hydrotherapy.
Indian Springs Calistoga
Calistoga, CA
Historic Calistoga property with Olympic-length mineral pool, adults-only soaking grotto, and signature mud baths using geyser-fed water. Palm-lined decks and Art Deco details make it feel timeless.
Mono Hot Springs Resort
Lakeshore, CA
Historic Forest Service cabins, a cafe, and natural granite tubs sit along the upper San Joaquin River near Kaiser Wilderness trailheads.
Orr Hot Springs Resort
Ukiah, CA
A century-old retreat tucked in redwoods with clawfoot tubs, Japanese-style soaking pools, and stargazing decks along Orr Creek.
Sierra Hot Springs
Sierraville, CA
Nonprofit retreat blending geothermal pools, massage workshops, and forested campsites minutes from Lake Tahoe’s north shore.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
San Luis Obispo, CA
A 100-year-old resort just off Highway 101 with 23 cliffside tubs, soaking suites, and a full-service spa. Mineral water is piped up from the Avila Valley aquifer and drained between guests.
Tecopa Hot Springs Resort
Tecopa, CA
Desert oasis on the edge of Death Valley pairing indoor soaking rooms, mud baths, live music, and star-filled skies.
Travertine Hot Springs
Bridgeport, CA
Calcium-lined tubs perched over the Bridgeport Valley with Sierra views. A small upper cement tub feeds several travertine-lined pools carved into the hillside.
Wilbur Hot Springs
Williams, CA
A solar-powered nature reserve where rustic hotel rooms and tent platforms overlook the south fork of Cache Creek.
Wild Willy's Hot Springs
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Boardwalks lead to heart-shaped soaking pools in Long Valley with panoramic views of the Glass Mountains. Natural caldera heat keeps the water comfortable even during winter storms.
Editor picks
See ranked list →Esalen Institute Hot Springs
Big Sur, CA
Clifftop tubs cantilevered over the Pacific where sulfur water gushes from a seaside spring. Esalen's baths mix meditation decks, stone tubs, and massage tables with only the sound of waves below.
Harbin Hot Springs
Middletown, CA
Rebuilt after the Valley Fire, this iconic retreat blends meditation decks, yoga domes, and terraced soaking pools fed by 114°F mineral water. Silent soaking zones keep the focus on rest and hydrotherapy.
Orr Hot Springs Resort
Ukiah, CA
A century-old retreat tucked in redwoods with clawfoot tubs, Japanese-style soaking pools, and stargazing decks along Orr Creek.
Travertine Hot Springs
Bridgeport, CA
Calcium-lined tubs perched over the Bridgeport Valley with Sierra views. A small upper cement tub feeds several travertine-lined pools carved into the hillside.
Free & wild
Filter all free picks →Benton Hot Springs
Benton, CA
A historic 1850s stagecoach stop reborn as a desert campground with individual cedar tubs plumbed into each site. No hookups, no light pollution, just steaming water and views of Boundary Peak.
Buckeye Hot Springs
Bridgeport, CA
A cliffside hot spring cascades over colorful mineral deposits into stone-lined pools along Buckeye Creek. Nearby primitive campsites make it a favorite for overlanders.
Travertine Hot Springs
Bridgeport, CA
Calcium-lined tubs perched over the Bridgeport Valley with Sierra views. A small upper cement tub feeds several travertine-lined pools carved into the hillside.
Wild Willy's Hot Springs
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Boardwalks lead to heart-shaped soaking pools in Long Valley with panoramic views of the Glass Mountains. Natural caldera heat keeps the water comfortable even during winter storms.
Resorts & spa decks
View resort directory →Esalen Institute Hot Springs
Big Sur, CA
Clifftop tubs cantilevered over the Pacific where sulfur water gushes from a seaside spring. Esalen's baths mix meditation decks, stone tubs, and massage tables with only the sound of waves below.
Harbin Hot Springs
Middletown, CA
Rebuilt after the Valley Fire, this iconic retreat blends meditation decks, yoga domes, and terraced soaking pools fed by 114°F mineral water. Silent soaking zones keep the focus on rest and hydrotherapy.
Indian Springs Calistoga
Calistoga, CA
Historic Calistoga property with Olympic-length mineral pool, adults-only soaking grotto, and signature mud baths using geyser-fed water. Palm-lined decks and Art Deco details make it feel timeless.
Mono Hot Springs Resort
Lakeshore, CA
Historic Forest Service cabins, a cafe, and natural granite tubs sit along the upper San Joaquin River near Kaiser Wilderness trailheads.
Explore another state
Alabama
1 hot spring
1 free
Alaska
2 hot springs
Arizona
3 hot springs
1 free
Arkansas
2 hot springs
California
13 hot springs
3 free
Colorado
16 hot springs
2 free
Connecticut
Coming soon
Delaware
Coming soon
Florida
1 hot spring
Georgia
1 hot spring
Hawaii
1 hot spring
1 free
Idaho
10 hot springs
4 free
Illinois
1 hot spring
Indiana
1 hot spring
Iowa
Coming soon
Kansas
Coming soon
Kentucky
Coming soon
Louisiana
Coming soon
Maine
Coming soon
Maryland
Coming soon
Massachusetts
1 hot spring
Michigan
Coming soon
Minnesota
Coming soon
Mississippi
Coming soon
Missouri
1 hot spring
Montana
6 hot springs
Nebraska
Coming soon
Nevada
6 hot springs
3 free
New Hampshire
Coming soon
New Jersey
Coming soon
New Mexico
5 hot springs
3 free
New York
1 hot spring
North Carolina
1 hot spring
North Dakota
Coming soon
Ohio
Coming soon
Oklahoma
1 hot spring
1 free
Oregon
5 hot springs
Pennsylvania
1 hot spring
Rhode Island
Coming soon
South Carolina
Coming soon
South Dakota
1 hot spring
Tennessee
1 hot spring
Texas
1 hot spring
Utah
5 hot springs
2 free
Vermont
1 hot spring
Virginia
1 hot spring
Washington
3 hot springs
West Virginia
1 hot spring
Wisconsin
Coming soon
Wyoming
5 hot springs
2 free