My Favorite California Hot Springs

I’m a Southern California local who’s visited tons of hot springs across the state. This guide spotlights my favorites, along with their admission fees, features, and the best times to visit.

Some of these springs require just a short day hike. Others are near scenic campgrounds or set within relaxing resorts, perfect for an overnight stay. If you want to melt your worries and ailments away, don’t miss these travel-worthy California hot springs.

9 Best Hot Springs to Visit In California

Deep Creek Hot Springs

17 miles from Hesperia

📍 Google Maps | Deep Creek Hot Springs Website | Phone: (760) 252-6000

Deep Creek Hot Springs is revered by Southern California locals. It even made my list of the best things to do in California! Deep Creek is located off I-15 North. You can reach this hot spring from a few different hiking trails.

The most popular way to get to the springs is via Bowen Ranch from the I-15. At Bowen Ranch Road, the path splits to both the left and the right. You must pay the $10 entrance fee both ways. If you stick to the right, you’ll reach the Deep Creek Campground Camp. You can stay here for $15 a night.

From Bowen Ranch, the trail is 2.5 miles one-way. You’ll need to cross the chilly Deep Creek right before the hot springs, so be prepared to swim. There are several soaking pools right on the creek with gorgeous canyon views. 

Don’t want to pay the fee? More enthusiastic hikers can reach Deep Creek Hot Springs by hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Park on Arrowhead Lake Rd near I-713 and embark on a 6.2-mile hike to the springs to make this completely free. 

🎟️ Admission: $10 day fee via Bowen Ranch
🌡️ Temp: 90-108 F
📅 Season: Year-round
♨️ Features: Camping at Bowen ranch with pit toilets, clothing optional

Wild Willy’s Hot Spring

13 miles from Mammoth Lakes

📍 Google Maps | Wild Willy’s Hot Spring Website

There are plenty of hot springs to choose from in Mammoth Lakes, but Wild Willy’s is usually the first pick. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Mammoth Lakes. It’s also very easily accessible, set only a 0.6-mile walk from the parking area.

The scenery surrounding Wild Willy’s makes it my absolute favorite. You’re surrounded by wide-open grasslands and jagged High Sierra peaks in the distance. The best part about Wild Willy’s? It’s free! 

To get to Wild Willy’s from Highway 395 North, turn right at the “green church,” or Benton Crossing Rd. Then, watch for cars turning down a side street on the right about halfway down the road since there are no hot spring signs.

🎟️ Admission: Free
🌡️ Temp: 95-105 F
📅 Season: Year-round
♨️ Features: Pit toilets, clothing optional

Tecopa Hot Springs

34 miles from Death Valley Junction.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a stay at Death Valley Hot Springs

Tecopa hot springs are located near the southern end of Death Valley National Park. This area is dense with thermals.

You can visit either the free hot springs, or go for a soak at the Death Valley Hot Springs resort.

The free pools can be a bit muddy and there are no facilities. However, they’re a great option for budget travelers.

At the Death Valley Hot Springs resort, you’ll find several outdoor natural hot spring pools. The property has cabins, motel rooms, and RV spaces for rent. This is a great option if you want to soak in a cleaner environment.

These are the only natural hot springs on this list near a national park. The nearby town of Tecopa is home to Death Valley Brewing, one of the coolest and most remote breweries in California.

🎟️ Admission: (Death Valley Hot Springs resort): $35 adults, $25 child, $30 senior, free for resort guests for resort guests
🌡️ Temp: 102-104  F
📅 Season: Fall – Spring
♨️ Features: Resort amenities, pool, bathroom, shower

Travertine Hot Spring

2 miles from Bridgeport

📍 Google Maps

The Eastern Sierra’s Travertine Hot Spring is located near Bridgeport and is completely free to the public. Clothing is optional in this natural hot spring. It’s located on BLM land, hidden by forest foliage and surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks.

There are 4 rustic tubs carved into the rock at Travertine Hot Spring. This is a hot soaking destination (pun intended) because the hot springs are a very easy walk from the parking lot. You’ll often encounter other soakers and campers at Travertine. However, Buckeye Hot Spring is across the way if it gets too crowded.

🎟️ Admission: Free
🌡️ Temp: 98-120 F
📅 Season: Year-round
♨️ Features: Free camping, clothing optional

Buckeye Hot Spring

10 miles from Bridgeport

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (775) 331-6444

Buckeye Hot Springs is down the road from Travertine Hot Spring in the charming town of Bridgeport. It’s tucked away in the Stanislaus National Forest, and Buckeye is one of the most favored hot springs in California. 

These geothermal Sierra hot springs have a forested view of Buckeye Creek and the surrounding snowy Sierra Mountains. Multiple rock pools ensure there’s enough room for the whole family. 

Buckeye is one of my favorite free hot springs where the cold creek meets the geothermal springs. Cold plunge at your own risk, however, as the creek water comes straight from the high-altitude peaks.

🎟️ Admission: Free
🌡️ Temp: 100-140 F
📅 Season: Year-round
♨️ Features: Natural hot spring pools, nearby campground, clothing optional

Agua Caliente Springs Park

32 miles from Julian

📍 Google Maps | Agua Caliente Springs Park Website | Phone: (760) 765-1188

The Agua Caliente Springs Park is located in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. This hot springs resort and campground has two naturally-fed pools. One is indoors and the other is outdoors. I camped nearby in my motorhome and enjoyed both pools at various times of the day.

The indoor natural pool is hotter and perfect for easing sore muscles. However, the outdoor pool has a more scenic view of the dense surrounding desert. Soaking in the desert hot springs isn’t limited to campers only. Day-use fees are only $3 for adults and kids.

🎟️ Admission: $3 day use, $34 camping reservation
🌡️ Temp: 106-129 F
📅 Season: Fall – Spring
♨️ Features: Campground, flushable toilets, showers

Sykes Hot Springs

16 miles from Big Sur

📍 Google Maps | Sykes Hot Springs Website | Phone: (831) 667-2315

Sykes Hot Springs is located in Big Sur, one of the most popular stops along California’s picturesque Central Coast.

The only way to access the Sykes springs is by hiking. The Pine Ridge Trail is the most popular route, although it’s no easy feat. A 9-mile one-way trek is required to reach the springs, so most soakers opt to backpack and camp along the way. 

Most hikers start from Big Sur Station and camp at Sykes Campground in the Los Padres National Forest. There are a few small pools at the campground, but the main pools at the end of the trail are well worth the adventure. 

🎟️ Admission: Free
🌡️ Temp: 100 F
📅 Season: Year-round
♨️ Features: Campground, hike-in / hike-out

Crab Cooker Hot Springs

13 miles from Mammoth Lakes

📍 Google Maps

Crab Cooker is another free and popular Mammoth Lakes hot spring. It requires a short 0.2-mile hike to visit. 

The spring consists of a man-made cement tub and can accommodate up to six people. Camping at the hot spring is prohibited, but there is plenty of BLM land in the area for people who want to make their visit an overnight adventure. 

High-clearance cars are recommended to reach the trailhead but are not required. Be cautious if visiting Crab Cooker after snow or rain, however, as the road is notorious for washing out.

🎟️ Admission: Free
🌡️ Temp: 105 F
📅 Season: Year-round
♨️ Features: Primitive hot springs in California, clothing optional

Esalen Hot Springs at Esalen Institute

16 miles from Big Sur

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (831) 667-3000

Esalen Hot Spring is also known as Slates Hot Spring, and it’s another popular Big Sur geothermal spring. The springs are a part of the Esalen Institute Retreat Center, and their jaw-dropping beauty is why I added them to this list.

The Esalen springs are located on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, so you can watch ocean sunsets and whale flukes right from your spa. The retreat center also has yoga, massage facilities, and other wellness accommodations.

🎟️ Admission: Hot spring use free with a stay at Esalen Institute
🌡️ Temp: 119 F
📅 Season: Year-round
♨️ Features: Accommodation, bathrooms, showers, retreat facilities

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That’s it for my ultimate guide to California hot springs. You’ve got plenty of options for hot springs all over the state, but in my honest opinion, these are the best.

Planning more outdoor adventures? Check out my guide to the most popular hikes in California for even more fun.