Tassajara Hot SpringsTemporarily closed
Tassajara Hot Springs, CA · Resort/Spa
- 144°F· Scalding
- High Clearance/4x4
- High-clearance road
- Clothing Optional
The 22 Best Hot Springs in California
22 springs across 21 towns. 12 are undeveloped backcountry pools; 6 are developed resorts or bathhouses, and 9 are free to soak.
22 listings3 clothing optional9 free
All 22 springs in California, ranked
Ordered by what is confirmed rather than by opinion: springs with verified geothermal activity first, then by how many facts on the listing carry a source, then by review volume.
Harbin Hot Springs
Harbin Springs, CA · Resort/Spa
- 120°F· Scalding
- Paved Road
- Clothing Optional
- Camping on site
- $
Tecopa Hot Springs Park & Campground
Tecopa, CA · Community Pool
- 102°F· Ideal soak
- Paved Road
- Nude Required
- Camping on site
- $
Murrieta Hot Springs
Murrieta, CA · Resort/Spa
- 132°F· Scalding
- Paved Road
- Clothing Required
- $$$
Franklin Hot Springs
Paso Robles, CA · Resort/Spa
- 100.1°F· Ideal soak
- Paved Road
- Camping on site
- $$
Travertine Hot Springs
Bridgeport, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 90°F· Warm
- High Clearance/4x4
- High-clearance road
- Camping on site
- Free
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
North Landing, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 120°F· Scalding
- Short Walk
- Free
Keough's Hot Springs
Bishop, CA · Resort/Spa
- 124°F· Scalding
- Paved Road
- Camping on site
- $
Remington Hot Springs
Bodfish, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- Paved Road
- Clothing Required
- Free
Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Whitmore Hot Springs, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 108°F· Very hot
- Short Walk
- Clothing Optional
- Free
Grover Hot Springs State ParkTemporarily closed
Markleeville, CA · Community Pool
- 147°F· Scalding
- Short Walk
- Clothing Required
- Camping on site
Buckeye Hot Spring
Buckeye Hot Springs, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 140°F· Scalding
- Paved Road
- Free
Montecito Hot Springs
Santa Barbara, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 118°F· Scalding
- Short Walk
- Free
Miracle Hot SpringsTemporarily closed
Bodfish, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 119°F· Scalding
- Paved Road
Steep Ravine Hot Springs
Stinson Beach, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 90°F· Warm
- Paved Road
- Free
Iva Bell Hot Springs
Fish Creek Hot Springs, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 110°F· Very hot
- Hike-In (11 mi)
- Free
Willett Hot Springs
Willett Hot Springs, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 108°F· Very hot
- Hike-In (9.5 mi)
- Free
Scovern Hot SpringsPermanently closed
Lake Isabella, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 133°F· Scalding
- Paved Road
Lower Warm SpringsTemporarily closed
Lower Warm Springs, CA · Primitive/Backcountry
- 110°F· Very hot
- Dirt Road (35–40 mi from pavement)
Mono Hot Springs
Mono Hot Springs, CA · Resort/Spa
- 109°F· Very hot
- Paved Road
- Clothing Required
- $$
Casa Diablo Hot Springs, CaliforniaPermanently closed
Mono County, CA · Sightseeing Only
- 199°F· Scalding
- Paved Road
Upper Warm Spring
Upper Warm Spring, CA · Sightseeing Only
- Dirt Road (35–40 mi from pavement)
- No fee · viewing only
Best time to soak in California
Winter
Peak soaking season, but forest roads close and chains may be required.
Spring
Snowmelt can raise creek levels and cool or flood primitive pools.
Summer
All roads open; hot pools feel less appealing midday, so go early or late.
Fall
The sweet spot — open access, cool air, thin crowds.
Towns & regions in California
Every town with a hot spring — 21 in all.
Bodfish2Bishop1Bridgeport1Buckeye Hot Springs1Fish Creek Hot Springs1Harbin Springs1Lake Isabella1Lower Warm Springs1Markleeville1Mono County1Mono Hot Springs1Murrieta1North Landing1Paso Robles1Santa Barbara1Stinson Beach1Tassajara Hot Springs1Tecopa1Upper Warm Spring1Whitmore Hot Springs1Willett Hot Springs1