Ranking ·
2026 Best Hot Springs in California
We prioritized water quality, booking experience, and crowd management. Every pick links to a full schema-ready soaking guide.
Spring type
Access
Cost
Deal-breakers
#1
95°–112°F9 pools · drive upResortResort guestsClothing optionalEsalen 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.
lodgingspamassagefoodView soaking guide →#2
95°–114°F9 pools · drive upResortDay passClothing optionalHarbin 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.
lodgingspamassagefoodView soaking guide →#3
90°–108°F6 pools · drive upResortDay passClothing optionalOrr 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.
lodgingspamassageView soaking guide →#4
95°–107°F4 pools · short walkWild & RemoteFree / PrimitiveClothing optionalTravertine 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.
View soaking guide →#5
98°–112°F3 pools · drive upResortDay passClothing optionalWilbur Hot Springs
Williams, CA
A solar-powered nature reserve where rustic hotel rooms and tent platforms overlook the south fork of Cache Creek.
lodgingcampingspamassageView soaking guide →#6
102°–108°F11 pools · drive upPrimitiveDay passClothing optionalBenton 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.
lodgingcampingView soaking guide →#7
100°–120°F3 pools · moderate hikeWild & RemoteFree / PrimitiveClothing optionalBuckeye 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.
campingView soaking guide →#8
92°–102°F2 pools · drive upResortResort guestsIndian 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.
lodgingspamassagefoodView soaking guide →#9
95°–110°F4 pools · drive upResortDay passClothing optionalSierra Hot Springs
Sierraville, CA
Nonprofit retreat blending geothermal pools, massage workshops, and forested campsites minutes from Lake Tahoe’s north shore.
lodgingcampingspamassage+1 moreView soaking guide →#10
99°–104°F23 pools · drive upResortDay passSycamore 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.
lodgingspamassagefoodView soaking guide →#11
95°–103°F2 pools · short walkPrimitiveFree / PrimitiveClothing optionalWild 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.
View soaking guide →#12
95°–104°F6 pools · drive upResortDay passMono 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.
lodgingcampingfoodguided toursView soaking guide →