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Tucked between the Pacific coastline and the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara is best known for its Mediterranean-style charm, historic architecture, and sun-soaked beaches. But just beyond the city’s palm-lined streets lies a more tranquil kind of escape — natural hot springs nestled in the surrounding mountains and canyons.
From secluded backcountry pools requiring a scenic hike to full-service spa resorts with mineral-fed tubs, the hot springs near Santa Barbara offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking to soak in silence under oak trees or unwind at a hillside resort with sweeping views, these thermal spots make the perfect complement to your Central Coast itinerary.
While this guide focuses on the best hot springs near Santa Barbara, you can explore even more across the state in our full California hot springs guide.
Map of Hot Springs Near Santa Barbara
8 Hot Springs Near Santa Barbara
1. Montecito Hot Springs (5.3 Miles)
Visitors staying in Santa Barbara won’t have to travel far to submerge in the region’s famous mineral waters. In fact, the Montecito Hot Springs — just over five miles from downtown — are tucked into the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering a peaceful backcountry escape just minutes from the coast.
While the site was once home to a 19th-century thermal resort, including a bathhouse and hotel, those original structures have long since disappeared. Today, the land is preserved by The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, ensuring public access and protecting the natural habitat.
Despite their proximity to town, reaching the springs still requires a bit of effort. The Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a moderately challenging 4-mile round-trip hike that winds through shaded oak forests and scenic chaparral terrain. Expect to gain some elevation — and bring plenty of water.
Once you reach the springs, you’ll find a series of primitive pools built into the hillsides, each cascading into the next. Temperatures vary from pool to pool, with the warmest — located at the top — averaging around 112°F year-round. The lower pools tend to be cooler but still pleasantly warm, making them ideal for soaking in sequence.
With no amenities onsite, this is very much a pack-in, pack-out destination — perfect for those looking to unwind in a quiet, rustic setting. For a deeper look into the site’s fascinating history, check out the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s feature.
2. Gaviota Hot Springs (33 Miles)
Also known as Las Cruces Hot Springs, the Gaviota Hot Springs are nestled within Gaviota State Park and offer a tranquil spot to unwind after a scenic hike along California’s Central Coast. Just about 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, this rustic soaking destination blends accessibility with natural charm.
Reaching the springs requires only a short 0.6-mile hike from the Gaviota Hot Springs and Trespass Trailhead, making it one of the easiest-to-access hot springs in the region. The trail is moderately steep but manageable and rewards visitors with sweeping views of coastal hills and chaparral terrain.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find two small cement pools built into the hillside, partially shaded by overhanging brush. The waters are mineral-rich, slightly sulfurous, and generally hover above ambient air temperature — usually in the 90–100°F range, depending on the season.
These springs are primitive — there are no developed facilities or changing areas, and camping is not allowed within the immediate vicinity. However, there are several campgrounds nearby, or you can simply visit as a day trip from Santa Barbara.
There is a $10 entrance fee for Gaviota State Park and a $2 parking fee at the trailhead. For more info on the hike and local trail conditions, check out this AllTrails guide, or browse additional details via Explore Lompoc.
3. The Big & Little Caliente Springs (40 Miles)
Tucked deep in the Los Padres National Forest, about 40 miles from Santa Barbara, the Big and Little Caliente Hot Springs offer a rustic and remote soaking experience that once drew adventurous visitors for their natural mineral-rich waters and scenic mountain setting.
Located at the end of a nine-mile dirt road, the springs are considered primitive and are a favorite among hikers, bikers, and horseback riders when access allows. The main soaking spot — Big Caliente — features a large cement tub with water temperatures that can reach up to 115°F. Temperature control valves allow visitors to adjust the heat slightly by redirecting flow from the source.
Nearby, Little Caliente Hot Springs once provided two smaller rock-lined pools along a creek, offering slightly cooler soaks averaging around 105°F. However, Little Caliente is currently closed to the public under Forest Order 05-07-54-24-14, and access is prohibited until further notice.
Access to the springs is highly weather-dependent. The road to Big Caliente is frequently closed during wet conditionsdue to safety concerns and road erosion. When closed to vehicles, the trail remains open for non-motorized use — making it accessible year-round by foot, bike, or horseback, though the journey becomes significantly longer.
Day-use access is free, but if you’re planning to camp in the area, you’ll need to obtain an Adventure Pass. For updated road closures, current conditions, and safety notices, check with the Los Padres National Forest before making the trip.
⚠️ Important: Always confirm current access restrictions, especially following rainstorms. Conditions change frequently.
4. Ojai Hot Springs (38.2 Miles)
Formerly known as Ojai Hot Springs, Ecotopia is a privately owned thermal sanctuary just over 38 miles from Santa Barbara. Once open to the public, the site has been transformed into a reservation-only soaking experience, with an emphasis on environmental preservation and mindful relaxation.
The property features five natural rock-bottom pools, with temperatures ranging from 100°F to 106°F, nestled in a lush, tranquil canyon setting. Surrounded by native foliage, waterfalls, and a charming rustic bridge, the area offers an intimate and serene escape into nature.
To maintain the peaceful atmosphere, Ecotopia enforces a strict code of conduct: no technology, drugs, alcohol, or outside disturbances. The facility also limits access to only 10 guests at a time, ensuring a quiet, meditative experience for each visitor.
Access is available by reservation only, and a $20 donation per person helps fund maintenance and conservation of the site. After parking, a 300+ foot paved trail leads guests directly to the springs.
There is no lodging available onsite, but visitors can find campsites nearby at Wheeler Gorge Campground — a great option if you plan to explore more of the Los Padres National Forest during your stay, or stay in Santa Barbara.
5. Willett Hot Springs (60 Miles)
Deep in the Sespe Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, Willett Hot Springs is one of the most remote and rewarding soaking experiences near Santa Barbara. Like the nearby Big and Little Caliente Springs, this primitive hot spring requires effort to reach — a 10-mile one-way hike from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead along the Sespe River Trail.
While the trek is long, the route offers stunning river views, desert canyons, and diverse wildlife. For those willing to make the journey, the hot spring offers a welcome payoff — a warm soak beneath the stars in a quiet, off-grid setting.
The pool itself is man-made, but it’s filled with natural mineral water sourced from the nearby spring. Temperatures typically hover around 100°F, making it an ideal place to soothe sore muscles after the long hike in.
Due to its remote location and simple design, the pool can sometimes become murky or dirty. Visitors are encouraged to drain and clean the tub using the provided brushes if needed — just be aware that it takes about an hour to refill.
For up-to-date trail conditions or planning help, check the AllTrails guide for the Sespe River Trail to Willett Hot Springsand additional info from Hidden California.
6. Sespe Hot Springs (65 Miles)
If you’re up for a serious backcountry adventure, Sespe Hot Springs might just be the most rewarding soak in Southern California. Tucked deep within the Sespe Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest — about 65 miles from Santa Barbara — these remote springs are known for their raw beauty, intense heat, and total seclusion.
Getting there isn’t for the faint of heart. Most visitors take the Sespe River Trail, a 16.8-mile trek (one-way) from the Piedra Blanca trailhead near Ojai. It’s a long journey through rugged terrain, river crossings, and exposed desert stretches — but the views are epic, and the solitude is unmatched. Alternate routes like Alder Creek or Johnston Ridge are shorter, but steeper and less maintained.
The springs themselves emerge piping hot — up to 190°F at the source — and flow down into several soaking spots along the hillside. Some pools are lined with rocks or sandbags, and temperatures are much more tolerable the farther you move from the source. You can also cool off with a quick dip in Sespe Creek nearby.
Because of the distance and difficulty, Sespe rarely draws crowds. This makes it a favorite for experienced hikers, thru-hikers, and hot spring purists seeking an off-grid experience. There are no amenities here, and you’ll need to pack in (and out) everything you need — but the reward is a truly wild soak under the stars.
Planning a trip? Check trail conditions and maps on AllTrails before heading out.
7. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa (87.2 Miles)
Located about an hour and a half north of Santa Barbara, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is one of the most expansive and luxurious hot spring destinations along California’s Central Coast. Set in a serene canyon just minutes from Avila Beach, the resort blends wellness, nature, and relaxation in a picture-perfect setting.
What sets Sycamore apart is its variety of soaking options. Guests can choose from 24 hillside hot tubs tucked into the forest, in-room mineral baths, or a large waterfall lagoon that seats up to 20 people—ideal for group relaxation or a romantic evening under the stars.
The resort also features a full-service spa, offering massages, facials, and body treatments, as well as luxury accommodations and The Gardens of Avila Restaurant, which focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Soaking sessions are available daily from 8:00 AM, with the last reservation at 10:45 PM. Entry fees range from $23 to $28 per person, per hour, depending on the day. Towel rentals are available for $3. Reservations are required.
With its calming atmosphere and comprehensive amenities, Sycamore Mineral Springs is a perfect day trip or overnight retreat for those looking to unwind near Santa Barbara.
8. Avila Hot Springs (87,5 Miles)
Located about an hour and a half northwest of Santa Barbara, Avila Hot Springs is a laid-back, family-friendly spot that’s perfect for a casual soak near the Central Coast. It’s not the closest option, but if you’re heading up Highway 101 or exploring nearby Avila Beach, it’s a relaxing place to take a break.
The main draw is the outdoor mineral soaking pool, naturally heated and rich in minerals — great for relaxing tired muscles. There’s also a heated freshwater pool with water slides, which operate on weekends from 12 to 5 p.m., making it a solid pick for families.
Admission is straightforward: $29 for adults, $26 for kids and seniors, or just $18 if you arrive early (before noon) or visit for the Sundowner Swim & Soak after 5 p.m. Non-swimmers can enter with a $10 spectator pass.
