California hot springs are a soothing alternative to your pricier spa day, with the added bonus of a much-needed nature escape. Lucky for us, Los Angeles is close to some of the most incredible natural thermal springs.
As these are natural hot springs near Los Angeles, it’s super important to treat these beautiful out-of-a-movie-locations with the utmost respect. All the normal camping and hiking etiquette applies:
- Leave no trace.
- Don’t use any soap or bath products in the water.
- Keep the noise down to a minimum to respect the surrounding areas.
- Don’t bring glass into the pools.
- Don’t pee in the pools.
Note that clothing is optional at many of these hot springs and it’s always advisable to bring plenty of water to prevent dehydration, a map in case you lose signal, and you should always check official park websites before going. With that out of the way, here are our favorite hot springs near Los Angeles.
Table Of Contents
Natural hot spring destinations
1. Deep Creek Hot Springs
The dappling thermal waters of this outdoor oasis absolutely need to be on your list. After about a two-mile hike you’ll get to submerge in warm rock pools with temperatures reaching around 100 degrees as you take in the sweeping vistas of the valley. To get to these hot springs near Los Angeles, you will have to pass through icy cold water, but it’s all part of the experience, isn’t it?
šLocation: Pacific Crest Trail, Apple Valley, CA 92308
š Distance from DTLA: 91 miles
2. Montecito Hot Springs
In the 1800s, Montecito Hot Springs, also known as Hot Springs Canyon, was a thriving resort. Today, the aqua thermal springs nestled in the coastal mountains of San Padre remain. Itās currently run by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and is filled with hikers making their way through the picturesque surroundings to the canyon. Montecito Hot Springs has six pools, cascading down the canyon from hottest to coolest. Each one is enclosed with circular walls made of large stones and can fit around five to ten people.
šLocation: 1217 E Mountain Dr, Montecito, CA 93108
š Distance from DTLA: 93 miles
3. Willet and Sespe Hot Springs
Just a few miles farther from Deep Creek lie two stunning and secluded California hot springs near Los Angeles, that take a lot of extra work to reap their magical rewards. To reach Sespe Hot Springs you’ll have to tie up your hiking boots and trek about 15 miles down the Sespe River in the Los Padres National Forest. Willet Hot Springs is a bit closer at 9.5 miles from the Piedra Blanca trailhead. We won’t lie to you: if it sounds strenuous, it’s because it is. But dipping into the naturally healing waters of these geothermal springs will make it all worth it.
šLocation: Piedra Blanca Trailhead in Los Padres National Forest, Rose Valley Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
š Distance from DTLA: 100 miles
4. Gaviota Hot Springs
Make sure to add Gaviota Hot Springs to your Santa Barbara itinerary; it’s just a short drive north and a quick hike from the parking area leads you to the mineral waters. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this hidden gem offers both tranquility and beauty. After a relaxing soak, consider extending your adventure by exploring the nearby Trespass Trail for more rejuvenation and exploration.
šLocation: Gaviota Hot Springs, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
š Distance from DTLA: 130 miles
5. Big and Little Caliente Hot Springs
Nestled amongst the canyons in the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara, you’ll find a series of cascading rock and mortar pools out in the open. While your odds of enjoying this little oasis to yourself are pretty high, you’ll need to go on a 10-mile hike for that seclusion. The journey there is downhill but can be tricky as it narrows down towards the springs. There have also been reports of quicksand.
šLocation: Forest Road 5N16 Santa Barbara, CA 93105
š Distance from DTLA: 135 miles
6. Remington Hot Springs
One of the best hot springs near Los Angeles is adorned with unique hippie artwork, setting it apart. Today, it stands as the only free and public undeveloped hot spring in the Kern River Valley. Offering a tranquil ambiance and a chance for a rejuvenating soak, it remains blissfully uncrowded. Though accessing Remington Hot Spring involves a challenging steep hike, the natural beauty and peaceful riverside pools, adorned with river rocks and messages of love and peace, make it worth the effort.
šLocation: Remington Hot Spring Kern River Canyon Kern County, CA 93238
š Distance from DTLA: 148
7. Saline Valley Warm Springs
For those in search of secluded hot springs near Los Angeles, this spot in Death Valley National Park is a perfect choice. Surrounded by open desert and distant mountains, it offers a serene oasis to unwind and soak in nature’s beauty. While clothing-optional, it’s an idyllic location to bask in the tranquility of the desert and enjoy a rejuvenating dip in the natural spring waters.
šLocation: Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, DEATH VALLEY, CA 92328
š Distance from DTLA: 214 miles
8. Tecopa Hot Springs
For those who are avid outdoor spa seekers willing to journey a little further, Tecopa is a stunning natural haven. The grass-lined pools are a gorgeous aquamarine color, offering endless views of the famous Death Valley National Park. These piping-hot pools have been millions of years in the making and are definitely worth a weekend trip. Some local resorts harness the natural hot springs for a more catered experience, including Tecopa Hot Springs Resort and Delight’s Hot Springs Resort.
šLocation: Tecopa Hot Springs Road, Tecopa, CA 92389
š Distance from DTLA: 231 miles
Hot spring spas and curated experiences
9. Beverly Hot Springs
While this first stop isn’t out in the wild, it’s the only geothermal spa that features 100% natural hot springs fueled by an artesian well in Los Angeles. This luxurious Korean bath house is a cave-like sanctuary that offers full spa treatments including massages, skin care treatments, steam and dry herbal saunas, a powder room and lounge areas.ā The spa waters contain sodium bicarbonate and the temperature ranges from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with separate sections for men and women.
šLocation: 308 N Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
š Distance from DTLA: 4.7 miles
10. Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Glen Ivy Hot Springs, founded in 1860, beckons relaxation seekers to its natural mineral waters and wellness offerings in Corona. This day spa boasts lounge pools, mud baths, saunas, and 104-degree natural mineral baths. Whether soaking, indulging in spa treatments, or savoring fresh juice at the farm-to-table restaurant.
šLocation: 25000 Glen Ivy Rd, Temescal Valley, CA 92883
š Distance from DTLA: 58 miles
11. The Spring Resort & Spa
This adults-only retreat in Desert Hot Springs boasts amazing views of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountains and is all about relaxation and rejuvenation. Dive into three mineral pools known for their pain-relieving and health-boosting benefits. You can also book a spa treatment, unwind in the sauna, or chill out in the mineral waters. Itās one of the top hot springs spots near Los Angeles for a chill desert escape.
šLocation: 12699 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
š Distance from DTLA: 111 miles
12. Salton Sea
Nestled in a serene desert setting, this natural mineral spring facility is a true oasis. Spread across 90 acres, it features fantastic amenities like freshwater hot spas, steam rooms, and a waterfall spa.
Bashfordās hot mineral spa, located at the base of Chocolate Mountain, offers a refreshing hot water spa and six mineral baths fed by water from 530 feet below the surface. You can also take a dip in the heated swimming pools and whirlpools for the ultimate relaxation experience.
šLocation: Salton Sea, CA
š Distance from DTLA: 164 miles
13. Elsinore Hot Springs & Lodge
Elsinore Hot Springs & Lodge provides a peaceful retreat from the city with its well-equipped complex centered around its namesake natural springs from Elsinore Lake. Guests can enjoy a variety of soaking options both indoors and outdoors. While the indoor pool and hot tub use natural mineral water, they are treated with chlorine for maintenance.
šLocation: 316 N Main St, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
š Distance from DTLA: 68.9 miles
14. Wonder Valley Hot Springs
If you’re able to make the trip out past Joshua Tree, you’re in for a treat at Wonder Valley Hot Springs. They have cabins and houses available for short-term rentals, each of which comes with its own private granite soaking tub where you can relax in thermal hot springs water. Options are available for couples, small groups, and single visitors.
šLocation: 4715 Wilson Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
š Distance from DTLA: 155 miles
Edited by SofĆa Delpueche and Jamie Ferrell