When you go for a vacation in the American Riviera of California, Santa Barbara, you find a plethora of beaches, large forest areas filled with stunning waterfalls, mountain seta, vineyards, and thick vegetation and spend some quality time outdoors in the natural landscape.
But have you thought about spending some hours at Santa Barbara’s heavenly adobe-the natural hot springs?
It just feels magical to jump into the soothing waters of these geothermal mineralized hot springs.
Seems like every bit of stress is getting floated away into the warm waters, rugged stones, and serene landscape.
Wanna have a sedative soak? If yes, then check out some of the best natural hot springs in Santa Barbara.
Hot springs in Santa Barbara, California
Hot springs Santa Barbara, CA are made of spilling rock pools with different mineral contents, depths, and temperatures perfect for an ideal soak in every season.
Water temperature in Santa Barbara
The water temperature in Santa Barbara ranges from 53°F-64°F.
What to carry on Hot Springs trail Santa Barbara?
Things to carry on with you while visiting any of the hot springs trails in Santa Barbara are mentioned below:
- Swimsuit
- Water bottle
- hiking shoes
- water shoes
- bug spray
- Sunglasses
- Head gear
- Sunscreen
5 Best Natural Hot Springs in Santa Barbara
Natural hot springs are famous in Santa Barbara for their therapeutic benefits and scenic locations.
Like Mammoth Lakes’s Hilltop Hot Springs, Santa Barbara offers diverse hot springs, from rugged coastlines to tranquil forests, catering to those seeking a relaxing soak or luxury spa experience.
So, let’s have a look at the top 5 natural hot springs in Santa Barbara.
Hot springs | Distance from Santa Barbara, CA | Duration |
---|---|---|
Montecito Hot Springs | 10 kilometers | 22 minutes |
Gaviota Hot Springs | 56 kilometers | 40 minutes |
Sespe Hot Springs | 80.5 kilometers | 1 hr 45 minutes |
Big & Little Caliente Springs | 60 kilometers | 1 hr 28 minutes |
Willett Hot Springs | 62 kilometers | 1 hr 32 minutes |
1. Montecito Hot Springs (Canyon)
Montecito Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in the Montecito Canyon near Santa Barbara, California. Montecito Hot Springs is filled with natural mineral water and lush vegetation.
The site has been popular for centuries, with indigenous peoples visiting the spring for its purported healing properties.
Today, the hot spring is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxing soak in nature.
Temperature | 112o F |
---|---|
Clothing | Optional |
Opening season | Autumn |
Hiking | Yes |
Camping | No |
How far is Montecito from Santa Barbara?
Montecito is 8 minutes (6.3 kilometers away from Santa Barbara.
How long does it take to hike to Montecito Hot Springs?
It takes about 2 hours to hike a 6.5-kilometer-long Trail to reach the Montecito Hot springs.
Hot spring Trail
You’ll need to hike for about 6 km round trip, which is challenging but relatively easy. In the hot springs trail Santa Barbara, you’ll see beautiful views, many trees, and a river.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Montecito Hot Springs is from November to April.
Pools
Montecito Hot Springs features six pools arranged in a cascading order based on temperature.
Getting there (Direction)
Montecito Hot Springs, California, is located east of Santa Barbara and can be accessed via Highway 101 or the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1.
Drive to the top of Ortega Hill and turn right onto East Valley Road. After about 1.5 km, turn left onto Hot Springs Road and drive 2.5 km until you see the sign for the hot springs.
2. Gaviota Hot Springs (Las Cruces)
Gaviota Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Gaviota State Park, California.
The hot spring offers visitors a chance to soak in warm water in a remote wilderness area surrounded by beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Temperature | 90-100o F |
Clothing | Optional |
Opening season | Year-round |
Hiking | Yes |
Camping | Yes |
Hot spring Trail
The hot spring trail Santa Barbara to Gaviota Hot Springs is approximately 4 km long and is rated as moderate to strenuous, with several steep sections and rocky terrain.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit California Gaviota Hot Springs is during the cooler months between October and April.
Pools
Gaviota Hot Springs features several natural pools along the creek, formed by geothermal water heated underground and flowing to the surface.
Getting there (Direction)
Gaviota Hot Springs can be reached via a 4 km hike from Gaviota State Park, following the hot springs canyon trailhead.
3. Big & Little Caliente Springs
Big and Little Caliente Springs are a pair of natural hot springs in Santa Barbara located in the Los Padres National near Santa Barbara.
Both springs offer visitors a chance to soak in mineral-rich, warm water surrounded by picturesque forest views.
The springs can be accessed by hiking a scenic trail, making them a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxing soak in nature.
Temperature | 90-110o F |
Clothing | Optional |
Opening season | Winter |
Hiking | Yes |
Camping | Yes |
Hot spring Trail
The hot spring trail in Big and Little Caliente Springs is approximately 6 km long and involves a moderate hike through the Los Padres National Forest, featuring stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Big and Little Caliente Springs is during the cooler months between October and April.
Pools
Big and Little Caliente Springs pools have a series of natural rock formations varying temperatures and depths.
Getting there (Direction)
Take Highway 101 to Highway 154 and drive about 32 km to Armour Ranch Road. Follow Armour Ranch Road for about 11 km until you reach the hot springs.
The last 3 km of the road can be rough, so drive carefully. Once you arrive, park in the designated area and hike to the springs.
4. Sespe Hot Springs
Sespe Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in the Los Padres National Forest near Fillmore, California.
The hot spring can only be accessed by hiking an 18-mile trail, making it a popular destination for backpackers and hikers seeking a remote wilderness experience.
The hot spring offers visitors a chance to soak in warm water and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding forest and nearby Sespe Creek.
Temperature | 100-120oF |
Clothing | Optional |
Opening season | Fall season |
Hiking | Yes |
Camping | Yes |
Hot spring Trail
The trail to Sespe Hot Springs starts at the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. It follows Sespe Creek for approximately 9 miles through the rugged and scenic Sespe Wilderness, crossing the creek several times before reaching the hot springs area.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Sespe Hot Springs is during the cooler months between October to May.
Pools
There are several natural pools of varying sizes and temperatures at Sespe Hot Springs, with some large enough to accommodate groups.
Getting there (Direction)
Take the Piedra Blanca Trailhead about 113 km north of Los Angeles, follow State Route 33 towards Ojai, turn right onto Rose Valley Road, and continue until you reach the trailhead parking area.
5. Willett Hot Springs
Willett Hot Springs is situated to the north of Ojai, California in the middle of the Sespe Wilderness of the Los Padres forest.
It offers visitors a relaxed, sheltered retreat for those who clear nearly 16 kilometers of a hike from the trailhead to reach the place.
Along with the ultimate warm pampering, it provides a mesmerizing mountain view from the pool characterized by unforgettable times and memories.
How far is Ojai from Santa Barbara?
Ojai natural hot springs are 47 minutes (54 kilometers) away from Santa Barbara.
Temperature | 99-102°F |
Clothing | Optional |
Opening season | Throughout the year |
Hiking | Hikers hike for about 15.3 kilometers from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead to Sespe Trail to reach the spot. |
Camping | Backcountry Camping is cost-free at Los Padres national forest. Ask for a permit to use stoves and campfires. |
Hot spring Trail
Hikers who want a soak in the Willett Hot Springs have to hide 15.3 km along the Sespe river trail after reaching the Piedra Balance Trailhead. This trailhead is 48.3 kilometers outside of Ojai.
Best time to visit
The spring and fall seasons are the best time to visit the Willett Hot Springs. During this time the flow of the Sespe river remains the strongest. The spring remains dry during summer.
Pools
1 large man-made pool.
Getting there (Direction)
From Ojai town head towards Hwy 33 north for 24 kilometers and take the right road to reach the Piedra Blanca Trailhead or Rose Valley which is 8 kilometers from the turning.
Follow the signs to reach – Sespe River Trail or Piedra Blanca Trailhead. Take the paved road to reach the parking lot.
Hikers can hike for 16 kilometers from Piedra Blanca Trailhead to reach the Hot Springs via Sespe River Trail.
Hot Springs in Santa Barbara FAQs
Can you swim in Montecito?
The butterfly beach in Montecito is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other water recreations.
How long is the hot springs hike in Santa Barbara?
The hot springs hike in Santa Barbara is a 6.43 kilometers loop trail.
Are the Montecito hot springs man-made?
Montecito Hot Springs are naturally made but developed by Wilbur Curtiss but are now owned and run by the land trust of Santa Barbara County.
Are California hot springs free?
Hot springs in California are mostly undeveloped and visiting is free of cost.
Conclusion
Whether you are visiting to California for a long vacation, don’t miss the chance to spend some hours adoring the beautiful Santa Barbara mountain landscapes and soak in any of these hot springs in Santa Barbara.
Keep this list with you to not miss out on this soothing outdoor excitement of California.
And if you in any case take a tour to Northern California, don’t miss soaking in Tahoe Hot Springs.