Hot Springs Near Santa Barbara, California

Eleven hot springs sit within 100 miles of Santa Barbara, with the closest in the Los Padres National Forest behind town. Montecito Hot Springs is about 8 miles from downtown via Hot Springs Road and a short trail. Little Caliente Hot Springs, roughly 10 miles into the forest, and Big Caliente Hot Springs at 115 degrees, about 12 miles in, are free backcountry pools reached by trail or a seasonal dirt road. West along the coast, Gaviota State Park Hot Springs is about 35 miles with a short trail to a warm pool. East in the Sespe Wilderness, Sespe Hot Springs has a 185-degree source, the hottest in the radius, but requires a 17-mile backcountry hike. North on US-101 toward San Luis Obispo, Avila Hot Springs and Sycamore Mineral Springs are about 80 miles, developed facilities near Pismo Beach with pools and lodging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest hot spring to Santa Barbara?

Montecito Hot Springs is about 8 miles from downtown Santa Barbara via Hot Springs Road and a short trail into the Los Padres National Forest, roughly 20 minutes by car plus a hike. The free spring has small rock pools in a canyon above Montecito. Little Caliente is about 10 miles further into the forest.

Are there free hot springs near Santa Barbara?

Six of the 11 hot springs within 100 miles of Santa Barbara are free. Montecito, Little Caliente, and Big Caliente are in the Los Padres backcountry within 12 miles of town. Gaviota is about 35 miles west. Willett and Sespe in the Sespe Wilderness are backcountry springs requiring longer hikes east.

How far is Santa Barbara from Big Caliente Hot Springs?

Big Caliente Hot Springs is about 12 miles north of Santa Barbara in the Los Padres National Forest, reached by a seasonal dirt road off Camino Cielo and a short trail, or by a longer hike from several trailheads. The free pool has 115-degree water in a forest canyon. Road access depends on seasonal conditions.

Which hot springs near Santa Barbara are good for families?

Avila Hot Springs near San Luis Obispo, about 80 miles north on US-101, has a supervised pool and a family recreation area. Sycamore Mineral Springs, nearby, has private hillside tubs at a resort. Gaviota State Park Hot Springs, roughly 35 miles west, has a short trail to a warm pool in a park setting.

Can I visit Sespe Hot Springs from Santa Barbara?

Sespe Hot Springs in the Sespe Wilderness is about 42 miles east of Santa Barbara by straight line, but reaching it requires a 17-mile one-way backcountry hike from the Mutau Flat or Piedra Blanca trailhead. The 185-degree source is one of the hottest in California. This is a multi-day trip, not a day hike.