Quick FactsOverview
About Franklin Hot Springs
Franklin Hot Springs, California is a paid public hot spring at 3015 Creston Road in Paso Robles, open daily from 7:30am to 9pm. A large outdoor swimming area maintained near 97 degrees Fahrenheit and a smaller concrete hot tub at around 100 degrees are both fed by a continuous-flow artesian geothermal spring discovered in 1952 when the Franklin family's oil drilling attempt hit hot water instead. Day admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children under 14, seniors, and military, covering all-day pool access and the adjacent fishing pond.
The property is rustic and privately owned, operated by the same family for six generations. The spring produces mineral-rich water with no chemical additives and a detectable sulfur odor. Tent camping is $20 per night plus admission; RV camping with electric and water hookups is $30 per night plus admission, with a one-week maximum. No fishing license is required on the private property, and non-motorized boats are welcome on the pond.
The site is one of the few remaining accessible natural hot springs in California in the Central Coast region, open to the public since 1963. It sits in the wine country hills east of Paso Robles and hosts occasional outdoor music events through the year.
Location & Access
Getting to Franklin Hot Springs
Franklin Hot Springs is at 3015 Creston Road in Paso Robles, approximately 2.3 miles east of US-101. Heading south on US-101 toward Paso Robles, take the Spring Street exit, turn right onto Niblick Road, then right again onto Creston Road and continue approximately 2.3 miles to the Franklin Hot Springs sign on the right side of the road. Walk-ins are welcome with no advance reservation required for day use. Camping reservations are recommended on weekends and during busy periods.
Standard vehicles can reach the property on paved roads. The site has an ADA-compliant main entrance and accessible parking near the entrance, as listed on the official business profile. Some areas around the pools and fishing pond have natural, uneven terrain beyond the main entrance. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the property directly to confirm current conditions before visiting.
For visitors looking for hot springs near Paso Robles in the Central Coast wine country, Franklin Hot Springs is the primary publicly accessible geothermal soaking option in the immediate area. It is open year-round with no seasonal closure. Summer afternoons in Paso Robles can exceed 90 degrees, and early morning or evening visits are more comfortable for soaking during warm months.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Franklin Hot Springs
Franklin Hot Springs suits families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking affordable public hot spring access in the Central Coast wine country. The $10 adult day pass is among the lowest admission prices for any publicly accessible mineral spring in California. Children receive a discounted rate, and the fishing pond and wildlife add practical appeal for families. The rustic character of the property, which includes natural pool surfaces, a sulfur odor, and a working-farm aesthetic, suits visitors who prefer an undeveloped setting over a resort.
Visitors expecting manicured grounds, spa services, or a polished facility will find Franklin Hot Springs does not match those expectations. Multiple visitor accounts describe dark-colored pool water due to naturally high mineral content and a pronounced sulfur smell that most guests acclimate to during their visit. Many long-term regulars visit specifically for therapeutic relief from joint pain, muscle soreness, and other chronic conditions, citing the no-additive mineral water as the draw.
Those seeking soaking pools in California near the Paso Robles wine region will find this the most accessible and affordable option in the area. The combination of soaking, fishing, boating, and camping from a single day admission gives it practical appeal for overnight visitors. Day visitors can pair a visit with Paso Robles wine tasting, a short drive west on US-101. The property is pet-friendly.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Franklin Hot Springs
Franklin Hot Springs is generally safe to visit as a public day-use facility. The pools are fed by a continuous-flow artesian spring with no chemical additives. The large swimming area runs near 97 degrees Fahrenheit and the hot tub holds around 100 degrees, both within typical soaking ranges. Visitors should test water temperature before entering the hotter tub and take breaks to avoid overheating. Pool surfaces and surrounding terrain are natural and uneven in places; water shoes are practical for moving around the site.
The spring water has a sulfur odor and is naturally high in minerals. Pool water may appear dark or murky due to mineral content and naturally occurring algae. Visitors with open wounds, skin conditions, or compromised immune systems should take this into account. The main pool depth ranges from approximately 4 to 15 feet; the hot tub is approximately 3 feet deep. There is no lifeguard on duty.
Summer daytime temperatures in Paso Robles regularly exceed 90 degrees, and soaking in warm pools during peak afternoon heat increases the risk of dehydration. Morning or evening visits during summer are advisable. No medical services are on-site; the nearest emergency services are in Paso Robles, approximately 10 to 15 minutes west.
Camping guests should prepare for windy conditions overnight and secure tents accordingly. The property is pet-friendly but owners must supervise pets near pools and the pond. Visitors should carry drinking water for extended stays. Confirm current fire and camping policies with the property when booking.
