The Best California Hot Springs
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The Best California Hot Springs
Michaela Rabinov
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Hot springs are one of my favorite things to explore anywhere I am, and California has some amazing ones. Here’s an ongoing list of all the ones I’ve explored from SoCal to NorCal, and everywhere in between. Whenever I visit a new hot spring, I’ll add it to this list.
This guide is ever-growing, meaning that I’ll keep updating it with new info and new hot springs whenever I have it. Once you’ve unlocked the guide, you’ll automatically have access to all of those updates.
It also comes with info on how to get to each hot spring and an interactive map to help you along the way!
If you find this information helpful, any tips are appreciated for my work :)
Updated ago
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Southern California
San Bernardino Mountains
Deep Creek Hotsprings
@michaela
Take the Bradford Ridge Path from the Deep Creek Trailhead to Deep Creek Hot Springs. This trail is about 4.6 miles and is rated moderate to difficult. There are some steep sections, but most of it is pretty level. Make sure you bring lots of water, the trail can get dry and hot, especially in the warmer months, and there is no drinkable water at the hot springs, so you’ll want enough to stay hydrated there, as well as for the hike back. There are multiple hot spring pools here, nestled into the river. These hot springs are clothing optional,so be prepared to most likely see some nudists enjoying them. Also, make sure you leave no trace, many people here have a habit of leaving their trash, so if you feel up to it, bring a trash bag to do some cleanup.
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Santa Barbara Area
Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
@michaela
These hot springs are located on the 3.7 mile Hot Springs Canyon loop trail. The trail is actually more of a figure eight. If you take the first right to go the long way to the hot springs, you’ll get amazing views of Montecito.
These hot springs tend to get pretty crowded, and parking is super limited (like 12 spots), so it’s a good idea to go early - like 6am early. The neighbors will tow your car if you park illegally.
The hot spring has 6 pools through the ravine, and yes, the water really is that blue color. The hot springs at the top are the hottest, and the progressively cool down as they go down the ravine.
This place is sacred to the indigenous people of the area, and is loved by all Ventura County residents. Please be considerate of other visitors and practice Leave No Trace.
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Gaviota Hot Springs
@michaela
Also known as Goleta Hot Springs. Park at the Gaviota Hot Springs trailhead and hike 1 mile through beautiful Santa Barbara hillsides to these little hot springs. Be warned, these ones smell very strongly of sulphur, but they’re beautiful and worth the visit!
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Kernville
Miracle Hot Springs
@michaela
These clothing optional hot springs are located on the edge of the Kern River. Take a short .2 mile walk down to the rivers edge and you’ll find multiple pools for soaking. If you park at the Hobo campground, the trail will be more flat. You can also park on the road above, but the trail down is pretty steep from there. There are multiple pools ranging in temperature, and you can swim in the river to cool off.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michaela Rabinov
Available for hire
👋🏼 I like adventures. 📍Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii-based Photographer & Travel Creator specializing in outdoors and boutique travel. My favorite type of trip is the kind where you camp one night and then stay in a cute boutique hotel the next because balance is important. I believe in planning enough to not waste any precious time but leaving space for serendipity. You never know what you might happen upon - no matter how many times I've been to a place, there's something new to explore hiding around the next corner
Shop my curated Guides to build your own trip or check out my customized trip-planning services. I'm one of the original Thatch Travel Creators & have been planning trips for clients for over 4 years. I've planned awesome trips to places like Japan, Patagonia, the Southwest US, Hawaii, & more. If you're not sure if I can plan a trip to your destination, shoot me a message & we can chat!
Note - if you’re here on your phone & you’re interested in booking my services, please visit my page on the web. You’ll find all the information there.
DM me via Instagram (@michaelarabinov) or email me (michrabinov@gmail.com) to learn more or for inspo :)
What's included
Digital Map
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10 places
10 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
2 extra guides
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DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Bridgeport, CA, USA
Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA
Kernville, CA, USA
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