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Best Hot Springs in California: Where to Soak and Stay
Where to soak in California: wild Eastern Sierra pools, developed springs in Avila Beach, Paso Robles and Tecopa, plus etiquette, safety and nearby stays.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
California has free wild pools on public land near Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport, and reservable tubs at places like Sycamore Mineral Springs in Avila Beach.
This hub covers both types, etiquette, safety and where to stay.
In This Guide
Developed vs. Wild Hot Springs in California
Developed springs have managed pools, changing rooms, hours and usually a fee. Wild springs are free, with no staff or facilities.
Developed Hot Springs and Resorts
Sycamore Mineral Springs in Avila Beach rents private hillside tubs by the hour. Paso Robles has mineral tubs at the Paso Robles Inn and River Oaks Hot Springs.
Tecopa has small resorts near the southern edge of Death Valley, and Desert Hot Springs has aquifer-fed hotel pools. Grover Hot Springs State Park near Markleeville has had long closures; check parks.ca.gov.
Wild Hot Springs in the Eastern Sierra
Several pools sit off Benton Crossing Road southeast of Mammoth Lakes. Travertine Hot Springs outside Bridgeport has terraced pools facing the Sawtooth Ridge.
The 10 best natural hot springs in California has access notes for each. Most are on dirt roads passable by regular cars when dry.
Hot Springs Etiquette
Many wild pools fit four to six people. Keep soaks short when others are waiting.
- No soap, shampoo or sunscreen in the water
- No glass
- Keep noise low, especially at night
- Pack out all trash
- Clothing is optional at many wild springs
- Park only in established spots
Hot Springs Safety
Test water temperature by hand before getting in. Keep soaks short, drink water and skip alcohol.
Keep your head above water to reduce the risk of rare waterborne infections. Dirt roads turn to mud after rain or snowmelt.
Where to Stay Near California Hot Springs
These bases are closest to the springs.
Mammoth Lakes and Highway 395
Stay at The Westin Mammoth in the Village or Tamarack Lodge in the Lakes Basin. See the summer in Mammoth Lakes guide and the Highway 395 itinerary.
Paso Robles, Avila Beach and Ojai
See the Paso Robles weekend guide. Avila Beach is about 40 minutes south, so Sycamore Mineral Springs fits the same trip.
Ojai is a spa town; its nearest wild spring, Sespe Hot Springs, is a long backcountry trip. See the Ojai weekend guide.
Tecopa and Death Valley
Tecopa is roughly an hour southeast of Badwater Basin by road. Compare it with the where to stay near Death Valley guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wild hot springs in California free?
Most wild springs on public land are free. Developed springs, resorts and state parks charge or require booking.
Where are the best hot springs near Mammoth Lakes?
Pools off Benton Crossing Road southeast of town, and Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport, about an hour north. Hot Creek is closed to soaking.
Is it safe to soak in natural hot springs?
Generally, with precautions. Test the temperature, keep your head above water, stay hydrated and avoid closed areas.
When is the best time to visit California hot springs?
Fall and spring for most springs, winter for desert springs. Snow can close Eastern Sierra dirt roads.
Are there hot springs near Los Angeles?
Desert Hot Springs resort pools, about 2 hours east. Sycamore Mineral Springs in Avila Beach and Paso Robles are weekend trips.
