Best hot springs in California
California is hot-springs country — we’ve mapped 10 of its best, from primitive, developed, resort soaks. Pick your style, then build the trip around a good long soak.
free terraced pools on an orange travertine ridge with Sierra views.
a hot waterfall and creekside pools in the Eastern Sierra.
a boardwalk to natural tubs on the Long Valley plateau.
a state-park pool in an alpine meadow ringed by peaks.
a popular hike-in canyon soak in the San Bernardino forest.
carved riverside tubs along the wild Kern River.
a meditative retreat of meadow and forest pools in the northern Sierra.
a historic 1919 pool and soaking tub in the Owens Valley.
a remote high-Sierra resort of rustic riverside pools.
legendary cliffside baths above the Pacific (night reservations).
Soak smart: water temps vary and can scald, primitive pools are use-at-your-own-risk, and access, permits, and clothing-optional rules change. Check current conditions and never soak alone in remote spots.