9 Southern California Hot Springs Worth Visiting

Dying to relax and rejuvenate your spirits? A dip in Southern California’s hot springs is exactly what you need. Soothe your mind, body, and soul in geothermally heated waters to find yourself in liquid nirvana. With plenty of hot springs to visit in the state, SoCal bubbles over with restorative mineral waters.

Whether you choose to hike to natural hot springs in Southern California or go for luxurious soaks at hot springs hotels and resorts, you won’t be disappointed in either option. The stress-relieving and skin-nourishing activity comes with an abundance of benefits. Diminish your tension and enjoy nature at the best hot springs in Southern California. 

The Best Hot Springs In Southern California

1. Miracle Springs Resort And Spa 

Location: 10625 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs is renowned for its abundance of natural hot springs, so it comes as no surprise that most of the hot springs resorts in Southern California are found right here. Miracle Springs Resort and Spa, only minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park, is one of the most enviable hot springs resorts in the Golden State.

Experience the healing powers of the mineral waters drawn from a well on the hotel property. Choose to soak in eight different pools to tranquilize your body and inspire your senses. Soothe yourself further with body wraps, facials, and a diverse selection of stress-relieving massages. Thanks to the plethora of relaxation opportunities, you can easily calm your mind and soak your troubles away here. 

2. Aqua Soleil Hotel And Mineral Water Pool

Location: 14500 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs

Also located in Desert Hot Springs, Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Pool is one of the best-kept secrets in the area. This hot springs resort in Southern California features three glimmering pools with hot mineral water, which comes from the city’s aquifer. The odorless and mineral-rich waters are said to have healing powers—a dip in them will entirely restore your spirit.   

After making the most of the natural mineral water spa, pamper yourself further with several relaxing and refreshing body treatments, facials, and massages. If you’re staying overnight, you may as well enjoy your evening in one of the Soleil Suites, which boast a huge, private, jetted mineral water pool. 

3. Beverly Hot Springs

Location: 308 North Oxford Avenue, Los Angeles

Beverly Hot Springs is one of the most calming and rejuvenating places you’ll ever visit in Southern California. Home to the only natural mineral thermal spa in Los Angeles, the spa is the perfect place to escape reality and have a full-body detox. The SoCal hot springs here were accidentally discovered by oil drillers back in the Roaring 20s. The sodium bicarbonate-rich waters had healing powers—they were perfect for both drinking and bathing.  

Soak yourself in the hot pool—so big you can even swim across it—then top it off with a cold plunge or eucalyptus-infused steam bath. The dry sauna isn’t a bad option, either. Once all your stress has evaporated, opt for a bamboo-stick massage to knead away the rest of your tension. As one of the best day spas with natural hot springs in Southern California, Beverly Hot Springs enforces a strict silence and no cellphone policy. 

Natural Hot Springs In Southern California

4. Deep Creek Hot Springs

Location: Pacific Crest Trail, Apple Valley

Deep Creek Hot Springs are among the most unique and regionally important hot springs in SoCal. The geothermally heated waters are located in a large bouldered riparian zone—woodlands, conifer forest plants, and desert and montane chaparral serve as the backdrop. Both cold and hot water locations are available here.  

There are three hiking trails that take you to the must-see hot springs: Freedom Trail, Bradford Ridge Path, and Pacific Crest Trail. Keep in mind that drinking the water here is dangerous. The Southern California hot springs contain a rare and sometimes fatal disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis—submerging your head in the springs can also be hazardous. 

5. Sespe Hot Springs

Location: Los Padres National Forest, Ventura

Getting to Sespe Hot Springs isn’t an easy task, but it’s definitely worth your time and energy. The system of thermal spring seeps can be accessed only on foot or horseback through three routes. Take the Sespe River, Johnson Ridge, or Alder Creek Trail. Although all three offer strenuous hikes, you’ll come across multiple campgrounds along the way to experience hot springs camping in Southern California. 

The formation of the SoCal hot springs is different from others. The healing waters pour down through a stream and over an artificial rock wall to cascade into the relaxing pool. The best time to visit Sespe Hot Springs is during the spring months.

6. Gaviota Hot Springs

Location: 100 Las Conovas Canyon Road, Goleta

The rustic and primitive Gaviota Hot Springs are light and milky blue with subtle scents of sulfur —their healing powers stem from the odor’s source. The Southern California hot springs can be reached via a short hike that takes you through a gorgeous canopy area. 

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll come across two stone mud-bottomed pools nestled in a palm-lined grotto. The springs pour into the large mineral-colored pool at 96 degrees—they’re large enough to fit almost eight people. Not only is Gaviota Hot Springs relaxing and restorative, but it’s also one of the most picturesque places you’ll ever visit.    

Can’t-Miss Hot Springs Resorts In Southern California

7. The Spring Resort And Spa

Location: 12699 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs

The enchanting Spring Resort and Spa offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks and is a rejuvenating haven. Three naturally heated mineral pools at the Southern California hot springs resort have water that emerges from the soil at 170 degrees; these pools are among the warmest in the area and include significant levels of sulfate, calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Get an exfoliation, body wrap, and facial at the resort's day spa for the ultimate restorative experience. After that, take a pool dip to facilitate the easy skin absorption of the therapeutic minerals. Continue to pamper yourself at the resort by getting a Swedish massage and reflexology treatments until you're completely at ease.

8. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort And Spa

Location: 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa is an oasis with hillside hot tubs and private ones attached to every room. The geothermally heated mineral waters come from over a hundred acres of natural, underground resources. Once you soak in the tubs, you immediately feel its therapeutic powers. 

Besides mineral hot tubs, this Southern California hot springs resort also features a wonderful waterfall lagoon that can accommodate up to 20 people. Whether you choose to relax in the peaceful, tree-canopied hillside tubs or slip into the tranquil lagoon, your experience at this SoCal hot springs resort is guaranteed to be unforgettable. 

9. Lido Palms Resort And Spa

Location: 12801 Tamar Drive, Desert Hot Springs

Have a truly invigorating experience at Lido Palms Resort and Spa, where purifying Southern California hot springs use their powers to heal your mind and body. Immerse yourself in the luxury of nature’s aquatic bliss in either the indoor or outdoor jetted hot mineral tub with waters ranging from 120 to 180 degrees. Or, soak and unwind in the crystal waters of the hot mineral swimming pool.

Don’t stop at the mineral pools—treat yourself to the max with several spa treatments. Get a citrus-C facial, followed by a mint salt scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes your skin. Whatever you do, don’t leave without getting a traditional Swedish massage, which incorporates long kneading strokes.