I am always looking for the perfect break from the daily routine. I discovered that such a thing actually does exist while living in the Santa Barbara area… Hot Springs near our coastal paradise!! But this may seem easier said than done.
Some too packed, others too out of the way. For years, I have tried to find a balance for a perfect weekend, so plenty of weekends that are spent in search of what is the right amount relaxation and what is still being >productive.
It can be difficult to find accurate information on Santa Barbara, CA hot springs. When my hodgepodge of predictable failures continued it occurred to me that I needed to roll up my sleeves and do some actual research.
Interesting fact — Montecito Hot Springs: A Local Favorite since 1800s Just a little over an hour north of Santa Barbara. It’s truly a hidden gem!
Considering everything I looked up, here is a list of six awesome hot springs close to us. They each have something unique to offer, from hidden-in-the-woods natural springs to high-end spa paradises. Now, remove an afternoon and hit the spas to unwind So without further ado, grab a towel and enjoy.
Quick Summary
There are 6 hot springs near Santa Barbara: Montecito Hot Springs, Gaviota Hot Springs, Big & Little Caliente Springs, Oja Hot Springs, Willett Hot Springs, and Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa.
Top 6 Hot Springs Near Santa Barbara
If you like hot springs, read on for six of the best near Santa Barbara! From the therapeutic beaches of Kerala to the enthralling wildlife at Karnataka, these natural wonders have so much to offer in gorgeous backdrops.
Montecito Hot Springs (5.3 miles)
I love Montecito Hot Springs. It is a gem tucked away just 5 miles from Santa Barbara. It takes close to minutes away by car to reach the springs. Seven rock-walled pools filled with 112-degree steamy water await you once you get there.
After a long hike, it is great for relaxing your tired muscles and soak in.
History Aristotle Hot Springs has a history dating back to the 1800s. Stone ruins and exotic plants show where a resort once stood. These springs achieved a measure of renown with the legacy help from The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.
They had fundraised to protect this natural wonder. Today, visitors can enjoy the springs all year long. Please note — Clothing is not mandatory in these places. However, it should be noted that camping is not allowed by the pools.
Gaviota Hot Springs (33 Miles)
I stumbled across Gaviota Hot Springs on my trip to Santa Barbara. This secret spot provides water a balmy eighty diploma temperature for an extremely enjoyable soak. Nestled in the stark hills of Gaviota State Park, the springs are choked with wild sage and oak trees.
You could say, nature’s spa.
The springs are only accessible by a small trek, but the destination makes it all worth while. The pool is small, and fits four people comfortably. I slipped into the welcoming water and instantly my stress began to dissolve.
The distance presence of the Pacific Ocean also meant that this natural paradise was a dreamy place.
The Big & Little Caliente Springs (40 Miles)
The Big & Little Caliente Springs are two camping areas that are managed by the US Forrest Service and offer a bathhouse, drinking water, open pit picnic area.
This undiscovered gem is nestled in Los Padres National Forest, and called The Big & Little Caliente Springs. Great for a refreshing break from the busy life of Santa Barbara is to visit these hidden natural pools. The two springs have separate elevations, providing options for a hot or not-so-hot soak.
So, I enjoyed lounging in the natural warm waters, and the vicinity surrounding it is simply beautiful! They take a bit of time to get into code, but it is worth every step.
This area there are also some excellent hiking trails along this beauty on the trail. There were numerous trails that lead to beautiful views as well as a few hidden waterfalls. There is so much wild life, I even saw some deer grazing just next to me.
The springs are primitive and rustic in nature, which adds to their allure and overall natural presentation. A solid bet for those looking to have a Santa Barbara-area hot spring experience that’s a bit more rough and tumble.
Oja Hot Springs (38.2 Miles)
Yes, Santa Barbara is beautiful but Oja Hot Springs is a world of it’s own. I have heard of whispers pertaining to this spot but the information has been as scarce a mirage in the desert. This is not exactly a standard well-advertised tourist trap.
Based on what I see, it sounds like a meeting point of nature lovers and adventure lover. These springs allow bathers to relax in the warmth of the mineral water amidst Northern Californian beauty.
Just come expecting nothing fancy or crowded. This is raw, wild nature in all of its glory.
I would love to visit Oja Hot Springs myself The mystery of the photo makes it all more appealing. A sheltered paradise or an empty puddle? In either case, there will be some excitement. At the moment it’s still on my Santa Barbara hot springs bucket list.
Who knows? Perhaps it will present itself during a future hike in the area. Until then, I’ll just have to dream of those baths of steam and healing waters hidden somewhere in the Santa Barbara wilderness.
Willett Hot Springs (71.3 Miles)
Searching for natural soaking spots near Santa Barbara, I encountered Willett Hot Springs. Tucked away in the Los Padres National Forest, this hidden gem is a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city living.
Getting there is no cakewalk, but the payoff makes each stride far worth it. I trekked over rocky paths that led to creeks and up steep hillsides until I came upon the bubbling pools.
Even the springs are amazing to see. Cold, mineral-laden water emerges from underground and fills a series of shallow natural rock pools. The water was warm and as I lowered myself in, my muscles were soothed by it until finally I looked out of the high glass walls to the beauty all around.
It’s an ideal space for viewing stars at night and watching birds during the day. One of the less structured hot springs, Willett offers a more raw natural beauty and quiet serenity that is worth the trip for mountain views and outdoor adventure.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa (87.2 Miles)
I absolutely love this place. Located close to Santa Barbara is a secret that is used by the movie industry, its unique hot spring experience for you to enjoy. And the resort itself boasts its own hillside mineral spring tubs.
The tubs are of natural, healing waters which ease my worn muscles this way and that. Being surrounded by trees gives this feeling of being in my personal oasis. I usually get a massage or facial at the spa after I soak
for when i’m giddy from my california doings it’s the only release.
Things to do at Santa Barbara Hot Springs
Relax at Santa Barbara Hot Springs Choose from hiking along numerous scenic trails, even to spot some of the local wildlife or just relax and go for a full-on spa day. Interested in learning more about this fun?
Hiking trails
I also love to trail run up by the hot springs near Santa Barbara. 5. Hot Springs Canyon Trail (4 miles round trip) It ascends 807 feet in 2.5 miles with multiple wet soaking pools along the way.
I carry freely available water for this trek. This typically takes me 1.5 hrs to get through.
Plus you can take dogs there on the trail —a plus for this dog owner. In some areas, off-leash fun is even allowed. I do show up early though. There is little parking and it fills up early (8 am).
While the path itself can get crowded, along with the views and the prospect of a warm soak, it’s worth it.
Wildlife observation
Hot Springs of Santa Barbara — Wild life viewing and more wildlife. Nature puts on a show here. Birds circle above, and there are small animals running around. I have personally seen deer, rabbits and the very occasional coyote.
It is ideal for a wide range of animals to live together, as the total forest and water mix allows them plenty of time daily for play. It is a delight to quietly sit and observe which animals emerge.
Using binoculars makes it easy for me to zoom in without getting too close so I can avoid scaring off the wildlife. Tardigrades are, however, much more elusive and if you want to see any of them then first thing in the morning or just before dusk is another good time. I remind myself as always, observe from a safe distance and never feed any wildlife.
This way I can appreciate watching them in their natural selves.
Conclusion
The hot springs of Santa Barbara; great getaways! Here are six awesome spots near the city that I’ve visited. From secluded forest pools to opulent resort springs, each one has its unique charm.
But aside from having you relax, these are some startling natural wonders. They provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and breathtaking photo ops. Make sure to check out these restoration waters in our Santa Barbara back yard.