Hot Springs Finder Guide

Developed hot spring pool · California

Big Caliente Hot Spring

Santa Barbara County, California · 8.1 miles northeast of Montecito, CA

Also searched as:Big Caliente Hot Springs · Big Caliente Santa Barbara

Last updated

Directions (Google Maps) Apple Maps Map
Type
Developed Developed hot spring pool
Water temperature
Not recorded
Cost
Not recorded
Hours or season
Not recorded
Clothing
Not recorded
Nearest town
Montecito, CA (8 mi / 13 km)
Coordinates
Pools or sources
1

About Big Caliente Hot Spring

Big Caliente Hot Spring is a developed hot spring pool in Santa Barbara County, California, about 8.1 miles northeast of Montecito, CA. The nearest large city is Santa Barbara, CA, roughly 11 miles away as the crow flies.

We do not have a trustworthy temperature reading for this spring. Water temperature at hot springs can change with the seasons, so always test before you soak.

This is a developed site with built pools, tubs or a bathhouse, so there is usually an entry fee, set opening hours and basic facilities.

Map and directions

Red marks Big Caliente Hot Spring. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 34.53908, -119.56456.

Location of Big Caliente Hot Spring in California

Getting there

  • Nearest town: Montecito, CA. The spring is about 8.1 miles (13 km) northeast of town in a straight line.
  • Nearest large city: Santa Barbara, CA, about 11 miles (18 km) in a straight line.
  • Planning from a city? See hot springs near Oxnard, CA.
  • Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.

Weather forecast

Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.

Hot springs near Big Caliente Hot Spring

Before you go

  • Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
  • Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
  • Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
  • Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Big Caliente Hot Spring?

Big Caliente Hot Spring is in Santa Barbara County, California, about 8.1 miles northeast of Montecito, CA. The GPS coordinates are 34.5391, -119.5646.

What hot springs are near Big Caliente Hot Spring?

The closest listed spring is Little Caliente Spring, about 3.2 miles west. Montecito Hot Springs is about 6.8 miles away.

What should I bring to a hot spring?

Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.

Sources and corrections

This listing combines OpenStreetMap. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1

Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.