Hot springs resort · California
Esalen Institute Hot Springs
California · 26 miles southwest of Greenfield, CA
Also searched as:Esalen Institute Hot Springs
Last updated
- Type
- Resort Hot springs resort
- Water temperature
- Not recorded
- Cost
- Paid, access with a stay or workshop
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Clothing optional
- Nearest town
- Greenfield, CA (26 mi / 42 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
About Esalen Institute Hot Springs
Esalen Institute Hot Springs is a hot springs resort in California, United States, about 26 miles southwest of Greenfield, CA. The nearest large city is Soledad, CA, roughly 27 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.
As a resort, it offers managed pools and visitor facilities. Expect to pay for entry or a room, and book ahead at busy times.
Cliffside mineral baths at the Esalen Institute on the Big Sur coast of California. The baths are part of the retreat center and are reached by booking a workshop or overnight stay.
Description from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Map and directions
Red marks Esalen Institute Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 36.12390, -121.64200.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Greenfield, CA. The spring is about 26 miles (42 km) southwest of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Soledad, CA, about 27 miles (43 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Salinas, 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 Esalen Institute Hot Springs
- Dolans Hot Spring 99°F
- Sykes Hot Spring Not recorded
- Tassajara Hot Springs 144°F
- Franklin Hot Springs Not recorded
- Gilroy Hot Springs 106°F
- Pecho Warm Springs 95°F
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 Details in any directory can go out of date.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 Esalen Institute Hot Springs?
Esalen Institute Hot Springs is in California, about 26 miles southwest of Greenfield, CA. The GPS coordinates are 36.1239, -121.6420.
Is Esalen Institute Hot Springs free?
No. It is recorded as a paid site. Check the operator's website for current prices and booking rules.
Is Esalen Institute Hot Springs clothing optional?
It is recorded as clothing optional. Rules can change, so follow any posted signs.
What hot springs are near Esalen Institute Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Dolans Hot Spring, about 4.3 miles southeast. Sykes Hot Spring is about 9.2 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 Hot Springs Finder Guide editors (location added by hand, approximate to about 500 m). 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.