Natural hot spring · California
Las Cruces Hot Springs
Santa Barbara County, California · 7.8 miles south of Buellton, CA
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 99°F (37°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Buellton, CA (8 mi / 13 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Historical record only: this spring has not been confirmed on the ground since 1981 and may be on private land.
About Las Cruces Hot Springs
Las Cruces Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Santa Barbara County, California, about 7.8 miles south of Buellton, CA. The nearest large city is Lompoc, CA, roughly 17 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 99°F (37°C). That puts it in the "classic hot-tub range" range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
This spring comes from the US federal Thermal Springs List compiled in 1981. Nobody has confirmed it on the ground for this directory since, so treat the details as historical. Many springs on that list sit on private ranch land, so never visit without permission.
Water temperature
Classic hot-tub range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Las Cruces Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 34.50300, -120.21900.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Buellton, CA. The spring is about 7.8 miles (13 km) south of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Lompoc, CA, about 17 miles (27 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Santa Maria, 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 Las Cruces Hot Springs
- San Marcos Hot Spring 109°F
- Montecito Hot Springs 118°F
- Little Caliente Spring 90°F
- Big Caliente Hot Spring Not recorded
- Vickers Hot Springs 124°F
- Stingleys Hot Springs 124°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.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- 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
How hot is Las Cruces Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 99°F (37°C), which is classic hot-tub range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.
Where is Las Cruces Hot Springs?
Las Cruces Hot Springs is in Santa Barbara County, California, about 7.8 miles south of Buellton, CA. The GPS coordinates are 34.5030, -120.2190.
Can you soak at Las Cruces Hot Springs?
Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Las Cruces Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is San Marcos Hot Spring, about 20 miles east. Montecito Hot Springs is about 33 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 the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. 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.