Natural hot spring · California
Little Caliente Spring
Santa Barbara County, California · 7.2 miles north of Montecito, CA
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 90°F (32°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Montecito, CA (7 mi / 12 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
About Little Caliente Spring
Little Caliente Spring is a natural hot spring in Santa Barbara County, California, about 7.2 miles north of Montecito, CA. The nearest large city is Santa Barbara, CA, roughly 9 miles away as the crow flies.
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 90°F (32°C). That puts it in the "warm" range. Comfortable for long soaks, like a warm bath that has cooled a little.
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.
Water temperature
Warm. Comfortable for long soaks, like a warm bath that has cooled a little.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, 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 Little Caliente Spring. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 34.54048, -119.62003.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Montecito, CA. The spring is about 7.2 miles (12 km) north of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Santa Barbara, CA, about 9 miles (14 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 Little Caliente Spring
- Big Caliente Hot Spring Not recorded
- Montecito Hot Springs 118°F
- San Marcos Hot Spring 109°F
- Vickers Hot Springs 124°F
- Stingleys Hot Springs 124°F
- Matilija Hot Springs 109°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 Details in any directory can go out of date.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 Little Caliente Spring?
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 90°F (32°C), which is warm. Comfortable for long soaks, like a warm bath that has cooled a little.
Where is Little Caliente Spring?
Little Caliente Spring is in Santa Barbara County, California, about 7.2 miles north of Montecito, CA. The GPS coordinates are 34.5405, -119.6200.
Can you soak at Little Caliente Spring?
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 Little Caliente Spring?
The closest listed spring is Big Caliente Hot Spring, about 3.2 miles east. Montecito Hot Springs is about 5.4 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, 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.